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BANGLADESH MILITARY ACADEMY

MILITARY HISTORY
CHAPTER 3

BATTLE OF KHANDAK

"A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination."
- Nelson Mandela

Reference:

A. A Study of Islamic History –K Ali.

1. Introduction. Battle of Khandak is one of those battles, which stands as

unique in the series of wars fought by the Muslims for the protection of emerging Islam.
‘Khandak’ is an Arabic word which means trench and the battle is known after it. The
defence of Medina was arranged by digging trenches around the city. This was the third
major encounter with Quraish under the leadership of Prophet (SM), which took place
between 24 February to 31 March 627 AD.

2. Aim. To study the Battle of Khandak fought during the early stage of Islam.

3. Enabling Objectives.

a. To learn the historical background and causes of the battle.

b. To draw the topographical importance of the area.

c. To learn the ORBAT of the opposing forces.

d. To learn the conduct of the battle including Muslim diplomacy and

psychological warfare.

e. To learn the causes of the Quraish defeat and the causes of Muslim victory.

f. To draw lessons learnt from both point of views.

4. Background.

a. Establishment of New Islamic State at Medina. In 623 AD after the

Hizrat of Prophet (SM), a new Islamic state was formed in Medina. From this time,
the 1st year of Hizri started elapsing. Besides, propagation of Islam also got new
momentum around this time in this region.

b. 1st and 2nd Major Battle. The Battle of Badar was the 1 st major battle
which took place in 624 AD between the Muslim and Quraish. The Quraish could not
accept their defeat in that Battle. The 2 nd major encounter was the Battle of Uhud,
which took place in 625 AD and the result was not settled. To regain their lost
prestige over the other tribes, the Quraish thought to go for a war against Muslims to
decide their fate once and for all.

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c. Incident of Rajee. In 625 AD, six disciples of Prophet (SM) were sent
to preach Islam on request from few Arabs who were ambushed at Rajee by 100
warriors as a part of treachery. Among them 03 were Killed, 03 were taken as
Prisoner of War and one among the three was killed enroute to Mecca.

d. Military Situation after Battle of Uhud. According to the challenge,

Abu Sufiyan was to meet Muslims at Badar again in 626 AD. Being reluctant to meet
Muslims, he spread rumour at Medina to dishearten and discourage Muslims. The
rumour was on exaggerated preparation of Quraish for the Battle. The Muslims
arrived for the Battle on 04 Apr 626 AD. Knowing the arrival of Muslim forces Abu
Sufiyan with 2000 men and a hundred horses started for the Battlefield but finally
postponed the operation with a plea of bad weather and drought. Muslims waited for
08 days before returning back to Medina.

e. Conspiracy of Hypocrites. Few people of Medina being not Muslim at

heart accepted Islam only to confirm to the general trend. This group was led by
Abdallah-bin-Ubaya. These hypocrites abandoned Muslim Army on the eve of the
Battle of Uhud and made every effort to weaken the resolution of Muslim army
whenever they had to go to Battle.

f. Conflict of Faiths. Islam appeared not only as a religion but also

gave a complete code of life to its believers. When the Prophet (SM) migrated to
Medina, Islam took on a more dynamic and vital role in the affairs of men, entering
the fields of society, politics and economics. It began to deal with man as a member
of society and society as an instrument for the achievement of a more virtuous, more
progressive and more prosperous way of life for mankind. This new dynamism which
entered the character of Islam was bound to bring it into conflict with the older faith.
So, the general people without understanding the merits, considered Islam as a
great threat to their belief and lifestyle.

g. Conflict with Bani Qainuqa . The dynamism of Islam brought it into

conflict with other older faiths firstly with Judaism. After the victory of Badar, Bani
Qainuqa first broke their pact and became open opposition to Muslims. The Prophet
(SM) besieged this tribe in its strong holds and forced it into submission. As
punishment Bani Qainuqa was banished from Medina.

