Khaybar Khaybar ya yahud

Khaybar Khaybar ya yahud (Arabicː خَيَبَرِ خَيَبَرِ يَاَ يَهُوُدْ جَيَشِ مُحَمَدْ سَوُفَ يَعُوُدْ) is an Arabic chant used in memory of the Battle of Khaybar where Muhammad, the founder of Islam, defeated the Jews of Khaybar, an oasis in modern Saudi Arabia. The chant is perceived as antisemitic towards Jews and Israelis as it implies a promise and threat towards killing Jews. However, anti-Jewish and pro-Palestinian extremists have claimed this is ‘actually’ a rallying cry by Palestinians (and their supporters). It is important to note that the word Yahud means Jew, and the full phrase is “Khaybar, Khaybar, O Jews, the army of Muhammad is returning.”From the Muslim perspective, the chant referenced is connected to the Battle of Khaybar, which is viewed not as an offensive act but as a defensive response to the threats posed by the Jewish tribes of the time. These tribes were perceived as actively working against the Muslim community, inciting attacks, particularly during the Battle of the Trench. Various historical factors contributed to this confrontation, culminating in a decisive victory for the Muslims. The victory at Khaybar holds particular significance for Shia Muslims, who celebrate the courage and achievements of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, recognised as the first Imam in Twelver Shia Islam and the lessons learnt from the event.

In contemporary contexts, this historical event is often invoked in relation to modern geopolitical issues, particularly the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Many Muslims view Israel's actions in Palestine over the past several decades as genocidal and constitutive of an illegal occupation lasting over 70 years. They draw parallels between the behaviour of contemporary Zionists and the Jewish tribes of the Prophet Muhammad's time. The chant serves as a form of protest, conveying a message that if the "Zionist regime" continues its perceived aggression and violations against the Muslim community, there will be a resolute response aimed at restoring justice and upholding moral, ethical, and humanitarian standards. This sentiment reflects the lessons derived from the Battle of Khaybar, where the ruling power faced defeat as a consequence of its aggressive actions and perceived misconduct. This historical event illustrates the potential consequences of overstepping authority.