ʿAmr ibn ʿAbd Wudd, a renowned Quraysh warrior, crossed the trench to challenge Muslims. ʿAlī (RA) accepted the duel and killed him, boosting Muslim morale. This duel became legendary in Islamic history.

Allah sent a fierce wind and sandstorm that disrupted the confederates’ camp. Their tents were uprooted, fires extinguished, and morale broken, forcing them to retreat.

The confederate army of 10,000 men, led by Quraysh and supported by Jewish tribes like Banū Naḍīr, was the largest force assembled against Muslims until then. The Muslims numbered only 3000.

Around 3000 Muslims worked tirelessly to dig the trench in just two weeks. The Prophet ﷺ himself joined in digging, setting an example of leadership through service.

Quraysh gathered with various tribes and Jewish groups to form a coalition against the Muslims. This alliance is referred to as Ahzāb in the Qur’an. Their united strength highlighted the seriousness of the threat.

Khandaq means trench. The Muslims, inspired by Salmān al-Fārisī’s idea, dug a trench around exposed parts of Madinah, making cavalry attacks impossible. This defensive strategy was new to Arabia.

During the siege, Muslims suffered hunger, lack of water, and harsh cold. They also faced betrayal from the Jewish tribe of Banū Qurayẓah, who broke their pact with the Muslims and sided with Quraysh. Despite these combined hardships, the Muslims held firm in faith, showing the importance of sabr (patience) under trial.

ʿAmr ibn ʿAbd al-Wudd, known as one of the fiercest Arab warriors, crossed the trench with a few men and challenged the Muslims to single combat. ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib accepted the challenge and killed him in battle, boosting Muslim morale. His courage in this duel cemented his reputation as one of the bravest companions of the Prophet ﷺ.

The Qur’an records that Allah sent a piercing wind and unseen forces against the Confederates. The fierce wind destroyed their tents, extinguished fires, and demoralized the allied forces, forcing them to retreat. This divine intervention made clear that victory belongs to Allah, not numbers or weapons.

About 3000 Muslims, under the leadership of the Prophet ﷺ, dug the trench in just two weeks. This shows the unity, discipline, and collective effort of the Muslim community. It was back-breaking work under severe hardship, including hunger and cold, but their patience and sacrifice turned the tide of the war.