The Concept of Jihad in Islam

This was, in effect, an open challenge to war issued to the Prophet and his companions. However, following God’s guidance, the Prophet decided to avoid armed confrontation. Thus, in the silence of the night, he left Makkah and secretly travelled to Madinah. This incident is known in Islamic history as the Hijrah. The Hijrah exemplifies a peaceful method instead of a violent one. 3. The ‘Battle of the Trench’, also known as the Battle of Ahzab, is another illustration of this Sunnah of the Prophet. On this occasion, many of the Prophet’s opponents from different tribes assembled and marched towards Madinah to attack the city. It was an open challenge to war on their part. However, to avoid war, the Prophet arranged for a trench to be dug around the town. This served as a buffer against the attackers. Thus, the army of the Quraysh, having spent just a few days on the other side of the trench, turned back in retreat. Digging this trench, too, was an example of the Prophet’s choosing a peaceful option instead of a violent one.