h. Conflict with Bani Nazir . Just after the Battle of Uhud, this tribe also
broke their promise and received the same punishment. Some of them migrated to
Syria and some to Khaiber. Abdullah bin Ubay played his munafiqeen role. Bani
Nazir indulged themselves in a conspiracy against Muslims in coop with Quarish.

j. Relationship with Bani Quraiza. Bani Quriza (Jews), another tribe had
been living in Medina to help Bani Nazir during the fight.

k. Relations with Neighbouring Beduins. The neighbouring Bedouins of

Medina were mainly dependent on looting and plundering for their livelihood which
stopped after the arrival of Muhammad (SM) in Medina. The Bedouins saw a great
menace to their predatory habit in the rise of Islam. So they joined the Quraish in a
common cause against the Muslim.

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l. Molestation of Muslim Woman. The Jews freely indulged in insinuations
against Muslim woman in obscene verses and even molested a Muslim woman in
the streets. One such incident resulted in the murder of a Jew and a Muslim and it
led to a actual fighting between the two communities.

5. Causes of the Battle. The main causes are:

a. To Recover the Lost Territory of the Jews. After the Battle of Badar
(624AD), the Jews of Medina disregarding their previous agreement, entered into
conspiracy with the Quraish against the Muslims. Their hypocritic attitude were
evident and they were determined to harm the Muslims in every way. After a fight
between the Muslims and Jews tribe of Qainuqa, the Jews were defenceeated and
exiled from Medina. Another Jewish tribe, the Bani Nadir were very friendly to
Meccans. The Prophet (SM) apprehended some conspiracy against him by Bani
Nadir and ordered them to lve Medina in Aug 625 AD. Some of them went to Khaiber
and settled there. They were very anguish and determined to recover their lost land.
As such they had been instigating the Quraish for a Battle against Muslims.

b. Revenge of Badar and Uhud. Despite numerical superiority, the Quraish

had failed at Badar and Uhud against a relatively smaller Muslim Army. As such,
Abu Sufian challenged the Muslims after Uhud at a Battle in a year’s time. Such
challenge was nec to restore Quraish pride. The challenge was accepted and
ultimately led to the Battle of Khandak.

c. Economic Hindrance to Quraish Interests.

(1) Loss of Coastal Route to Syria. With the establishment of Muslim

authority in Medina, the coastal route to Syria for the Meccan was eventually
blocked,

(2) Threat to Other Trading Routes of Qureish. The Meccans increased

their trade with Iraq (NE of Medina), Bahrain(south of Mecca) and Yemen(NW
of Medina) to balance the loses incurred due to the loss of trades with Syria.
Further the spread of Islam as predicted by the Quraish would endanger the
Yamama, another imp trade route to Iraq and Bahrain. This would confine
their trade with only Yemen. This envisaged curtailment of their trade would
be an economic blow, which the Quarish could never stand.

6. Topography of the Battlefield.

a. Description of the Battlefield.

(1) Medina. The town of Medina is located longitudinally almost in the

centre and laterally to the western edge of the Saudi peninsula. The important
features were Khyber, Tabuk, Dumatul, Jandal, Syria, Iraq, Persia, Bahrain,
Yamama, Yemen, Najran, Tayef, Mecca, Yanbu and Mount Ohud etc. It was a
small township inhabited by few thousand Muslims.

(2) Lava Field. East of Sheikhein and south of Jabal Bani Ubeid
stretched vast lava area, which is broken, uneven and covered with large
block boulders impossible for major military movement.

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(3) Hill of Sil’a. It was the most prominent hill about 400 feet high, a mile
long running generally north to south located in the east of Jabal Bani Ubeid
and west of Medina.

(4) Mount Uhud. A massive feature, lying 4 miles north of Medina, raising
to a height of about 1000 feet. The feature was about 5 miles long.

(5) Orchard. In the south of Medina there was an undulating area of

orchard, making it unsuitable for the movement of force.

b. Weather. A severe and prolonged winter along with occasional storm was
prevailing in the Battlefield.

7. ORBAT / Composition of the Opposing Forces.

a. Relative Strength.

