The Conquest of Khaybar
غزوة خيبر
Summary
The Muslim army besieged the fortified Jewish stronghold of Khaybar. After several unsuccessful attempts, the Prophet said: 'Tomorrow I will give the banner to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger, and who is loved by them.' He gave it to Ali ibn Abi Talib, who led the final assault to victory.
Details
Khaybar consisted of several interconnected fortresses. The siege lasted approximately twenty days. Ali, despite suffering from an eye ailment, was healed by the Prophet's saliva and led the decisive attack on the fortress of Na'im. The conquest resulted in a landmark agreement: the Jews of Khaybar were allowed to remain and farm the land in exchange for half the produce. This became a precedent for the treatment of conquered agricultural lands. During this campaign, the Prophet married Safiyyah bint Huyayy, who had embraced Islam.