Despite the warning example of the Banu Nadeer, the Jews approached the Quraish in Makkah and the Ghatafan to create an alliance (confederation) against the Muslims, which brought ten thousand soldiers to al-Asyal, and Uhud. The Jewish tribe of Quraizah was drawn into the alliance against the Muslims. Anticipating the direction of the attack, Muhammad (SAW) demonstrated his superior military abilities by digging a trench on the north side of Madinah which halted the progress of the Confederates and, through sowing mis-trust among them[1], caused the alliance to disintegrate. It was the Jewish Quraizah’s breaking of their treaty with the Muslims that made it necessary for Muhammad (SAW) to lay siege to, subdue and dispense judgement upon them; killing all captive adult males and trading the women for horses and weapons.
This was a turning point for the Muslims who could no longer sit and wait to be attacked and began a period of disciplinary expeditions to force rebellious tribes into peaceful terms with the growing Islamic State.
[1] With the help of converted Nu’aim bin Mas’ud of the Ghatafan
