Hudaybiyyah - 6 AH

In the 6th year of Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ saw a dream in which he was performing tawaf around the Ka'bah, in ihram, and shaving his head. He interpreted this as a command from Allah to perform Umrah. Responding to this divine vision, 1,400 Muslims set out from Madinah towards Makkah. However, the Bedouins around Madinah refused to join, and Allah exposed their insincerity in the Qur'an.

There is a difference of opinion among historians regarding whether the Muslims carried weapons. A balanced view suggests that they were not wearing arms, as ihram prohibits armor, but they had them in their caravan for precaution. This aligns with the Prophet's ﷺ careful and strategic approach in all matters.

Departure from Madinah

The Prophet ﷺ left Madinah on the 1st of Dhu al-Qa'dah and stopped at Dhu al-Hulayfah, the miqat for Madinah. There, he prayed two rak‘at and donned the ihram, following the sunnah of Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ. He ﷺ also consecrated 70 camels, adorning them with garlands to signify that they were to be sacrificed for Allah in Makkah, a symbol of devotion and charity for the poor.

To gather intelligence, the Prophet ﷺ sent Busr ibn Sufyan al-Khuza‘i رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ to Makkah. Meanwhile, when a group of riders was spotted near Ghayqah, the Prophet ﷺ dispatched a small unit to investigate, but it turned out to be a false alarm.

The Quraysh Mobilize for War

When Busr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ returned with news that the Quraysh were fully armed and dressed in war attire, with Khalid ibn al-Walid stationed near Ghumaym to block the Muslims, the Prophet ﷺ expressed his frustration in meaning (not exact words):

"Why do they insist on war? If they leave me be, it is a win-win. If they fight me, we all lose. By Allah, I will fight until Allah grants me victory or I am martyred."

Upon hearing the Quraysh's preparations, the Prophet ﷺ stopped the caravan and consulted his companions. Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ advised continuing the journey peacefully, fighting only if attacked. The Prophet ﷺ agreed, demonstrating his commitment to diplomacy over conflict.

The Unexpected Stop

To avoid Khalid ibn al-Walid’s army, the Prophet ﷺ asked for a guide to lead them through an alternative path. This route was full of thorns and volcanic rock, making it physically painful, but the Prophet ﷺ encouraged his followers, likening it to the trials of Bani Israel.

After a long and exhausting journey, the Prophet ﷺ and his followers arrived at Hudaybiyyah at nightfall. At that moment, his camel Qaswa’ suddenly sat down and refused to move. The sahaba tried to urge it forward, but the Prophet ﷺ declared in meaning (not exact words):

"Qaswa’ is not stubborn. Rather, the One who stopped the elephant (in Abraha’s time) has stopped her."

Hudaybiyyah, named after a crooked tree in the area, was later renamed al-Shumaysi in modern times. This seemingly random location would become the site of a pivotal treaty between the Muslims and the Quraysh.

A Failed Surprise Attack by the Quraysh

In an act of treachery, 80 Quraysh warriors launched a surprise attack from Tan‘im at Fajr time, hoping to catch the Muslims off guard. However, the Muslims were prepared, surrounded the attackers, and forced them to surrender without bloodshed. The Prophet ﷺ forgave them all and sent them back to Makkah—another powerful display of mercy and his desire for peace.

This marked the beginning of the historic negotiations that would lead to the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah—a turning point in Islamic history.

Preparing for Negotiations

Realizing that talks with the Quraysh were inevitable, the Prophet ﷺ announced in meaning (not exact words)::

"I will accept any condition they set, as long as it respects Allah’s laws."

Urwah ibn Mas'ud: The First Emissary of Quraysh

The first person to approach the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from the Quraysh side was Urwah ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi, a leader of the Thaqif tribe. He was closely connected to the Quraysh, with his mother being from the tribe. To gain approval as an emissary, he reminded them of his past contributions and loyalty, listing instances where he had mediated conflicts and protected their interests. Convinced of his dedication, the Quraysh allowed him to negotiate on their behalf.

When Urwah met the Prophet ﷺ, the message was clear: war had already harmed the Quraysh, and peace was an option. If they sought conflict, the Prophet ﷺ was prepared to fight until either victory was achieved or he was martyred. Urwah, however, dismissed the Prophet's ﷺ words and accused him of bringing a new religion, breaking family ties, and violating the sanctity of the Haram. The Prophet ﷺ refuted these accusations, stating that his mission was to restore kinship, improve his people's faith, and enhance their lives.

Urwah attempted to reason with the Prophet ﷺ using tribal logic, questioning why he would fight his own people. He also belittled the Prophet’s ﷺ followers, suggesting they were a disorganized group who would abandon him at the first sign of conflict. However, Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, known for his composure, responded with a harsh rebuke, displaying his unwavering loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ.

During negotiations, Urwah repeatedly touched the Prophet’s ﷺ beard, a customary gesture among Arab leaders. However, each time he did so, his hand was forcefully struck away by al-Mughira ibn Shu’ba رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ , his own grandnephew, who was fiercely protective of the Prophet ﷺ. 

