Part 25
By Abu Rayyan Hamidi
Continuing the lessons drawn from the campaigns of Badr, Banu Sulaym, and Sawiq, several further points come to light that enrich our understanding of these foundational events in Islamic history.
3. These campaigns demonstrate that when a Mujahid sets out with sincere intention, seeking the pleasure of Allah through Jihad, his reward with Allah Almighty is assured regardless of whether actual fighting takes place or not. During the expedition of Sawiq, when the Muslim army returned without engaging the enemy, the noble Companions asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), “Will this expedition still be counted as a reward for us?” The Prophet (PBUH) replied, “Yes, this too is a campaign.”
4. The expedition of Sawiq also reveals certain noteworthy characteristics of the Arab polytheists of that era. They were known to take oaths and make vows, and they regarded themselves as bound to fulfill them. They also observed the ritual bath of purification after major impurity, a practice that distinguished them from many other nations of the time.
The Campaign of Banu Qaynuqa
Banu Qaynuqa was a Jewish tribe that had lived in Madinah for many generations. When the light of Islam spread to Madinah and the Muslims migrated there, they entered into written treaties with the Jewish tribes. These agreements affirmed that both sides would maintain good relations, avoid hostility, and abide by mutual obligations. The Muslims remained loyal to every clause and never violated the terms of the pact. The tribe of Banu Qaynuqa, however, did not uphold their side of the treaty.
With time, their jealousy and resentment began to surface. In the bazaars, they mocked and harassed the Muslims, seeking to cause them harm and humiliation. When the Muslims achieved their decisive victory at Badr, their hostility intensified, for this triumph contradicted their expectations and further inflamed their envy.
In response to their growing provocations, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) went to the market of Banu Qaynuqa, gathered them, advised them, and said, “O assembly of Jews, embrace Islam before you face a fate like that which befell the Quraysh.” Instead of accepting this sincere counsel, they replied with arrogance: “O Muhammad, do not be deceived by having slain a few inexperienced fighters of the Quraysh. If you fight us, you will know well who we are.” Their words amounted to an explicit breach of the treaty and an open declaration of hostility.
Despite their defiance, the Prophet (PBUH) responded with patience. He did not rush into conflict but gave them time to reconsider their behavior and set matters right. However, their misconduct soon escalated beyond what could be tolerated.
One day, a Muslim woman went to their market to sell some goods and sat near the shop of a Jewish jeweler. She was modest and fully veiled. The men there mocked her and demanded that she reveal her face, which she refused out of her faith and dignity. The jeweler then deceitfully tied the back of her garment to her head covering. When she stood up, her clothing was pulled away, exposing her, and the bystanders burst into laughter. Shocked and humiliated, the woman cried out for help.
A Muslim man nearby heard her scream. Overcome with a sense of honor and righteous indignation, he rushed to her defense and killed the goldsmith responsible. The other men of Banu Qaynuqa retaliated immediately and martyred the Muslim man. At this point, tensions between the Muslims and the tribe had reached their limit.
Conflict became inevitable. Fighting broke out, and ultimately, the tribe of Banu Qaynuqa was expelled from Madinah. They had instigated the confrontation, and the consequences they faced were the direct result of their own violations and provocations.