Serial Type of Force Meccan Muslim Ratio

1. Cavalry 6,000 36 17:1(Approximately)
2. Infantry 10,000 3,000 3:1 (Approximately)
3. Camel 1,500 - -
Total 17,500 30,36 10:1 (Approximately)

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b. Organization of the Meccan Force. Approximately 10,000 men Army
commanded by Abu Sufiyan were organized in 3 groups as follows:

(1) Quraish Army. 4,000 men (Commander: Abu Sufiyan).

(2) Ghatfan Army. 1,800 men.

(a) Ghatfan Force. 1,000 men.

(b) Fazarah Force. 400 men.

(c) Ashja Force. 400 men.

(3) Sulaym’s Army. 4,200 Men.

(a) Sulaym’s Force. 700 men.

(b) Other Tribes. 3,500 men.

(4) Cavalry. 600 horses.

(a) Quraish Army. 300 horses.

(b) Ghatfan Army. 300 horses.

(5) Camels. 1,500 from Quraish.

c. Organization of the Muslim Force. Prophet (SM) could master only

3,000 men and had 36 horses. Prophet (SM) was the overall commander with Hazrat
Ali (R) as in charge of cavalry. Other commanders were:

(1) Hazrat Abu Bakar (R).

(2) Hazrat Osman (R).

(3) Hazrat Salman (R).

(4) Hazrat Jayer (R).

8. The Battle.

a. Concept and Outline Plan of Meccan Allies. Meccans planned their

offensive in three phases with a cavalry assault followed by infantry sweep as
follows:

(1) Phase-1. Meccans Advance up to Medina along two axis:

(a) Quraish and their closer allies with half contingent advanced
from the south along the west coastal route to Medina.

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(b) The 2nd contingent advanced to Medina from the east, ie from
the plain of Najd.

(2) Phase-2. The seize of Medina.

(3) Phase-3. Destruction of Muslims by annihilation (raids and attacks

on Muslim positions for complete destruction). As per plan, Meccans
advanced to Medina and were surprised not seeing Prophet (SM) in the area;
they advanced farther and established camps at Waddi-Al-Aqiq and Mount
UHUD. The seize at Medina begun which lasted for 23 days (24 February to
18 March 627 AD).

b. First 10 Days Battle/Seize.

(1) The Meccans were taken by complete surprise by the ditch for which
they could never device any tactics to assault. However, they deployed along
the ditch and the Battle started by throwing arrows and stones from the other
side of the ditch without any significant success.

(2) During the first 10 days, several attempts were made to cross the ditch
on horse back but failed to make any head-way.

(3) On a few occasions, cavalry that did cross was met by heavy fire of
arrows and withdrew due to heavy casualties.

(4) Quraish were afraid to cross over with infantry and meet the Muslims in
a hand Battle.

(5) On one desperate attempt, 2 cavalry men did cross but lost in the
traditional duel.

(6) The Meccans tried to bring the Bani Quraiza to their side but this
attempt was annulled by the Prophet (SM) by his brilliant diplomatic and
psychological counter move.

(7) In desperation, the enemy mounted heavy pressure by arrows, spears

and stones but even then failed to cross the ditch.

(8) Having failed to make any break through the trenches on night 07
March Abu Sufiyan sent Hujaj bin Aktab to the jews of Medina with a
diversionary tactical plan as under:

(a) The Jews of Medina would launch an attack from inside Medina
to draw away the Muslim force though they had a pact with Muslims.

(b) A simultaneous attack would be launched by the Meccans

frontally to cross the ditch.

(c) Meccans would leave behind a strong contingent for protection

of the Jews at Medina in case their attack fails.

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DEVELOPMENT OF BATTLE

c. Muslim Diplomacy and Psychological Warfare. The Bani Quraiza was a

clan who had entered a pact of non-aggression with the Muslims. Abu Sufian,
through his Jewish allies tried to bring the Quraiza clan to his side. Being located
south of Medina, the Quraiza clan if joined hands with the Quraish, would put the

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Muslims at a very disadvantageous position. To deal with this issue and being learnt
about Bani Quraizas treachery the Prophet(SM) did the following:

(1) The Aim of Diplomacy. The aim was to create a rift between
the two major allies by drawing the Ghatfans away from the sieze.