Returning to the Quraysh, Urwah recounted his observations. He compared the Prophet’s ﷺ followers to the royal courts of Caesar, Kisra, and Najashi, stating he had never seen such devotion. He described how the companions eagerly caught the Prophet’s ﷺ spit, competed for his ablution water, and rushed to obey his commands. Their unwavering respect and obedience starkly contrasted with Urwah’s earlier doubts about their loyalty. He warned the Quraysh that if they sought war, the Muslims were ready. He also noted that the Prophet ﷺ had come with sacrificial animals to honor the Ka’bah, yet the Quraysh were blocking his entry. This realization led Urwah to subtly shift allegiance, causing the Quraysh to resent him for his change of heart.

Khirash ibn Umayyah

The Prophet ﷺ then sent Khirash ibn Umayyah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ from the Khuza’a tribe as an emissary, hoping his neutral status would aid negotiations. However, the Quraysh attacked his camel and nearly killed him, showing their unwillingness to engage in peaceful dialogue.

Al-Hulays ibn Alqama al-Kinani

Next, al-Hulays ibn Alqama from the Kinana tribe volunteered to speak with the Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ, recognizing Kinana’s reverence for sacrificial animals, instructed his companions to showcase the hundreds of camels prepared for sacrifice. Witnessing this, al-Hulays turned back without even entering the muslim camp. He immediately sided with the Muslims, declaring that it was wrong to prevent their pilgrimage. The Quraysh, angered by his shift, insulted him, leading him to withdraw his tribe’s support from them.

The Quraysh’s coalition was unraveling. Bit by bit, those who engaged with the Prophet ﷺ and his companions recognized the injustice of Quraysh’s actions and defected. The truth of Islam was too clear to ignore, even for those who initially opposed it.

Uthman ibn Affan

This time the Prophet ﷺ chose a Qureshi Muslim as an emissary, selecting Umar ibn al-Khattab رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. However, Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, known for his boldness, expressed concern that his well-known enmity with the Quraysh and lack of tribal protection might lead to his rejection or even death. He suggested that Uthman ibn Affan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, who held greater nobility in their eyes, would be a better choice. So the Prophet ﷺ agreed and sent Uthman ibn Affan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ.

When Uthman ibn Affan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ entered Makkah as the Prophet's ﷺ emissary, he was stopped and mocked by Quraysh guards. His cousin Aban ibn Sa'id protected him, granting him safety under the tribal system of aman. Uthman met with the Quraysh leaders, but they refused to allow the Muslims to perform Umrah that year.

The Prophet ﷺ instructed Uthman رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ to visit Muslim converts trapped in Makkah, offering them reassurance that Allah would soon grant them relief. This visit highlighted the continued suffering of some Muslims under Quraysh persecution. Uthman's prolonged absence led to rumors that he had been killed. The uncertainty caused anxiety among the Muslims, and the Prophet ﷺ declared they would fight if Uthman had indeed been harmed.

Bay'at al-Ridwan

In response, the Prophet ﷺ called the Muslims to pledge allegiance under a tree, promising to fight the Quraysh if necessary. This pledge, known as Bay'at al-Ridwan, earned Allah's divine pleasure as mentioned in Surah al-Fath (48:18). Every participant received the honor of Allah's approval, with Uthman رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ represented by the Prophet's ﷺ own hand — a unique distinction.

The Bay'at al-Ridwan demonstrated the sahaba's unwavering faith despite facing certain death. Allah promised them victory and abundant spoils, which manifested in the subsequent Battle of Khaybar. 

When news of the Pledge of Ridwan reached Makkah, the Quraysh swiftly sent Uthman ibn Affan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ back to the Muslims. Some companions thought he might have performed tawaf, but the Prophet ﷺ explained that Uthman’s deep respect would never allow him to do so before the other Muslims. Upon his return, Uthman رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ confirmed this, affirming that he would not perform tawaf until the Prophet ﷺ had done so first.

Suhayl ibn Amr

The Quraysh panicked upon hearing about the Bay'at al-Ridwan and sent negotiators. Initial talks with Mikraz ibn Hafs failed, but when Suhayl ibn Amr arrived, the Prophet ﷺ predicted that ease would follow. Suhayl ibn Amr eventually accepted Islam, but at this time, he was a mushrik. Suhayl's sons, Abdullah and Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ, both became Muslims. Abdullah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ defected to Madinah during the Battle of Badr, while Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was imprisoned in Makkah and tortured for years by his father.

Terms of the Treaty

The Prophet ﷺ agreed to the treaty, making concessions to avoid bloodshed. He ﷺ showed humility by accepting the removal of "Rasulullah" from the document and remained assertive during negotiations. These were the terms:

1. Ceasefire for 10 Years:

   • Both sides agreed to maintain peace and not engage in warfare for 10 years.

