Conquest of Makkah - 8 AH

Two years after the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Quraysh and Muslims were free to form alliances with any tribe. The Khuza'a tribe aligned with the Muslims, while Banu Bakr sided with the Quraysh. Khuza'a had strong historical ties to Makkah and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, with many members embracing Islam. In contrast, Banu Bakr remained pagan.

Conflict Between Khuza'a and Banu Bakr

Banu Bakr, with Quraysh's backing, launched a surprise night raid on Khuza'a, violating the treaty. The attack resulted in the killing of over 20 Khuza'a members, including women and children. A particularly shocking incident saw a man from Khuza'a killed within the Haram area after seeking sanctuary, a grave violation of sacred space.

Amr ibn Salim, the chieftain of Khuza'a, traveled to Madinah with 40 men, reciting a poem pleading for help and reminding the Prophet ﷺ of their historical ties. Deeply moved, the Prophet ﷺ pledged to aid Khuza'a, signaling an imminent response to the Quraysh’s betrayal.

Abu Sufyan’s Failed Attempt at Renegotiation

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Abu Sufyan traveled alone to Madinah to renegotiate the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. For the first time, instead of threatening the Muslims, he was pleading for Quraysh’s survival. However, his efforts were met with silence from the Prophet ﷺ. Attempts to seek support from Abu Bakr, Umar, and even his relative Ali رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ were unsuccessful. In desperation, he asked Fatima رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا to have her young son intercede, but she refused. Finally, on Ali’s advice, he made a public plea for protection in the masjid, but no one responded. Even his daughter, Umm Habiba رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, rejected him, refusing to let him sit on the Prophet’s ﷺ mattress. Humiliated and rejected, he returned to Makkah, admitting his failure.

Preparations for the Conquest

The Prophet ﷺ began preparing for a massive expedition but kept the destination secret. Even his closest companions, like Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ and Aisha رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, were unaware of the target. After Abu Sufyan’s departure, several weeks passed, and the Prophet ﷺ deliberately sent a small scouting group of eight men north to Batn Idam to mislead observers into thinking the Muslim army would march toward Syria. This assumption was believable because the Battle of Mu’tah had occurred recently, and the rumor spread quickly. Then, at the very last moment, the Prophet ﷺ informed his army of the true destination: they would actually march south toward Makkah.

The Betrayal of Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah

Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, a companion of the Prophet ﷺ, secretly sent a letter warning the Quraysh of the Muslim army’s approach. His motive was to protect his family in Makkah, who lacked tribal protection. A woman carried the letter hidden in her hair, but divine revelation informed the Prophet ﷺ, who dispatched Ali and Zubayr رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمْ to intercept her. Confronted, Hatib confessed but insisted he had not betrayed Islam. Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ sought his execution, but the Prophet ﷺ forgave him, citing Hatib’s participation in the Battle of Badr. Following this incident, Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:1) was revealed, warning believers against forming alliances with Allah’s enemies.

Departure from Madinah

On the 10th of Ramadan, the Muslim army set out from Madinah. The Prophet ﷺ and the Muslims began the journey fasting, but when they reached an area called Qudaid outside Madinah, they broke their fast. By the 18th or 19th of Ramadan, the army had reached the outskirts of Makkah. Their swift march caught the Quraysh completely off guard.

New Muslims

The last Muhajir

As the army marched, they encountered al-Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet’s ﷺ uncle, traveling from Makkah to Madinah. Unaware of the conquest, he intended to perform Hijrah, making him the last person to join the Muhajirun. The Prophet ﷺ welcomed his conversion and instructed him to settle his family in Madinah before rejoining the army.

