CHAPTER III
The Possessions of the banu-Ḳuraiẓah
The subjection of the banu-Ḳuraẓiah. The Prophet besieged banu-Ḳuraiẓah for a few days in dhu-l-Ḳaʿdah, and a few days in dhu-l-Ḥijjah, of the year 5, the whole time being fifteen days.[1] These banu-Ḳuraiẓah were among those who had assisted in the fight against the Prophet in the battle of al-Khandaḳ [the moat] also called battle of al-Aḥzâb [the confederates]. Finally they surrendered and he installed Saʿd ibn-Muʿâdh al-Ausi as their ruler. The latter decreed that every adult[2] be executed, that women and children be carried as captives and that all that they possessed be divided among the Moslems.[3] The Prophet approved of the decree saying: "What thou hast decreed is in accordance with the decree of Allah and his Prophet."
Gabriel appears to the Prophet. ʿAbd-al-Wâḥid ibn-Ghiyâth from ʿÂʾishah:—When the Prophet was done with the battle of al-Aḥzâb, he went into the wash-room in order to wash. There Gabriel appeared to him and said, "Muḥammad, thou hast laid down thy arms; but we have not yet. Hasten against the banu-Ḳuraiẓah." ʿÂʾishah upon this said to the Prophet: "O Prophet of Allah, I have seen him [Gabriel] through a hole in the door with the dust around his head!"[4]
40
