Further Threat from the People of Khaibar & the Killing of Usair bin Rizām - Shawwāl 6 A.H.

After the execution of Abū Rāfi‘ Sallām bin Abil-Ḥuqaiq, the Jews of Khaibar placed the crown of leadership upon a man who was no less than Abū Rāfi‘ in his animosity towards Islām. The name of this man was Usair bin Rizām.1 As soon as this tyrant took charge of his new office, he prepared to complete the task which Abū Rāfi‘ had left incomplete upon his deathbed. Therefore, the first thing he did was to gather all the Jewish people at one place and then he delivered an extremely inflammatory speech:

“Until now the stratagem employed by the Jewish chieftains against Islām were incorrect. Now I shall employ such a technique, and shall employ such a plan with the assistance of the Ghaṭafān tribes, etc., whereby the foundation of the home of Muḥammad will be destroyed.”2

Afterwards, this wretched man began to tour the Najd tribes of Ghaṭafān, etc., and through his instigating speeches, inflamed them to such an extent that they began to muster men once again to launch an assault.3

When the Holy Prophet(sa) was informed of these circumstances, he immediately sent an Anṣārī companion named ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) along with three other companions to Khaibar, and instructed them to travel stealthily, ascertain intelligence as to the state of affairs and return quickly.4 Therefore, ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) and his companions secretly gathered intelligence as to all the circumstances and details and after having confirmed the reports were correct, they returned home. As a matter of fact, ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) and his companions worked so vigilantly that they circled the nearby fortresses of Khaibar, and closely reached the meeting places of Usair bin Rizām, and personally heard from Usair and his companions their various plans against the Holy Prophet(sa).5 During those days, a non-Muslim named Khārijah bin Ḥusail coincidentally came to Madīnah from Khaibar and confirming ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) said, “I have left Usair in such a state that he is mustering his armies to strike Madīnah.”6

After this verification, the Holy Prophet(sa) sent thirty companions under the leadership of ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) to Khaibar. The exact guidance of the Holy Prophet(sa) given to this party whilst sending them off, cannot be ascertained. Nonetheless, from the discourse which took place between ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) and Usair bin Rizām in Khaibar, it becomes apparent that the desire of the Holy Prophet(sa) was to call Usair to Madīnah and to agree a mutual settlement, by which this course of mischief could be stopped and a state of peace and safety could prevail in the land. In this desire, the Holy Prophet(sa) was so keen, that even if it meant accepting Usair as the leader of the region of Khaibar, he was willing to do so, on the condition that he would refrain from further mischief-making against Islām.7

When the party of ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) reached Khaibar, first and foremost, they took an assurance of peace and security from Usair bin Rizām for the duration of their discourse. This illustrates that at the time, the threat had grown to such an extent that the Muslims believed that perhaps a state of treachery would develop from the party of Usair, during the very discussions. Usair declared that he would not act treacherously, but in order to keep his own dignity, he sought a similar assurance from ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) as well.8 However, the fact that ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) was first in this regard, clearly reveals who was the actual threat. In any case, after this agreement, ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) began his discussion with Usair. The crux of this discussion was that the Holy Prophet(sa) wishes to settle an agreement of peace and security with them, so that the mutual war could be halted, and the best way for this would be for him to come to Madīnah and personally speak to the Holy Prophet(sa). If an agreement of this kind could be settled, he trusted that the Messenger of Allāh would deal with them with goodness, and would possibly even accept him as the official chieftain of Khaibar.9 Usair, who desperately craved position or perhaps had ulterior motives, was pleased with this proposal or so he expressed. However, at the same time he gathered the Jewish ministers and sought their counsel in this matter; expressing that the following proposal has been presented by the Muslims and asking what should be done? The Jews who were blind in their ignorant animosity, generally objected to this proposal. Furthermore, in order to hold Usair back from this course they said, “We do not believe that Muḥammad(sa) will accept you as the leader of Khaibar.” Usair, who was more informed of the state of affairs, remained firm on his intention and said, “You have no idea. Muḥammad(sa) is fed up by this war, and in his heart he desires to bring this course of conflict to an end at any expense.10

Therefore, Usair bin Rizām prepared to journey to Madīnah with the party of ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra), and just like ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra), he too brought thirty Jews to accompany him.11 When these two parties left Khaibar and reached a place called Qarqarah, which was at a distance of 6 miles from Khaibar12, the intention of Usair changed. Or possibly, if he had harboured evil intentions, the time for their expression had now come. So, during conversation, he very cleverly reached for the sword of a very honourable individual of the Muslim party named ‘Abdullāh bin Anīs Anṣārī(ra). ‘Abdullāh immediately understood that the intentions of this wretched man were different.13 Therefore, he immediately urged his camel on by the heel and brought it ahead and then turned around to Usair and said, “O enemy of God! Do you wish to betray us?” ‘Abdullāh bin Anīs(ra) repeated these words twice but Usair did not respond,14 nor did he exonerate himself. Instead, he prepared for war. This was perhaps a pre-determined indication among the Jews that if such a state presents itself, everyone should rush in upon the Muslims. Therefore, at that location upon the very route, fighting broke out between the Jews and Muslims. Although both parties were equal in number and the Jews were already mentally prepared, whilst the Muslims were completely without intention, the grace of Allāh was such that although some Muslims were injured, there was no loss of life. Conversely, every single Jew felt the taste of his bitter treachery and was annihilated.15

When this party returned to Madīnah and the Holy Prophet(sa) was briefed on the state of affairs, he thanked God for the safe and peaceful return of the Muslims and said:

“Thank God for having saved you from this cruel nation.”16

In relation to this occurrence, various Christian historians have alleged that the party of ‘Abdullāh bin Rawāḥah(ra) brought Usair, etc. out of Khaibar with the intention that whenever they found the opportunity en-route, they would kill them. However, this allegation is nothing more than an unpleasant exhibition of western obstinacy. As mentioned above, no evidence can be found in history that Muslims went there with this intention. As a matter of fact if one reflects, putting other evidence to one side, the words of ‘Abdullāh bin Anīs, ‘O enemy of God, do you intend to betray us?’ and then the words of the Holy Prophet(sa), ‘Thank God for having saved you from a cruel nation,’ alone are enough to prove that the intention of the Muslims was completely pure and peaceful. Whatever occurred was merely a result of the treachery which the Jewish people wished to carry out against the Muslims, in accordance to their habit. By the Grace of God, it backfired against them.