An Analytical-Historical Study of the Confiscation of the Property of Banu Naḍir and Cutting down their Trees

The way the Messenger of Allah (s) treated the Jews of Banu Naḍir has been viewed by some of his opponents as a form of banditry and robbery as it led to the felling of a number of their trees and the confiscation of a portion of their property, casting the doubt that because the Muslims lived in poverty, the Prophet invaded them with a delusive excuse, thereby seizing their property. The exploration of this issue by drawing upon early sources, particularly historical and exegetical sources as well as applying the descriptive-analytical method indicates that the Jews of Banu Naḍir, just like other Jews of Medina, had signed a pact with the Messenger of Allah (s), based on which they could not conspire to take action against the Prophet (s); however, they turned a blind eye to their treaty and allied with the pagans of Quraysh, urging them to confront Muslims. They also made arrangements to assassinate the Prophet (s). Even though the Holy Prophet (s) had the power and he could have severely punished them, he only asked them to leave the city and emigrate to some other place.