(2) Negotiation with the Ghatfans. The Prophet secretly intended to

negotiate with the Ghatfans where the Ghatfans agreed to secede from the
alliance accepting the offer of one third of date produced in Medina. Before
signing of the pact, when the Prophet (SM) disclosed it to some of his
followers, they vehemently opposed the treaty without realizing the military
situation of the time needing such a pact which could reduce the Meccan
force by 2,000 infantry and cavalry.

(3) Utilizing Nuiem Bin Masud. Nuiem, a respectable Ghatfan

embraced Islam and offered his service to the Prophet. The Prophet seized
upon this opportunity and decided to use him diplomatically to create a rift
within the various tribes of the enemy. As such:

(a) Nuiems App to Bani Quraiza. Nuiem went to Kub Bin

Asad, leader of Bani Quraiza and convinced them that the Muslims
would win. He said that in the event of a Quraish defeat, the Quaraiza
clan at Medina would be at a risk without Quraish support. He advised
them to ask the Quraish to keep a few hostages with them if they at all
joined the fight against the Muslims.

(b) Nuiem’s Approach to Bani Qureish. Nueim then went to

the Quraish and explained about the treachery of Bani Quraiza. He
told the Quraish that the Quraiza clan would ask for a few Quraish
hostages and then hand them over to the Muslims to restore the
relationship.

(c) Nuiems Approach to Bani Ghatfan. Nueim then went to

his own Ghatfan clan and told them about Quraiza’s intentions.

(d) After Effect of Nuiem’s Secret Mission. By the time Nuiem

finished his secret msn, the seeds of mistrust were planted among the
enemy camps. The uncertainty began to fall on Abu Sufian who had
relied on the jews.

(4) Rift Among the Allies. To test the Jewish resolve, the next day
Abu Sufian invited the Quraiza to join the fight. When the Quraiza clan replied
that they needed a few Quraish hostages as a deal for security, Abu Sufian
detached the Quraiza clan from his plans.

d. Final Offensive by the Meccan.

(1) First Allied Attempt to Establish Bridge Head. On 15 March 627 AD,
Ikrama moved up with a group of seven horse men, jumped and crossed the

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ditch to the west of Zubab where the ditch was not wide like other places.
There was a duel fight between Amar bin Abd Wud and Hazrat Ali (R) in
which Amar was killed. Amongst the other six, one (Nofal) was killed and rest
five could withdraw.

(2) Second Allied Attempt to Establish Bridgehead.On 16 March 627 AD,

in the afternoon, Khalid moved and tried to crossed the ditch at the same
place of Ikrama. The Muslim guard saw his advance and deployed sufficient
numbers to prevent the crossing. There was a heavy exchange of archery in
which one Muslim and one Quraish was killed.

(3) Khalid's Strategy to Establish Bridgehead. Seeing the opposition

to be too strong, Khalid decided to resort to stratagem. To deceive the
Muslims, he went back giving an impression of leaving the idea of crossing.
Suddenly Khalid galloped with his squadron and crossed the ditch before any
Muslim react on the same day. After having hand to hand fight, Khalid
withdrew failing to establish Bridgehead.

(4) Muslims Ambush on Allied Logistic Convoy. During the seize, Prophet
(SM) got information about a log supply going to the Meccan camp by a
caravan of 20 camels carrying barley, husks and dates sent by Huri sin
Akhtab. The Muslim ambushed the caravan and successfully captured the
supply.

(5) Adverse Weather Condition. Sudden cold weather and a strong

storm ransacked the allies camps which shattered their morale to fight.

(6) Withdraw of Meccans. Having failed to make any break through

Meccan decided to withdraw after a seize of 23 days thus on 18 March the
battle was over.

