Muhammad

====Battle of the Trench====
{{Main|Battle of the Trench}}
Realizing that their victory at [[Battle of Uhud|Uhud]] had failed to substantially weaken Muhammad's position as he continued to orchestrate raids on their [[Caravan (travellers)|trade caravans]], the [[Quraysh]] finally saw the imperative of capturing [[Medina]], a move they had previously neglected.{{sfn|Buhl|Welch|1993|p=370}} This decision, according to Muslim sources, was partly influenced by some leaders of the [[Banu Nadir]], who were distressed over the loss of their lands.{{sfn|Rodgers|2012|p=142}}{{sfn|Buhl|Welch|1993|p=370}} However, that account may simply have been Muslim propaganda.{{sfn|Gabriel|2014|p=132}} Aware of their limited warfare skills as city merchants, the Quraysh initiated extensive negotiations with various [[Bedouin]] tribes, amassing a force believed to number around 10,000 men.{{sfn|Buhl|Welch|1993|p=370}} Informed early by his allies in Mecca, Muhammad ordered his followers to fortify Medina with trenches, on the advice of [[Salman the Persian]].{{sfn|Rodgers|2012|p=143}} The Jews of [[Banu Qurayza]] assisted with this effort by digging the trenches and lending their tools to the Muslims.{{sfn|Rodinson|2021|p=209}}{{sfn|Gabriel|2014|p=136}}{{sfn|Rodgers|2012|p=145}} The approaching Quraysh and their allies, unfamiliar with trench warfare, were drawn into a protracted siege. Muhammad exploited this situation, using covert negotiations with the [[Ghatafan]] tribe to create discord among his enemies. As the weather deteriorated, morale among the Quraysh and their allies waned, leading to their withdrawal.{{sfn|Buhl|Welch|1993|p=370}} The siege saw minimal casualties, with five to six on the Muslims' side and three among the besiegers.{{sfn|Rodgers|2012|p=148}}{{sfn|Gabriel|2007|p=138}}