The Jews of Medina had entered into a binding agreement with the Prophet (sa) and through it were afforded many benefits. However, an integral part of the agreement was that they would neither ally, nor assist the unbelievers against the Prophet (sa).

On the surface, with the exception of a few minor taunts, the Jews and the hypocrites appeared to tolerate the Muslims. However, deep-rooted resentment festered and the Jews yearned even more for the return of the old days even though they had been beholden to idolatrous Arabs.

When the news of the Prophet's victory over the Koraysh at Badr reached Medina, the Jews, hypocrites and those who remained pagan, were unable to conceal their great disappointment. The most disappointed were those from the Jewish tribes of Kaynuka, domiciled in the City of Medina, together with their cousins from the tribes of Krayzah and Nadir that lived on the outskirts, all had hoped that the Koraysh would rid them of the Prophet (sa) and his followers.

It was during this time that Allah sent down the following verse which records and warned the Prophet (sa) and his followers of these hidden feelings:

"Believers, do not take intimates with other than your own. They spare nothing to ruin you, they yearn for you to suffer. Hatred has already shown itself from their mouths, and what their chests conceal is yet greater. Indeed, We have made clear to you the signs, if you understand. There you are loving them, And they do not love you. You believe in the entire Book. When they meet you they say: ‘We believe.’ But when alone, they bite their finger-tips at you out of rage. Say: ‘Die in your rage! Allah has knowledge of what is in your chests.” (Koran 3:118-19)

Allah also drew the attention of the Prophet (sa) and his followers to the following, saying:

"When you are touched with good fortune, they grieve, but when evil befalls you, they rejoice. If you are patient and cautious, their guile will never harm you. Allah encompasses what they do." (Koran 3:120)

Allah also sent down verses that permitted the Prophet (sa) to counteract acts of treachery with justice and instructions how his adversaries should be treated if they should incline to peace, saying:

“If you fear treachery from any of your allies, you can dissolve with them equally. Allah does not love the treacherous." (Koran 8:58)

"If they incline to peace, incline to it also, and put your trust in Allah. Surely, He is the Hearing, the Knowing." (Koran 8:61)

In the meantime, much to the delight of the Koraysh, they found they had unexpected allies in Medina, for each time a Jewish caravan arrived in Mecca they brought news of the Prophet's movements. And so it was that the Jews began to break the treaty, just as the waves of the sea gently erode a mound of sand upon the shore until none remains.