The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 487
XI - Treachery of the Banū Quraiẓah and the End of the Jews in Madīnah, Laws of Marriage and Divorce 487 as to what should be done. In this consultation, their chief Ka‘b bin Asad presented three propositions before them and said: “Choose whichever option you prefer from the three. The first option is to accept Muḥammad [sa] and become Muslim, because in actuality, the truth of Muḥammad [sa] has become clear upon us, and our scriptures also attest to his truthfulness. If we become Muslim, this war shall come to an end by itself. ” However, the people rejected this proposal vehemently and said, “We shall never do this. ” Upon this, Ka‘b said: “Then my second proposal is that we slay our women and children, so that we may have no fear of consequences, take up our swords and enter the field of battle. Then come what may. ” The people said, “We do not agree to this either, because after slaying our women and children, what life shall we be left with?” Ka‘b responded: “Alright then. If you do not accept this either then my final proposal is that tonight is the night of Sabbath. Muḥammad [sa] and his Companions shall consider themselves safe on our account. Hence, tonight we should emerge from our fortresses and attack Muḥammad [sa] and his Companions by night. It is most probable that due to their being unaware, we should be able to defeat them. ” However, the Banū Quraiẓah refused to accept this option as well and said, “Our nation has already suffered Divine wrath due to violating the rules of Sabbath. We cannot dishonour the Sabbath any further and sow the seed of our own destruction. ” In this manner, all of the proposals of Ka‘b were rejected and the matter stood at a stand still. 1 Finally, when the Banū Quraiẓah became weary of the siege, they devised a plan. Their idea was to invite a Muslim to their fortresses who held relations with them and was easily swayed due to his simplicity, so that they 1 * As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Mālik bin Hishām, p. 634, Ghazwatu Banī Quraiẓata Fī Sanati Khamsin, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001) * Tārīkhur-Rusuli Wal-Mulūk (Tārīkhuṭ-Ṭabarī), By Abū Ja‘far Muḥammad bin Jarīr Aṭ-Ṭabarī, Volume 3, p. 106, Thumma Kānatis-Sanatul-Khāmisatu Minal-Hijrati / Ghazwatu Banī Quraiẓah, Dārul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, Second Edition (2002)