The Jews had held the Muslims in contempt before the battle of Badr. Ever since the Muslim victory their contempt and hatred increased all the more. They began plotting and scheming against the Muslims whenever they had the chance, and cared nothing about breaking the treaty that they had signed with them. The Muslims’ response was harsh and firm everytime the Jews stepped out of line. A typical tale of Jewish mischief is reflected in the incident that took place in the market of Banu Qaynuqa’.

A Muslim woman went there and sat at a jeweler’s shop with her ornaments. A Jewish man approached her from behind and nailed the back of her dress with a thorn. When she arose her garment came off and the Jews all laughed at her insultingly. She called for help and a nearby Muslim responded and killed the Jew. Following this, the Jews assembled together and killed the Muslim. The family of the Muslim martyr called on the Muslims to punish the Jews, they did so and a fight thus ensued between them.

Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) had asked the Jews to stop their provocation and mischief, but they showed signs of rebellion and defiance so he went out with the Muslims and surrounded Banu Qaynuqa’ from every angle besieging them in their quarters. The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) decided after consulting the Muslims to kill them all for their treachery. However, ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul who was on good terms with both Muslims and Jews, went to him (pbuh) and pleaded with him saying, “O Muhammad, be lenient with them.” Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) ignored him at first and he repeated the plea, but the Messenger of Allah (pbuh) still ignored him.

Then ‘Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul persisted in his pleading, so Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) decided to grant him his wish as a favor to him provided Banu Qaynuqa’ left Madinah. They departed from Madinah heading north until they reached Adhra’at in al-Sham.