A Deliberation on the Narration of Killing the Banī Qurayḍa Jews in History and Interpretation Sources

Banī Qurayḍa was one of the Jewish tribes settled in the suburbs of Medina that has repeatedly plotted conspiracies and along with the polytheists have taken part in wars against Muslims in the Prophet’s battles; and ultimately, a number of them were killed and another number were forced to emigrate from that land. The Qur’ān has intensively and briefly recounted the story of this group in Sūrat al-Aḥzāb and has simply sidestepped it, whereas there have been discussions among the orientalists and some contemporary writers, who have viewed it as an example of the Prophet’s bellicosity and strictness. In the historical traditions and accordingly in the Qur’ān interpretation, this story has been embellish and some accounts have been given that are neither compatible with intellectual reasons, nor with the historical evidences, or the morale of the Holy Prophet, and requires serious examination. Focusing on the report given by the Qur’ān, this article tries to express several points: firstly to clarify how this event took place; secondly, how the interpreters have described this event; and thirdly, what justifications have been stated for killing them and how the verse concerning this issue has been interpreted. Naturally, one of the important aspects of this story is the number of the killed ones, the explanation of which can help clarify this incident. Furthermore, the contradiction of traditions and other problems of historical narratives can indicate that this incident has not happened as is known to have, and that, instead of surrendering they have been killed in battle.