The
Invasion of Banu Qurayza,
[1] also known as the
Massacre of Banu Qurayza, refers to an incident that took place in the Dhul Qa‘dah during February and March of 627
CE (5
AH).
The Banu Qurayza, a Jewish tribe in Medina, formed an alliance with the Muslim community led by
Islamic prophet Muhammad. This community soon faced a siege from Meccan forces who were in a state of war with the Muslims. According to the treaty between them,
[citation needed] the Banu Qurayza would not take part in the battle against the Meccans, but neither would they attack the Muslims. The community survived the siege, but the Banu Qurayza betrayed the alliance by colluding with enemy forces.
The Banu Qurayza where subsequently besieged for 25 days until they surrendered and faced a judgement for their breach.
[1] One of
Muhammad's companions, Sa'd ibn Mua'dh, who was also a member of an tribe allied to the Banu Qurayza and a former Jew,
[citation needed] was agreed upon to act as judge. He ruled that "the men should be killed, the property divided, and the women and children taken as captives". Some sources claim that this sentence was derived from Jewish testimony and law. Muhammad approved of the ruling, calling it fair as it was according to the Jew's own laws,.
[7][8][9][10][11] According to
Ibn Ishaq, Muhammad said to Sa'd : "You have given the judgment of Allah above the seven heavens".
[12] All male members of the tribe who had reached puberty were
beheaded
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Invasion_of_Banu_Qurayza
