The Prophetic Constitution of Madinah by Dr Muhammad Al-Massari

The narrations which we have presented so far may well provide a sufficient explanation of the acts of Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf specifically and the harm which the Muslims suffered from the Jews and polytheists in general. There are, in addition, more narrations which the compilers of the books of Hadith connected to this reality. For example:

It was related in the Sunan Al-Kubra of Al-Baihaqi (9/309/18630) that Abdullah bin Abi Bakr bin Hazm and Salih bin Abi Umamah bin Sahl bin Hanif related:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), following Badr, sent Zaid bin Al-Harithah and Abdullah bin Rawahah as bearers of glad tidings (of the victory) to the people of Al-Madinah. When the news reached Ka’b bin Al-Ashraf he said: “Woe, is this really true? Those were the kings of the Arabs and the masters of the people (referring to the slain Quraish)”. He then departed for Makkah and started to mourn the slain of Quraish (i.e. with emotive poetry) and incite (the Quraish) against the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him)”.

Also, in the Sunan Al-Kubra of Al-Baihaqi (9/309/18629), it was related that Ibn ‘Abbas, may Allah be pleased with them both, said:

“When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) defeated the Quraish on the day of Badr and returned to Al-Madinah, he gathered the Jews in the market of Qanuqaa’ and said: “O Jews who have gathered here, embrace Islam before what befell the Quraish befalls you”. They replied: “O Muhammad, do not deceive yourself. You have killed a small group of the Quraish, who were inexperienced and did not know how to fight. If you were to fight against us, you would know that we are the real deal and indeed you have never met the like of us”. Then Allah ‘Azza Wa Jalla revealed in response to their statement: Say to those who disbelieve, “You will be overcome and gathered together to Hell, and wretched is the resting place”. Already there has been for you a sign in the two armies which met - one fighting in the cause of Allah (referring to the companions of the Messenger at Badr) And another of disbelievers. They saw them [to be] twice their [own] number by [their] eyesight. But Allah supports with His victory whom He wills. Indeed, in that is a lesson for those possessing vision” (TMQ Aali ‘Imran: 12-13). [End of Quote].

This narration was also related in the Sunan of Abu Dawud (4/616/3001) (with the same wording albeit with a slight).