Khaibar is an agricultural oasis situated approximately 160 KM in the north of Madinah. Some scholars say that the battle of Khaibar took place in the 6th year of Hijrah (migration of Muslims from Makkah to Madinah), approx. 628 CE. However, according to the majority of scholars, it took place in the 7th year of Hijrah.
Before the conquest, Khaibar was inhabited by a mixture of Arabs and Jews. The number of Jews increased after the expulsion of the Jews from Madinah at the time of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Background of Battle:
The leaders of Jews had been deeply hurt by their expulsion from their homes. These leaders, who settled in Kahibar were Salam ibn Abu al Haqiq, Kinanah ibn Abu al Haqiq, and Huyayy ibn Akhtab. The leadership of these three men was enough to drag the Jews of Khaibar into conflict aimed at retaliation against the Muslims. They were driven by an inner hatred and strong desire to return to their homes in Madinah.
Their first move against the Muslims came in the Battle of Trench, when the Jews of Khaibar, led by the leaders of Banu Al-Nadir, played a significant role in the incitement of Quraish and the desert Arabs against the Muslims, and spent their own money for that purpose. Then they succeeded in persuading Banu Qurayzah to betray the Muslims and cooperate with their enemies.
After Allah had aided the Muslims in defending Madinah and defeating the tribes, the Messenger (S.A.W.) felt that it was important to deal with the situation in Khaibar, which had become a source of great danger for the Muslims.
Ibn Ishaq reports with an ‘Isnad’ (the chain of authorities attesting to the historical authenticity of a particular Hadith) that the Messenger (S.A.W.) sent a letter to them, calling them to Islam but the Jews did not accept his invitation, nor did they apologize for inciting the enemies of the Muslims. The Messenger (S.A.W.), therefore, decided to deal with their leaders who had played a part in the incitement against him, including Salam ibn Abd al Haqiq. The Messenger sent Abdullah ibn Atik (R.A.) but they killed him.
"On the day (of the battle) of Khaibar the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Tomorrow I will give the flag to somebody who will be given victory (by Allah) and who loves Allah and His Apostle and is loved by Allah and His Apostle." So, the people wondered all that night as to who would receive the flag and in the morning everyone hoped that he would be that person. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) asked, "Where is `Ali?" He was told that `Ali was suffering from eye-trouble, so he applied saliva to his eyes and invoked Allah to cure him. He at once got cured as if he had no ailment. The Prophet (ﷺ) gave him the flag. `Ali said, "Should I fight them till they become like us (i.e. Muslim)?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Go to them patiently and calmly till you enter the land. Then, invite them to Islam, and inform them what is enjoined upon them, for, by Allah, if Allah gives guidance to somebody through you, it is better for you than possessing red camels."
Killing of Marhab:
"Mahmud ibn Maslamah Al-Ansari (R.A.) was martyred in the siege of the stronghold of Naim, when Marhab (Jews leader) threw a millstone onto him from the heights of the stronghold. Ali (R.A.) met Marhab in combat and killed him." [Sahih Muslim: 1807 (a)]. Marhab was one of the heroes of the Jews, and his death affected their morale.
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