Kamus Fortress

Kamus Fortress was the largest and strongest of the fortresses of Hayber. This fortress was the demographic, military, and strategic center of the region; the fall of the fortress symbolized the surrender of all Hayber. The Prophet Muhammad first gave the flag to Hz. Abu Bakr, then to Hz. Umar; both attempts ended in great battles, but the fortress could not be taken. Thereupon, the Prophet Muhammad said: "I will give this flag tomorrow to someone who loves Allah and His Messenger and to whom Allah will grant victory." The next morning, while everyone hoped to attain this honor, the Prophet Muhammad asked, "Where is Ali?" It was said that Hz. Ali had pain in his eyes; the Prophet called him, wiped his eyes with his blessed saliva, and gave him the flag. Hz. Ali encountered the leading Jewish warrior Merhab in front of Kamus Fortress. Merhab was shouting on horseback, "Hayber knows my bravery and my weapon; my lion, I will take revenge on anyone who wants to touch me!" Hz. Ali engaged him in single combat and quickly killed him. He then tore off the door and used it as a shield. Thus, Kamus was conquered. [Source: "Hayber", TDV Islamic Encyclopedia, https://islamansiklopedisi.org.tr/hayber; Bukhari, "Maghazi", 38]