Khaybar, Battle of

The Battle of Khaybar is fought in the year 629 between Muslims and the Jews living in the oasis of Khaybar, located 150 kilometers (93 mi) from Medina in the northwestern part of the Arabian peninsula, in modern-day Saudi Arabia.

According to Muslim sources, the Muslims attacked Jews who had barricaded themselves in a fort.

On the reasons for the attack, Scottish historian William Montgomery Watt notes the presence in Khaybar of the Banu Nadir, who were inciting hostilities among with neighboring Arab tribes against the Islamic community in Medina.

Italian orientalist Laura Veccia Vaglieri, while giving full credence to Watt's view, claims other motives might have included the prestige the engagement would confer upon Muhammad among his followers, as well the booty that could be used to supplement future campaigns.

The Jews of Khaybar finally surrender and are allowed to live in the oasis on the condition that they give one-half of their produce to the Muslims.

Jews continue to live in the oasis for several more years until they are expelled by caliph Umar.

The imposition of tribute upon the conquered Jews serves as a precedent for provisions in the Islamic law requiring the exaction of tribute known as jizya from non-Muslims under Muslim rule, and confiscation of land belonging to non-Muslims into the collective property of the Muslim community.

In return, non-Muslim citizens are permitted to practice their faith, to enjoy a measure of communal autonomy, to be entitled to Muslim state's protection from outside aggression, and to be exempted from military service and the Zakat, which is obligatory upon Muslim citizens.

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