Imam Ali (peace be upon him), serving as one of the commanders of the Islamic army, demonstrated exceptional strategic acumen and valor during this campaign, significantly contributing to the success of the Muslim forces and the tightening of the siege around the enemy’s fortresses.
The Betrayal of Bani Nadir and the Divine Revelation to the Prophet (PBUH & His Family)
Historical accounts narrate that in the month of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, in the fourth year after Hijrah, the Prophet (PBUH) marched toward the tribe of Bani Nadir—descendants of the Jewish clans residing in Madinah—after they betrayed a pact of peace.
The Prophet (PBUH) had gone to their leader, Kab ibn al-Ashraf, and other notables of the tribe to request assistance in paying the blood money for two men from the Bani Kilab tribe, killed accidentally by Amr ibn Umayyah al-Damri. The Bani Nadir appeared cooperative, promising their support. Yet, secretly, a group among them conspired to assassinate the Prophet (PBUH & His Family) by dropping a heavy stone upon him as he sat by a wall.
At that moment, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) descended and revealed their plot to the Prophet (PBUH & His Family). The Prophet immediately rose, informed his companions, and commanded the Muslims to prepare for battle. When the army advanced toward the fortresses of Bani Nadir, the banner of Islam was borne by Imam Ali (peace be upon him).
Imam Ali’s Fearless Night Raid
During the siege, the Jews sought refuge in their fortified strongholds, while ‘Abdullah ibn Ubay, the hypocrite leader of Madinah, deceitfully urged them to remain steadfast, promising aid that never came.
One night, when Imam Ali (peace be upon him) was momentarily out of sight, the Prophet (PBUH and His Family) expressed his trust in the Imam’s valor, saying to his companions:
“Whatever he does is worthy of you.”
Soon after, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) returned carrying the severed head of ‘Azzuk, one of the fiercest archers and warriors among the Bani Nadir. The Imam (peace be upon him) had ambushed him under cover of darkness and struck him down, causing terror to spread among the enemy ranks.
The Prophet (PBUH & His Family) then dispatched Abu Dujanah, Sahl ibn Hunayf, and ten other companions to pursue the fleeing remnants. They captured several of the enemy combatants and cast their weapons into wells, while fear and divine dread filled the hearts of the remaining Bani Nadir.
The Defeat and Expulsion of Bani Nadir
Realizing that their hopes of support from Ibn Ubay were futile, the Bani Nadir pleaded for amnesty. The Prophet (PBUH & His Family), in his mercy, accepted their surrender and sent Muhammad ibn Maslamah to oversee their departure.
They were permitted to take with them whatever their camels could carry, except for gold, silver, and weapons, and were given three days to leave Madinah.
Thus ended the treachery of Bani Nadir—a victory achieved through the divine guidance of the Prophet (PBUH & His Family) and the unmatched courage and strategy of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), whose decisive action instilled fear in the enemy and secured triumph for the believers.