Prophet Jacob (peace be upon him) had twelve sons, one of whom was named Levi. Centuries later, from the lineage of Levi, Allah blessed humanity with two brothers: Prophet Moses and Prophet Aaron (peace be upon them). Over time, a tribe emerged from the descendants of Prophet Aaron (peace be upon him) called “Banu Nadir,” meaning “descendants of Aaron,” as they became known by this name. “Nadir” signifies beauty and elegance.

Around a hundred years after Prophet Jesus (peace be upon him), the Jews of Palestine were expelled and scattered worldwide. The Roman rulers devastated the Jewish communities, and among the dispersed tribes, Banu Nadir settled in Yathrib (modern-day Medina). They had read in the Torah that the final Messenger would come from the lineage of Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon him), would be Arab, and would make Yathrib his home. Thus, Banu Nadir established themselves near Yathrib to witness the blessed era of the Prophet ﷺ.

When the Prophet ﷺ arrived in Yathrib, Banu Nadir’s leader was Huyayy ibn Akhtab. The Prophet ﷺ made a treaty with this tribe, granting them all privileges and human rights in Medina, which had become “Madinah Munawwarah” and “Tayyibah.” They were given religious freedom, and the treaty was upheld with utmost fidelity. Despite this, the Jews of Banu Nadir continued conspiring internally and externally against the state of Medina and the Prophet ﷺ. Eventually, due to their actions, they were exiled and relocated to Khaibar, a stronghold for the Jews for centuries.

In the Seerah of Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Hisham, Abdullah bin Abi Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that Umm al-Mu’minin Safiyyah bint Huyayy (may Allah be pleased with her) said:

“I was the beloved daughter of my father, Huyayy ibn Akhtab, and my uncle, Abu Yasir. They loved me more than any of the other children. Whenever they returned home, I would run to them, and they would pick me up and shower me with affection. When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Medina and stayed in Quba, I was seven years old. The news of the Prophet’s ﷺ arrival spread throughout the area.

The next day, my father and uncle left early in the morning to meet the Prophet ﷺ. They spent the entire day there, observing and speaking with him as delegations arrived and interacted with him. By evening, they returned, exhausted and deeply troubled. I ran to them, but they were so preoccupied with their distress that they did not pay attention to me. I sat aside, wondering what had happened.

My uncle asked my father, ‘Is he the one? Is he the Prophet we read about in the Torah?’ My father replied, ‘Yes, by Allah.’ My uncle then asked, ‘Have you verified his identity with all the signs?’ My father replied, ‘Yes.’ My uncle further asked, ‘What is your opinion of him?’ My father replied, ‘By Allah, I harbor enmity against him, and as long as I live, I will remain his enemy.’

This conversation revealed to the seven-year-old Safiyyah the truth: the new leader of Medina was indeed Allah’s true Messenger, awaited by the Jews for centuries. Yet, despite recognizing him, they harbored enmity towards him. Thus, under one roof, there existed two hearts: one filled with hostility toward the Prophet ﷺ and the other, young Safiyyah’s heart, inclined towards the truth of his prophethood.

When Banu Nadir was exiled to Khaibar, their leader continued his animosity, even plotting rebellions with the hypocrites’ leader, Abdullah bin Ubayy. He incited the Quraysh of Makkah to attack Medina. Eventually, the Prophet ﷺ launched a campaign against Khaibar. During the conquest, when Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) achieved victory, the fortress of Qamus was opened. Inside were 200 women and children, including Safiyyah, now 18 or 19 years old. Her father, uncle, husband, and most of her tribe had been killed.

After the battle, the Prophet ﷺ was informed about Safiyyah, the daughter of the Jewish leader. The Companions suggested, “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, show her kindness by marrying her.” The Prophet ﷺ sent Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) to bring her. On the way, Safiyyah and her cousin saw the bodies of their slain tribesmen and cried out in grief. When they reached the Prophet ﷺ, he expressed displeasure at Bilal, saying, “Has mercy been taken from your heart, Bilal, that you led them past the dead bodies of their men?”

The Prophet ﷺ offered Safiyyah the choice: “If you accept Islam, I will marry you. If you choose Judaism, I will let you return to your people.” Safiyyah replied, “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I was already inclined toward Islam before your invitation. I believe you are Allah’s true Messenger. Allah and His Messenger are dearer to me than freedom or returning to my people, most of whom are now dead.”The Prophet ﷺ honored Safiyyah, offering her his knee to mount his camel. When they reached Medina, the Prophet ﷺ instructed the Mothers of the Believers to welcome her with gifts. Fatimah (may Allah be pleased with her) gave her earrings from her ears as a gift for the new bride.

Reflecting on Safiyyah’s journey, one sees that the seed of truth planted in her heart by her father’s acknowledgment of the Prophet ﷺ had taken root. The daughter of a leader who had opposed Islam returned to Medina not as a captive but as a queen, the wife of the Prophet ﷺ.

O Jews of Israel! Look at your actions in Gaza and South Lebanon. They are oppressive. Reflect on the Prophet’s ﷺ mercy and justice. May Allah grant us the ability to emulate the noble character of the Prophet ﷺ. Ameen.

Written By :Moulana Ameer Hamza