In which Hijri year was the Battle of Khandaq fought?

The Battle of Khandaq, also known as the Battle of the Trench, was fought in the 5th year after Hijrah (5 AH). This battle is one of the most significant events in early Islamic history because it demonstrated the strategic wisdom, unity, and patience of the Muslim community under the leadership of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

The background of this battle lies in the growing hostility of the Quraysh of Makkah and their allied tribes toward Islam. After suffering defeats in earlier encounters, especially at the Battle of Uhud, the enemies of Islam formed a powerful coalition known as the Ahzab (Confederates). Their objective was to attack Madinah and eliminate the Muslim state once and for all. The combined force included the Quraysh, various Arab tribes, and some Jewish tribes who had broken their treaties with the Muslims.

Facing a numerically superior enemy, the Muslims adopted a defensive strategy on the advice of Hazrat Salman al-Farsi (RA). A deep trench (khandaq) was dug around the exposed sides of Madinah, a tactic unfamiliar to the Arabs at that time. This strategy successfully prevented the enemy cavalry from entering the city, neutralizing their numerical advantage.