2. Delayed Umrah:

   • Muslims would return without performing Umrah that year.

   • They could return the next year to perform Umrah, staying in Makkah for only three days without weapons (except sheathed swords for protection).

3. Extradition of Defectors:

   • Any Muslim who defected from Makkah to Madinah must be returned to the Quraysh.

   • However, any Muslim who defected from Madinah to Makkah would not be returned.

4. Neutral Alliances:

   • Both parties were free to form alliances with other tribes.

   • Any attack on an allied tribe would be considered an attack on the allied party.

5. Respect for Peace:

   • Both sides would refrain from hostile activities, including spying, betrayal, or provocation.

As the treaty was being written, Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ escaped and reached the Muslim camp, only to be returned to the Quraysh per the treaty's terms—testing the faith of the Muslims. Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, still chained with visible torture marks, escaped to the Muslims seeking help. His father, Suhayl, insisted that Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ be returned to Makkah as the first person under the treaty's condition. Despite the Prophet ﷺ's repeated pleas to exempt Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, Suhayl refused. Mikraz, Suhayl's companion, intervened, promising Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ would not be tortured further. Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ cried out for help, but the Prophet ﷺ advised him to be patient, assuring him that Allah would provide relief. Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ discreetly offered Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ a chance to fight back by pointing to his sword, but Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ  did not act against his father. He was sent back to Makkah but no longer tortured.

Reaction of Umar

Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ expressed the frustration many Muslims felt about the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, questioning the Prophet ﷺ about accepting what seemed like humiliation. The Prophet ﷺ reassured him that he ﷺ was obeying Allah's command and that Allah's help would come. When Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ asked about the promised tawaf, the Prophet ﷺ clarified that he ﷺ never specified it would happen that year. Still upset, Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ  sought Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, who echoed the Prophet's ﷺ response, reminding Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ to trust the Messenger ﷺ. This exchange highlighted Abu Bakr's رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ wisdom and authority, especially in calming emotional situations. Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ later regretted his outburst, performing many good deeds to atone for it, acknowledging that no other leader could have imposed such terms on him except the Prophet ﷺ.

Making Way Back to Madinah

After the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet ﷺ instructed the sahaba to shave their heads and leave ihram, signaling their return to Madinah without performing Umrah. The sahaba, deeply disappointed, remained motionless. The Prophet ﷺ repeated the command three times, but none responded due to the emotional toll. He sought advice from Umm Salama رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, who suggested he ﷺ lead by example. When the Prophet ﷺ shaved his head, the sahaba followed, realizing the journey was truly over.

The Prophet ﷺ made du'a for those who shaved their heads, emphasizing its greater reward over trimming during Hajj and Umrah. The Muslims sacrificed their animals, and the meat was sent to Makkah — the first camel being Abu Jahal's from Badr, adding to the Quraysh's humiliation.

On the journey back to Madinah, Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ felt deep remorse for having questioned the Prophet ﷺ. He approached the Prophet ﷺ, offering salam three times, but received no reply and feared that he had lost Allah’s mercy. Later, the Prophet ﷺ called for him, and when Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ approached, he saw the Prophet’s ﷺ face radiant with joy, bringing him immense relief. Surah al-Fath was revealed, declaring the treaty a clear victory and praising the sahaba's obedience despite hardship. The revelation assured the Muslims of Allah's support, forgiveness, and a future victory at Khaybar, affirming that their patience and faith would lead to triumph.

Aftermath of the Treaty

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah set in motion events that ultimately benefited the Muslims. After the treaty, Abu Basir رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, a Muslim from Makkah, fled to Madinah. However, the terms of the treaty required the Prophet ﷺ to return him to Makkah. Despite Abu Basir’s plea for help, the Prophet ﷺ honored the treaty when the Quraysh sent emissaries. On the journey back, Abu Basir رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ escaped by killing one of the Quraysh men and returned to Madinah. However, due to the treaty, he was directed to leave Madinah. He eventually settled near what is now Jeddah, where other converts joined him. When Abu Jandal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ heard of this, he escaped and reunited with Abu Basir رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. Their group grew to about 80 people, and they began attacking Quraysh caravans, forcing the Quraysh to beg the Prophet ﷺ to allow this group to join the Muslims in Madinah. However, Abu Basir رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ passed away before reaching the city.

Another key event was the emigration of Ummi Kulthum رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, the daughter of Uqba ibn Abi Mu'ayt, who had previously persecuted the Prophet ﷺ. After converting to Islam, she fled to Madinah, and the Prophet ﷺ faced a dilemma about whether to return her to the Quraysh. However, Allah revealed a verse permitting Muslim women to remain in Madinah, as the treaty only mentioned the return of men. Consequently, Ummi Kulthum رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا stayed and married Zayd ibn Harithah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ.

These events highlight the wisdom of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the unwavering faith of the early Muslims. The treaty had a profound impact, establishing the Muslims as a legitimate and independent force in Arabia, which led to increased conversions and eventual victory.