9. Causes of Quraish Defeat. In the battle of Khandak though the Meccan

combined forces enjoyed 10:3 superiority including 600 cavalry but they had to suffer a
disgraceful defeat against the Muslims. This battle is an example in which a larger force
with numerical superiority and resources can be defeated by a smaller force by virtue of
good leadership, unity, better intelligence network, superior strategy and high morale.

a. Inferior Strategy of the Meccans. On receiving information about the

enemy’s numerical superiority and impending attack by enemy’s infantry and cavalry,
the Prophet (SM) decided to defend Medina by digging trenches around the city
rather to fight them in open ground. He also employed group of men to dominate the
area by patrolling and kept mob reserve to meet the unforeseen. On the other hand,
the Meccans were inept tactically to face the innovations of the Muslims.

b. Breach of Security. The Meccan failed to protect the leakage of their

offensive plan. Once they started for advance to Medina, a number of horsemen
moved faster to warn the Prophet (SM) about the impending attack. Muslims got
ample time to prepare their defence. Muslim also ambushed Quraish logistic convoy
making their log back up weak.

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c. Wrong Appreciation of the Ground. The non-Muslims thought that the
most inevitable northern route would be accessible for attack. They had no idea that
the most obvious route could be the most difficult to negotiate.

d. Under-Estimating the Muslims by the Meccans. The Quraish and their

allies underestimated the capabilities of the Muslims. They thought that with their
superiority in number and composition of force they would easily destroy the Muslims
which was proved to be false.

e. Poor Intelligence Network. Meccan did not get any information about
the trench systems till reaching Medina which was a big thrust to their overall plan.

f. Lack of Contingencies. Trench warfare was unknown to the Arabs. So

when confronted it, the Non Muslims could not make any alternate arrangement to
cross over the ditch to destroy the Muslims.

g. Inexperience of Long Drawn Battle. Arabs were not used to long seize.
They preferred quick and lively battle. Therefore the seize seriously affected their
morale.

h. Righteousness of Cause. The Meccan forces were composed of

heterogeneous tribes. They had their own different causes to join the confederacy
where as the Muslim fought with heart and soul for the single cause of defending
Islam.

j. Poor Leadership of the Meccans. The Meccan force always lacked

cohesive leadership. As a result following the disastrous weather and log hazards,
their leadership could not restore the troops will to fight.

k. Bad Weather Condition. During the later stage of the Seize, exceptionally
cold weather, storm, wind and rain shattered the morale of the Meccans. Their tents
were swayed away. Their commodities, equipment and water containers were
damaged. In a word, there was a complete disorder.

l. Poor Logistic Support of Meccans. With the prolong Seize, the Meccans
had suffered great difficulty in obtaining food and fodder for them and their horses.
Again a caravan of at least 20 camels carrying fodder and dates was raided by the
Muslims which aggravated the logistics problem.

10. Factors Contributing to Muslim Victory. The Battle of Khandak was won by
the combination of defence tactics and astute handling of diplomacy on the part of the
Muslims in general and Prophet (SM) in particular. Diplomacy and psychological warfare
played a very important role in the outcome of this battle. These two aspects make this
battle different and unique from the others.

a. Correct Choice of Ground. The Muslim defence at Medina offered no

exposed flanks to the Meccans due to lava fields on both east and west. It was also
difficult to attack from south due to heavy wooded date gardens and newly erected
walls. Enemy was compelled to attack from the north where they were fully exposed.

b. Innovative Use of Tactics and Ground.

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(1) The digging of the trench was an innovation that took the Quraish by
complete surprise. The trench greatly increased the obstacle value as it was
integrated with existing ground features.

