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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Publicola (talk | contribs) at 21:40, 18 June 2006 (the Jewish Encyclopedia's account is obviously biased AND wrong; Pecher has been reported for 3RR). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

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The Banu Qaynuqa (also referred to as Banu Kainuka, Banu Kaynuka, Banu Qainuqa) were a Jewish tribe of pre-Islamic Arabia. They were among the first Jews that settled at Medina, and the most powerful of all the Jewish tribes of the peninsula before Islam. They formed a gild of goldsmiths. They had also a marketplace, known under the name "Market of the Banu Qaynuqa," which was the general marketplace of the city before Muhammad laid out the great marketplace. Besides this they possessed two strong castles in the north of Medina. After Muhammad had come to Medina, he endeavored to win all the Jews over to Islam. Failing in his efforts, he assumed a more threatening attitude and first declared war on the Banu Qaynuqa. They retired to their fortresses, but after a siege which lasted fifteen days, they surrendered. Mohammed put them in chains, and wished to have all the men executed. He was, however, persuaded to spare them on condition that they quitted the town, leaving their goods and chattels in the hands of the conquerors. Subsequently they settled in Adra'at and Qadi al-Qura in the north.

 This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Singer, Isidore; et al., eds. (1901–1906). The Jewish Encyclopedia. New York: Funk & Wagnalls. {{cite encyclopedia}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)

• Muhammad and the Jews