Treaty with Banu Nadir

The Prophet entered into a mutual non-aggression and mutual defense pact with Banu Nadir, one of the three major Jewish tribes of Medina. Banu Nadir were date farmers and landowners who lived in the southeastern outskirts of Medina in well-fortified settlements. They claimed descent from the priestly line of Harun (Aaron). Under the treaty, they retained full religious autonomy, kept their agricultural lands, and were bound to contribute to the common defense of Medina in case of external attack. They were also required not to support the Quraysh against the Muslims. Their chief, Huyayy ibn Akhtab, was a politically astute figure who would later play a significant role in the events leading to the Battle of the Trench. The treaty was part of the Prophet's broader vision of a multi-religious society bound by civic obligations.