Two Former Enemies Seek Forgiveness

As the Muslim army neared Makkah, two men, Abu Sufyan ibn al-Harith (the Prophet’s ﷺ cousin) and Abdullah ibn Abi Umayyah, fled the city, fearing retaliation. Both had been fierce opponents of Islam: Abu Sufyan mocked the Prophet ﷺ through poetry, while Abdullah demanded impossible miracles. They sought Umm Salama’s رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا intercession, but the Prophet ﷺ initially refused due to their past hostility. Abu Sufyan waited outside and raised his voice, knowing the Prophet ﷺ could hear him. He spoke emotionally in hopes of softening the Prophet’s ﷺ heart as he stood outside the tent, and his son Ja‘far was with him as well." The Prophet ﷺ ultimately accepted their repentance. Later, both men proved their sincerity, with Abu Sufyan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ displaying valor in the Battle of Hunayn.

Abu Sufyan ibn Harb

The night before entering Makkah, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb, the leader of the Quraysh, ventured out with two others to assess the situation. They were awestruck by the sheer number of fires in the Muslim camp. Al-Abbas رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ intercepted Abu Sufyan and warned him that the Quraysh faced destruction if they resisted. Taking him to the Prophet ﷺ, al-Abbas رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ navigated past eager Muslims ready to kill Abu Sufyan. Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ  sought his execution, but al-Abbas رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ pleaded for clemency.

The next morning, the Prophet ﷺ asked Abu Sufyan to embrace Islam. Though he acknowledged Allah’s oneness, he hesitated to affirm Muhammad’s ﷺ Prophethood. Under pressure from al-Abbas رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, he finally recited the shahada. To honor his status, the Prophet ﷺ declared that anyone seeking refuge in Abu Sufyan’s رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ house would be safe.

As the Muslim army marched toward Makkah, Abu Sufyan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, witnessing its vast size and discipline, remarked that Muhammad’s ﷺ kingdom had grown powerful. Al-Abbas رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ corrected him, affirming that it was Prophethood, not kingship. This moment symbolized the triumph of Islam, as Makkah, once the heart of persecution, was now opening its gates to the truth.

Entering Makkah

On the morning of the Conquest of Makkah (20th Ramadan, 8 AH), the Quraysh remained unaware of the approaching Muslim army. The Prophet ﷺ had prayed for secrecy, and Allah answered his du’a, concealing an army of 10,000 until they reached Makkah’s doorstep.

The Prophet ﷺ divided the army into three main groups: the Ansar under Sa'd ibn Ubadah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, the Muhajirun under Khalid ibn al-Walid رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, and a mixed central group led by Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. The Prophet ﷺ was positioned with the mixed group. When Sa'd made a provocative statement about making the Ka'bah "halal" for battle, the Prophet ﷺ removed him from command, giving the banner to Zubayr ibn al-Awwam رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. Abu Sufyan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was then advised to warn the Makkans against fighting.

Abu Sufyan رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ rushed to Makkah, urging the Quraysh to surrender, declaring safety for those in the Haram, their homes, or his house. His wife, Hind, publicly humiliated him for his stance, but he maintained his position. 

The Prophet ﷺ divided the army into three groups and forbade killing unless attacked, with a few exceptions. A small group of Quraysh, led by Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, attempted resistance but failed. Only 13 to 20 Quraysh were killed, along with two Muslims. Makkah was conquered on 20th Ramadan, 8 AH, with minimal bloodshed.

The Prophet ﷺ entered Makkah humbly, reciting Surah al-Fath in gratitude. He performed tawaf on his camel, using a staff to topple over 350 idols, reciting Surah Al-Isra:81. Inside the Ka'bah, he removed pagan symbols, condemning false depictions of Ibrahim عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ and eradicating all idols.

Short Sermon & General Amnesty

After cleansing the Ka'bah, the Prophet ﷺ stood at its doorstep before a crowd of over 12,000 people, including the Muhajirun, Ansar, and the Quraysh. The Prophet ﷺ delivered a brief khutbah declaring the oneness of Allah and praising Him for fulfilling His promise, aiding His servant, and defeating the enemies. He announced that all practices and claims of Jahiliyyah were now abolished, except for the custodianship of the Ka'bah (sadana) and the provision of water for pilgrims (siqaya). He emphasized that all arrogance and tribal superiority were ended, reminding everyone that they come from Adam, who was created from dust, and recited the verse stating that the most honored people before Allah are those with the most righteousness. 