(2) The concept of holding ground by minimum troops with a strong mobile
reserve at the back was also proof of superior tactics of the Muslims.

c. Sound Planning and Balance Grouping. Before taking up defence,

Prophet (SM) made a deliberate reconnaissance and grouped his forces in the
correct manner which enabled success.

d. Good Intelligence Network. The prophet had good intelligence network to

gather information on enemy strength, disposition and location. He also had
excellent intelligence on the treachery of the Quraiza clan and the relation between
the Quraish and the Ghatfans

e. A Clear Aim. From the very outset Muslims had a clear aim of defending
Medina at all costs. In spite of a Seize and numerical inferiority, the Muslims held on
to their aim.

f. Outcome of Ditch Tactics. The 3.5 miles long ditch gave no scope to
Meccans to penetrate the defence though they had superiority in strength and
cavalry. Rather it forced them to go for long seize which itself worn them out
gradually.

g. Diplomatic Ineptness. At the later stage of seize, Prophet (SM) tackled the
adverse situation by counter diplomacy. His secret agent Nayeem Bin Masud
successfully fomented mistrust among the Meccan allies which destroyed cohesion
among them and weakened their determination to fight against the Muslims.

h. Command and Leadership of Prophet(SM). Muslim forces had apostle of

Allah as their leader. It gave them such mental courage that it took them through all
the rises of tenacious seize. Prophet’s(SM) influencing Ieadership coupled with his
plan for Battle and diplomacy was the main contributory factor to Muslim success.

j. Offensive Spirit. Though the trench tied down Muslim forces, the Muslims
had enough patrols, mobile reserve, troops and piquets to maintain an offensive
spirit along the breadth and depth of the battlefield.

k. High Morale of Muslim Force. Deep faith in Almighty Allah and fighting for
the cause of Islam raised the morale of Muslim forces. They also had complete
confidence to the Ieadership of the Prophet (SM).

l. Unity and Discipline. The Muslims were preparing for the battle as a single
body and gave their whole hearted effort. Their discipline was of such standard that
they could be well organized. By turn every body could take rest and pass time with
their respective families completing full duty.

m. Righteousness of Cause and Motivation and Dedication. The slims

were highly motivated and volunteered in becoming a martyr. Because of Prophet's

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(SM) motivation, the Muslims became so dedicated for Islam that in the days of the
siege when they had to keep themselves half fed accepted sportingly.

n. Secrecy. Muslims successfully maintained secrecy during construction of the

trench and gained surprise once the enemy had befallen it.

p. Desert Storm. On 18 March 627 AD, 23rd day of the campaign sudden violent
storm struck the area and the allied camps were destroyed as well as rations and
equipments spoiled.

q. Sound Logistic Backup. The Muslim successfully survived the Seize as

they stored the food earlier and for their elaborate water supply system. Besides, the
Muslim captured large amount of husks and dates by ambushing a caravan of 20
camels which was heading for Meccans.

11. Lessons Learnt. Battle of Khandak was the turning point in the metamorphic
revolution of Islam. It was thus won by the combination of defence tactics and astute
handling of diplomacy by Prophet (SM).It taught many lessons to the military thinkers of the
future world.

a. Adopting Correct Method of Operation Pays Dividends Even Against a

Superior Enemy. In this Battle the Prophet (SM) took correct decision by
selecting the aim of fighting defensive battle with his little number of troops against a
giant enemy. In this case an offensive adventure would have been disastrous for the
Muslims.

b. Sound Intelligence Renders Easy Success. The Prophet (SM)

maintained an effective intelligence network to gather information about enemy’s
intentions, strength, composition and nature of threat which helped him take
opportunities and win the battle. At the same time the same was denied to enemy.

c. Righteousness of Cause Give the Soldiers Ability to Fight Better. The

Prophet (SM) and his followers were fighting the battle with their utmost dedication
for safeguarding their community and faith, the Islam. On the other hand, the
Meccans had heterogeneous elements with different causes.

d. Good Leadership is Prerequisite for Battle Winning. Leadership

definitely plays a vital role and influences the under command troops accordingly.
The Prophet(SM) through personal example, hardship, tact and decisiveness
exerted an unnatural influence on the Muslims to win against great odds under dire
situations.

e. Numerical Inferiority Can be Mitigated by Sound Terrain Analysis.

