Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet

The Concept of Treason

By Susan L. Douglass and Aiyub Palmer

Overview:

This lesson explores the theme of treason.

Objectives:

Students should be able to:

• identify the significance of the Battle of the Trench to the survival of the Muslim community.
  
  
• analyze the issue of treason in the United States Constitution and during the Battle of the Trench.
  
  

Procedure:

Have students organize into groups and read Student Handout: The Battle of the Trench, which contains background information on the Battle of the Trench, the comments of Professor Firestone on the Bani Qurayzah, and the clause on treason in the third article of the United States Constitution. After each reading, have the groups answer the following questions on the readings.

Battle of the Trench:

• What kept the Quraysh and their allies from capturing Madinah?
  
  
• What would have been the fate of the Muslims and their allies if the Quraysh and their allies had succeeded in capturing Madinah?
  
  
• Why would the siding of the Bani Qurayzah with the Quraysh be seen as treason?
  
  

Professor Firestone’s Comments:

• Why did members of the Jewish community in Madinah oppose Muhammad?
  
  
• What were the terms of agreement between Muhammad and the Jewish tribes in Madinah?
  
  
• Who decided the punishment for the Bani Qurayzah after they were captured by the Muslims?
  
  

Article III, Section 3 of the United States Constitution:

• Could the definition of treason given in Section 3, Article 3 of the Constitution apply to the actions of the Bani Qurayzah? If so, why?
  
  
• Why do you think treason is punished so severely in U.S. law? Give several reasons.
  
  
• If there had not been a written agreement (see the Constitution of Madinah lesson Handout 1, item #14, #17, #37a) between the Bani Qurayzah and the Muslims of Madinah, could their actions have been considered treasonous?