Turning to the Quraysh, he asked, "What do you think I shall do to you?" They pleaded for his kindness, acknowledging his nobility. In an act of immense mercy, he ﷺ responded, "Go, for you are free. There is no blame on you today," echoing the words of Prophet Yusuf عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ  from Surah Yusuf:92. At this point in time, he ﷺ then tells Bilal ibn Rabah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ to stand on top of the Ka'bah and give the adhan. After delivering the khutbah, the Prophet ﷺ went to Mount Safa, sat down, and received the oath of allegiance from those willing to embrace Islam.

The Prophet ﷺ prayed inside the Ka'bah, possibly before the sermon, in multiple directions. Bilal رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ later pointed out the prayer spots to Ibn Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, establishing the rare Sunnah of praying inside the Ka'bah.

After the conquest of Makkah, Ali رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ suggested to the Prophet ﷺ that the custodianship of the Ka'bah be given to Banu Hashim, but the Prophet ﷺ declined. Instead, the Prophet ﷺ returned the keys to their rightful owner, Uthman ibn Talha رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, citing Quran 4:58. Since then, the keys have remained with his descendants.

The Prophet ﷺ allowed the Khuza'a tribe limited retaliation against Banu Bakr but halted all fighting after Asr, restoring the Haram’s sanctity. When a Khuza'a member later killed a Banu Bakr tribesman, the Prophet ﷺ condemned the act and warned against further bloodshed, clarifying that his temporary permission did not extend beyond that day.

Those Denied Amnesty:

Out of 2,000+ people, 6-9 were initially excluded from amnesty, with only 4 ultimately executed.

1. Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl – Fled initially, but later embraced Islam after realizing the truth—while he was still at sea.. He was pardoned and later died as a martyr.

2. Abdullah ibn Khatal – A former Muslim who murdered a companion and spread anti-Islamic poetry. He sought sanctuary at the Ka'bah but was executed.

3. Miqyas ibn Subaba – Pretended to convert to Islam to avenge his brother's accidental death. He assassinated a Muslim and fled to Makkah. He was captured and executed.

4. Abdullah ibn Sa'd ibn Abi al-Sarh – A former scribe who fabricated lies about the Quran. He sought Uthman’s رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ help, and despite initial silence from the Prophet ﷺ, he was pardoned and later became a righteous governor of Egypt.

5. Two slave girls, Fartanah and Sarah – Female poets who insulted Islam. Fartanah was executed, Sarah was forgiven.

6. Habbar ibn al-Aswad – Attacked Zaynab رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, causing her miscarriage. He later repented and was pardoned.

7. Al-Huwayrith ibn Nuqaydh – Harmed the Prophet’s ﷺ daughters during their migration to Madinah. He was executed.

8. Wahshi – Killed Hamza رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. He later embraced Islam but was asked not to appear before the Prophet ﷺ out of sorrow.

Ultimately, even among the exceptions, most were forgiven, demonstrating the Prophet's ﷺ immense mercy.

Oath of Allegiance

The Prophet ﷺ took the oath of allegiance from the men, then called the women of Quraysh and recited Surah Al-Mumtahanah (60:12) to them. Among them was Hind bint Utbah, disguised in a veil. As the Prophet ﷺ listed the conditions of the oath—including monotheism, avoiding theft, adultery, and child-killing—Hind repeatedly spoke up, sometimes challenging or making sharp remarks. When her identity was revealed, she asked for forgiveness. Umar رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ later took the women's oath on behalf of the Prophet ﷺ .