Sound terrain analysis is of paramount importance in modern warfare. Prophet (SM)
analysed the terrain and correctly appreciated the threat and took decision of
defence.
f. Strong Mobile Reserve Assisted in Bringing about a Decision in Battle.
Use of mob res in defensive battle enhance own morale and deter that of the enemy.
The Prophet (SM) kept strong mobile reserve at right place and used at right time
under Hazrat Ali (R) and could boldly meet all contingencies.

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g. Superior Tactics Can Offset Enemy’s Combat Power. Though the
Meccan had superiority in infantry and total superiority in cavalry, yet they suffered a
disgraceful defeat due to the superior tactics of an integrated trench defence of
Prophet (SM).

h. Sound Logistic is a Prerequisite for Prolonged Battle. Adequate and

continuous logistic supply is a prerequisite for prolonged Battle. Prophet(SM)
adjusted major logistic requirement before the commencement of the battle. On the
other hand, the Meccan’s plan did not include sound logistics.

j. Surprise Can Be Wilder and Weaken the Enemy. Surprise is an

essential element of winning an engagement. It hides own intentions till the very last
and reduces reaction time of the enemy. The Meccans thought to fight the Muslims
in the field either at Badar or Uhud and prepared themselves accordingly. Once they
found the ditch ahead of them as an obstacle they were surprised. This went in
favour of the Muslims.

k. High Morale is Battle Winning Factor. High standard of morale was

maintained in the battle of Khandak as the Muslim force had been fighting for the
existence of Islam under leadership of the Prophet(SM). Due to their high morale
they could easily overcome odd situation and got success in the battle.

l. Need for Security of Plan. Maintenance of security is essential to the

preservation of combat power. Prophet(SM) kept the new system of defence secret
till the very last. On the other hand, Quraish size, strength, intentions etc were clear
as they took no measures to conceal their movement. This allowed adequate
preparation time for the Muslims.

m. Need for Integration of Obstacle in Defence. To fight a successful

defensive battle, integration of obstacle is mandatory. In this battle, Prophet (SM)
dug trenches covered by all means necessary to encounter the enemy and
succeeded in surprising them.

n. Employment of Armour in Defence. Prophet (SM) employed cavalry in

his positional defence which strengthened the defence power as well as gave
flexibility.

p. Need for Diplomatic Manoeuvre. The Prophet (SM) showed that

diplomacy and psychological warfare go at par with military engagements in winning
a battle. Diplomatic efforts to create a rift between the Ghatfan and Quraish tribes
and Bani Quraiza, was an excellent example as to how diplomacy serves the military
cause.

q. Sound Tactical Deployment. Sound tactical deployment played a

significant role in the battle. The Prophet (SM) appreciated the most suitable ground,
dug the trench accordingly and deployed his force judiciously. Mob reserves were
kept back and posts were manned lightly but adequately to repulse en crossing over.
Through correct tactical deployment being 10:3 down in numbers, the Muslims pulled
a great bloodless victory.

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r. New System of Defence.  The concept of trench warfare was brought to
light through the Battle of Khandak. That the trench well guarded would prove a
formidable obstacle was a new innovation in those days.

s. Offensive Spirit. Even in a defensive war, offensive spirit is the force to

victory. Though the trench tied down Muslim forces, the Muslims had enough
patrols, reserve troops and piquets to maintain an offensive spirit along the breadth
and depth of the battlefield.

12. Conclusion. Battle of Khandak is one of those battles, which stands as unique in
the series of wars fought by the Muslims for the protection of nascent Islam. The Battle was
won in combination of matured handling of troops, adherence of most of the principles of
war and employment of defence strategy. The victory in the battle of Khandak was essential
to uphold the momentum of Muslim’s expansion over the world. The way the Queirsh in the
battle of Uhud took revenge of the defeat of Badr, the Muslims on the other hand regained
their prestige in the battle of Khandak. As enumerated by Immamuddin, “The breach of
allied forces in this battle caused total defeat of Meccans and it strengthened the foundation
of Muslim state at Medinah”.

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