Did the Companion Dihyah al-Kalbi Play the Role of Gabriel?
Background
During the Battle of the Trench (5 AH), rumors spread that the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayzah, living inside Medina, had betrayed the Muslims and were planning to attack them from the rear along with the Meccans. But these rumors turned out to be completely false.
- Banu Qurayzah never helped the Meccans in any practical way.
- Not a single Muslim was killed or even injured by them during the month-long siege.
- Muslims were freely coming and going in their area (Sahih Bukhari 3721).
- There was no trench on the Banu Qurayzah side, yet they did not allow the Meccans to pass through and attack from behind.
When the Meccans finally lifted the siege and fled, the Muslims also put down their weapons and started bathing. No one accused Banu Qurayzah of treason, nor did anyone rush to attack them.
Dihyah al-Kalbi’s Suggestion
While Muhammad was bathing in the house of his wife Umm Salama, Dihyah al-Kalbi (a very handsome companion) came to him and said: “Let’s attack Banu Qurayzah – we’ll get their women, children, and wealth.”
Muhammad already disliked the Jewish presence in Medina. He liked the idea – but needed a pretext for war.
The “Gabriel” Drama
Muhammad claimed that Gabriel appeared to him and ordered: “Do not put down your weapons – go and fight Banu Qurayzah.”
Ibn Kathir (Tafsir of Surah Al-Ahzab 33:26) writes: While Muhammad was bathing at Umm Salama’s house, Gabriel came on a white mule, wearing a silk-brocade turban, and said: “Have you put down your weapons? The angels have not. Allah commands you to march on Banu Qurayzah.”
But people had already seen Dihyah al-Kalbi leaving Umm Salama’s house. When asked, the Banu Tamim tribe replied: “Dihyah al-Kalbi passed by us on a white mule.” Muhammad immediately said: “That was Gabriel in the form of Dihyah.”
Umm Salama herself said (Sahih Bukhari 4980): “Gabriel came – I thought it was Dihyah. Only later, when the Prophet gave a sermon, did I learn it was Gabriel.”
Questions That Expose the Lie
- Gabriel always came invisibly – why suddenly in human form?
- What was the benefit of appearing as Dihyah? It only caused confusion.
- Umm Salama and others saw Dihyah – the lie was caught, so the excuse became “Gabriel took Dihyah’s form.”
The Result of the Attack
Muhammad besieged them for 25 days. Their fortresses did not shake, nor were their hearts filled with terror (as Muhammad had claimed). They only surrendered when food ran out. Then 600–900 men were massacred, women and children enslaved.
What Happened to the Remaining Jews?
After Banu Qurayzah, the smaller Jewish tribes (Banu Harithah, Banu Salam) were expelled from Medina without any excuse. Later, Muhammad ordered: No Jew or Christian should remain in the entire Arabian Peninsula (Sahih Muslim 1767a).
Conclusion
- Dihyah gave the greedy idea.
- Muhammad staged the “Gabriel” drama to justify the attack.
- People saw Dihyah – lie exposed – so the new excuse: “Gabriel appeared in Dihyah’s form.”
This was not revelation from Allah. This was a human plot – for wealth and women – dressed up as divine command.
