Huzaifa recalls, “We were three hundred strong at the Battle of the Trench (627 A.D.). It was a very difficult night: Abu Sufyan and his army were on one side of Madinah and the Jewish tribe of Banu Qurayza on the other. We thought our families were in danger. The weather was very cold, and soon a strong wind arose, accompanied by thunder and lightning. Stones were crashing on all sides. It was so dark that nothing could be seen. At this time the Prophet told me to go to the enemy and see what they were up to—whether they were planning to retreat, or persevere with the siege. Despite feeling cold and scared, I arose at the Prophet’s command. He prayed that God should protect me, and I set off on my journey. I mixed with Abu Sufyan’s soldiers and heard them talking about retreat. When I brought the news back to the Prophet, I found him covered in a sheet, praying. Whenever the Prophet was confronted with a grave situation, he would pray.”