Battle of the Trench (Khandaq)

A grand coalition of 10,000 fighters, organized by Huyayy ibn Akhtab of Banu Nadir and led by Abu Sufyan, besieged Medina. On Salman al-Farsi's suggestion, the Muslims dug a trench across the northern approaches, a tactic unknown in Arabia. The siege lasted nearly a month. The Prophet endured severe hunger, tying stones to his stomach. Nu'aym ibn Mas'ud, a secret convert, sowed distrust between the coalition and Banu Qurayza. A fierce storm finally scattered the confederate camp, and they withdrew in disarray.