After the Prophet ﷺ gave the oath of allegiance to the Quraysh, the Ansar felt neglected, fearing Prophet ﷺ might now favor his own people. They murmured that his love for his relatives had overtaken him. Jibril عَلَيْهِ السَّلَامُ informed the Prophet ﷺ of their concerns, so he ﷺ gathered them and addressed their doubts, reaffirming his loyalty: "My life is your life, and my death is your death." Moved by his words, the Ansar wept, sought forgiveness, and the Prophet ﷺ reassured them that he ﷺ accepted their excuse.

New Conversions

Fudala ibn Umayr planned to assassinate the Prophet ﷺ during tawaf but was caught before acting. The Prophet ﷺ placed his hand on Fudala’s chest, and Fudala immediately felt love for the Prophet ﷺ, accepted Islam, and abandoned his plot.

Safwan ibn Umayyah, after Makkah’s conquest, fled intending to drown himself. His cousin Umayr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ secured the Prophet’s ﷺ protection for him and convinced him to return. Safwan returned without accepting Islam, but he later converted after witnessing the Prophet’s ﷺ generosity at Hunayn and recognizing his sincerity.

Suhayl ibn Amr, a senior Quraysh leader, feared retribution after Makkah’s conquest. His son sought the Prophet’s ﷺ protection for him. The Prophet ﷺ reassured the Sahaba that Suhayl would accept Islam upon seeing the truth. Suhayl eventually converted and became known for his charity.

Abu Quhafa, Abu Bakr’s elderly father, accepted Islam after being led to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ showed humility and respect, saying he ﷺ would have visited him instead. Abu Bakr رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, despite his joy, wished Abu Talib had accepted Islam, showing his deep love for the Prophet ﷺ.

Abdullah ibn al-Zab'ari, the official poet of the Quraysh, was a fierce opponent of Islam, frequently composing poetry against the Prophet ﷺ and engaging in poetic duels with Hassan ibn Thabit رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. After the conquest of Makkah, he fled to Najran out of fear but later reflected on Islam and decided to embrace it.

Returning to Makkah, he greeted the Prophet ﷺ with the shahada and expressed deep remorse for his past opposition. The Prophet ﷺ welcomed him, assuring him that Islam erases past sins. Ibn al-Zab'ari رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ spent the rest of his life composing poetry in praise of Islam and the Prophet ﷺ, and was honored with the Prophet’s cloak for one of his poems.

After the Conquest

The Prophet ﷺ stayed in Makkah for 19 days after its conquest. Ali رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ  hoped the Prophet ﷺ would return to the house of Abu Talib, but the Prophet ﷺ clarified that the property had been inherited by non-Muslims and could not be reclaimed. The Prophet ﷺ, without a home, set up a tent in al-Hujun, a symbolic location where the Quraysh had once boycotted the Banu Hashim. This was a place of great adversity for the Prophet ﷺ but now became the site of his victory.

During this time, the Prophet ﷺ prayed qasr (shortened prayers) but did not perform jama' (combining prayers). The Conquest of Makkah led to the embrace of Islam by tribes across the Arabian Peninsula. The victory was seen as a divine sign, and many tribes sent delegations to convert to Islam, signaling a transformation of Arabia into an Islamic region.

Surah al-Nasr, revealed at this time, marked the beginning of the end of the Prophet’s ﷺ life. It indicates that the Prophet ﷺ's mission was reaching its pinnacle, and he was urged to increase worship and seek forgiveness in preparation for his meeting with Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ also took action to destroy idols. Khalid ibn al-Walid رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ  was sent to destroy the idol al-Uzza, and others were destroyed as well. However, a mistake occurred when Khalid رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, unfamiliar with Islamic laws, attacked the Banu Jadhimah tribe after a misunderstanding. The tribe had previously killed Khalid's uncle, and when they saw Khalid's army, they feared revenge. Some of the tribe members mistakenly announced "Saba'na" (meaning they converted to Islam, but it was misunderstood as joining Sabianism). Khalid رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ attacked, leading to unnecessary killings. The Prophet ﷺ, upon hearing this, distanced himself from the actions and sent Ali رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ to resolve the issue with generous blood money.