The Jews’ Conspiracy with the Polytheists and Its Role in the Prophet’s (PBUH) Jihad against Them

Document Type : Research Article

Author

10.22034/dqm.2025.23066.1218

Abstract

Islam, in the course of its missionary call, confronted several currents of opposition. These included the polytheists throughout the Arabian Peninsula—most notably Quraysh in Mecca—as well as the People of the Book, particularly the Jews of Yathrib, in addition to the hypocrites whose intrigues emerged during the Medinan period of the mission. Among these groups, the Jews of Medina were the most intense in hostility and malice. The most prominent of their tribes were Banū Qaynuqāʿ, Banū al-Naḍīr, Banū Qurayẓah, and the Jews of Khaybar. These groups were characterized by treachery and the violation of covenants and agreements, and such base traits manifested in several practices, including conspiracy with the polytheists, betrayal, treason, and espionage against the Muslims.
A study of their conspiracies against Islam reveals that the most significant expeditions undertaken by the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him and his family—against them were connected to, or followed upon, one of the Prophet’s wars against the polytheists of Quraysh. For example, the expedition against Banū al-Naḍīr resulted from their envy of the Muslims over God’s granting them victory at the Battle of Badr, as well as their participation with the polytheists in plotting the Battle of Uḥud. Likewise, the role of the Jews—particularly Banū Qurayẓah—in paving the way for and preparing the siege of Medina during the Battle of al-Aḥzāb (the Confederates) is so evident that it cannot be concealed.
The Qur’anic verses in Sūrat Āl ʿImrān, al-Ḥashr, and al-Aḥzāb have articulated these manifest realities with clarity. Among the notable features of all these events, in addition to Jewish cooperation with the polytheists against Islam, was the alliance and close association of the hypocrites in Medina with both the Jews and the polytheists. Through this article, employing an inductive-analytical methodology, we conclude that the Prophet (PBUH) spared no effort in confronting the sedition posed by the Jews.

Keywords

References

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Contemporary Quranic Studies
Volume 4, Issue 13
December 2025
Pages 187-212

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