The Jews who were sent out of Madina had settled in Khayber (locality 80 miles from Madina). They had built 7 strong forts (Khayber means a fort).
The fort called “Qamus” was the strongest of them. They were constantly plotting to attack the Muslims.
The Holy Prophet (p.b.u.h) decided to stop them before they destroyed the Muslims. So, he (p.b.u.h) with 1’400 Muslims had surrounded all the forts. In the course of a month all the forts were defeated except Qamus (strongest fort of Khayber).
After giving the standard (flag to lead battle) to others who had failed for forty days and returned unsuccessful, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h) then did an announcement.
The Prophet
announced “Tomorrow I will give the banner of Islam to one who loves Allah and the Prophet and who is loved by Allah and his Prophet. He is one who never turns back or flees from the battle field and is always successful.”
Everyone was keen to see who this would be. It was of course none other than Imam Ali (a.s).
The next morning Imam Ali (a.s) took the banner and marched to the fort.
When he arrived at the gate of the fort, an old Jewish guard looked at Imam Ali (a.s) and shouted – Who are YOU?
Imam Ali (a.s) replied by reciting the
following verse:
“anal lazi sammatni ummi hydara
zarghaamu aajaamin, laithun, qaswara”
Translation: I am the one who was named HYDER by his mother, I am the lion of the valley, I am the great lion, the lion who attacks his prey by chasing it.
Imam Ali (a.s) killed the bravest of the Jewish warriors Marhab and his body was equally divided into two parts by the Zulfiqar of Imam Ali (a.d).
He (a.s) broke open the door of the fort all by himself and carried the Muslim army inside.
Imam Ali (a.s) won a wonderful victory for Islam. Within four hours, he
hoisted the flag of Islam on the biggest fortress of Arabia. No wonder that Imam Ali (a.s) is called Fateh e Khaibar (Khaibar’s Conqueror).
This battle was fought on 24th Rajab 7 A.H.
The Jews inside the fort cried out for peace and the Prophet (p.b.u.h) allowed them to peace and protection on the basis that they pay a tax equal to half the produce of their lands.
They presented the land of Fadak, as a present. He (p.b.u.h) gave Fadak to his daughter Bibi Fatima Zahra (s.a)
“Nad e Ali (a.s)” a very popular dua which was brought by the Angel Jibraeel from Allah to the Holy Prophet of Islam on the day of Khayber. Allah commanded him (saws) to seek help through it.
Naad-e-Aliyyan Madh’haral Ajaaib.
Tajid’hoo Awnan Laka Fin-Nawaaib.
Kullu Hammin Wa Ghammin Sayanjalee
Bi Wilaayatik.
Yaa Aliyyu, Yaa Aliyyu, Yaa Ali.
“Call Ali, He is able to bring about the extraordinary. You will find him an effective supporter in all calamities. All worries and sorrows will soon disappear on account of your authority, O Ali, O Ali, O Ali“.