Battle·Prophetic era
Battle of the Trench
- Date
- March 627 CEShawwal 5 AH1,399 years ago
- Place
- Medina
- People
- Prophet Muhammad, Salman al-Farisi, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
A confederate army of Quraysh and allied tribes marched on Medina. On the advice of Salman al-Farisi, the Muslims dug a trench along the open side of the city. The siege lasted about 27 days. Strong winds and disagreements among the attackers weakened the assault, and the army withdrew. The Quran describes the battle in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:9-27).
Why it matters
The defense of Medina ended the siege, and the failed attack weakened Quraysh hopes of destroying the Muslim community.