Assassination of Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf

Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf was a poet of mixed Arab and Jewish parentage from Banu Nadir. After the Muslim victory at Badr, he traveled to Mecca to mourn the Quraysh dead and compose inciting poetry urging them to take revenge. He also composed obscene poetry about Muslim women, a grave offense in Arab culture. He actively conspired against the Muslims, violating the treaty of Medina. The Prophet asked: 'Who will deal with Ka'b ibn al-Ashraf? For he has harmed Allah and His Messenger.' Muhammad ibn Maslamah volunteered. He and four other companions, including Abu Na'ilah (Ka'b's foster brother), devised a plan. Abu Na'ilah visited Ka'b, pretending to be disenchanted with the Prophet, and arranged a meeting. When Ka'b came out at night, they killed him. The Prophet said that Ka'b had been killed for his treachery against the covenant, his incitement to war, and his obscene poetry against Muslim women.