Events & Terms of Treaty of Hudaibya

“Surely we have granted you a clear victory.”

(Al-Fath -48:1)

Write about the events surrounding the Treaty of Hudaibya and the main terms in it. 

Dream to Visit the Kaaba

In 6 A.H, 628 AD, the Prophet (S.A.W) himself saw a dream of his visit to the Kaaba. The next day, Prophet (S.A.W) ordered his companions to prepare for the journey. Simultaneously, the Arabs living around Madinah were invited to join them on this journey. However, they were doubtful about going into the stronghold of the Quraish.

Allah says, “Allah indeed fulfilled the vision for His Messenger with truth, you shall certainly enter the Sacred Mosque if Allah pleases in security.” (Al-Fath 48:27)

Set Out for Pilgrimage

In the year 628 A.D, in the month of Dhul Qadah, The Prophet (S.A.W) set out from Madinah for hajj along with 1400 Muhajireen and Ansar. They were in the state of Ihram. All were unarmed except for an unsheathed sword for self-defence. Their sole aim was the pilgrimage, so they just took sacrificial animals with them.
On the contrary, Quraish regarded this as a tactical move of the Prophet (S.A.W) and decided to block their entry to Makkah. For this purpose, a cavalry was dispatched under the command of Khalid bin Walid and Ikrima bin Abu Jahl to watch the movements of Muslims closely. They intended to attack when Muslims were performing their Zuhr (Noon) prayer.

At that time, Prophet S.A.W received revelation; Muslims would not to pray in a single congregation, so Salaah Al- Khauf was performed. One group of Muslims was to pray while others stood guard. Then those who had stood guard would pray while the others kept watching. In this way, Khalid bin Walid and his men missed the chance to attack.

Negotiation Between Quraish & Muslims

The Prophet (S.A.W) did not have any intention to fight. Therefore, he avoided the main route of Makkah and led the Muslims towards a less frequented road to a place called Hudaibya, which was a few miles away from Makkah. The Quraish were determined to fight rather than allow the Muslims to enter Makkah. The Prophet (S.A.W) decided to send a messenger to Makkah, but unfortunately, Quraish mistreated him, and he did not return. Next, He (S.A.W) sent ‘Uthman ibn Affan (R.A) who had a powerful family to protect him in Makkah. Uthman ibn Affan was detained for a long time, as a result, a rumour spread among Muslims that he was murdered.  

Bayt al Rizwan

In this critical situation, Mohammad (S.A.W) realized that the Quraish were more interested in spilling Muslims’ blood rather than peace. Thus, Prophet (S.A.W) called his companions to take a pledge to fight and avenge the blood of Uthman (R.A). The Prophet (S.A.W) stood and extended his hand so that all his followers performed the Baiyt on his hand. This pledge is known as the “Bayt al Rizwan” or the Oath of God’s Pleasure.   

“Allah indeed was pleased with the believers, when they swore allegiance to you under the tree and He knew what was in their hearts, so he sent down peace on them and rewarded them with a clear victory.”

(Al-Fath 48:18)

Nevertheless, Hazrat Uthman (R.A) returned after some time. When the Quraish came to know of this oath of allegiance, they decided not to court war and sent Sohail bin Amr to make peace. Finally, a treaty was signed, which came to be known as The Treaty of Hudaibya. 

Terms of the Treaty of Hudaibya

Firstly, the Prophet (S.A.W) would go back this year with the Muslims without making Umrah but would come to Makkah the next year and stay there for three days.

 Secondly, this truce was to be in effect for ten years. Accordingly, whoever wished to enter a bond with the Prophet (S.A.W) would be permitted to do so. Likewise, anybody could come to a similar agreement with the Quraish. 

Lastly, anyone who fled from Makkah to Madinah would be returned by the Prophet (S.A.W) to the Quraish, but any Muslims who went to Makkah would not be sent back. 

The peace treaty was still in drafting when a new convert, Abu Jandal, the son of Sohail bin Amr reached Hudaibya and requested the Prophet (S.A.W) to protect him from the pagans. Prophet (S.A.W) kept his promise by returning him to Quraish and prayed to God for Abu Jandal.

Umm Salmah’s Advice & Set Out for Madinah

After finalizing the peace treaty, the Prophet (S.A.W) said to his companions to slaughter their animals, but none of them got up. The Prophet (S.A.W) repeated his call thrice, but his words went unheeded. He (S.A.W) then went to Umm Salmah and described the state of affairs to her. She advised the Prophet (S.A.W) to sacrifice his animal and get his head shaved without talking to anybody. The Prophet (S.A.W) did so. The action made the companions take notice, and they followed the Prophet (S.A.W) by sacrificing animals and shaving their heads and setting out for Madinah.

Reasons for the Resentment of Muslims

The Muslims were depressed for two reasons. They had marched out of Madinah intending to perform Umrah, and here they were returning without even having entered Makkah. Next, an unjust term of deportation to return anyone coming over to them from Quraish, while the Quraish were not bound to send back any Muslim who had crossed over to their side. Hazrat Umar (R.A) expressed his concern rather loudly. Yet, the Prophet (S.A.W) reassured him of God’s help.

Overcome of This Agreement

The clan of Banu Khuza sided with the Prophet (S.A.W) in the wake of the recent treaty and ultimately joined hands with the Muslims. On the other hand, their rivals Banu Bakr went to the Quraish side. This treaty lasted for two years only. Later, it was broken by Quraish. 

What lessons Muslims today can learn from the Truce of Hudaibya?  

There are numerous lessons we learn from the Prophet (S.A.W)’s and his followers’ conduct in this truce. The return of Abu Jandal by the Prophet (S.A.W) even when he had not signed the treaty and just agreed on it verbally teaches us the lesson of the accomplishment of the promise and honouring the covenants. 

A true believer always adheres to his words, no matter what the conditions he faces. Hence, whenever Muslims sign a pact with individuals or groups, they should not break it, even in dire circumstances. Although the clauses of the treaty were so against Muslims, they accepted to avoid aggression. It also showed their firm belief that Allah would help them to win over. 

The event of Bayt-e-Rizwan at Hudaibya demonstrates the unity of Muslims. Besides the unfavourable circumstances, Muslims had remained determined to fulfil their dream of performing Umrah.

Migration to Madina

Write about the events of the first year following the Prophet’s arrival in Madina
the significance of these events as an example for Muslims today

Farewell Pilgrimage

Write a detailed account of the farewell pilgrimage of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W)
Prophet’s Farewell Sermon can help Muslim communities today

Write effects/importance of Truce of Hudaibya. 

The terms of the treaty of Hudaibya were humiliating for the Muslims, but in reality, the Hudabiya pact proved highly beneficial for the success of the Prophet (S.A.W)’s mission and the formation of Islam. The Muslims were disheartened by not being allowed to perform Umrah, but later, they received the revelation which filled their hearts with joy. This news was in the form of the conquest of Makkah. So the pact brought home victories for Muslims, i.e. the invasion of Makkah. Allah says, “Surely we have granted you a clear victory.” (Al-Fath-48:1)

Prestige of Madinah

Undoubtedly, the pact gave rise to the prestige of Madinah. As by this pact, the Quraish formally accepted the sovereign status of Madinah. Whereas the two states of Makkah and Madinah became equal in the eyes of Bedouine tribes. As a result of this, many tribes became allies of Madinah. 

Quraish Had Become Neutral 

The settlements with Makkans brought the invasion of Khyber to Muslims. Since the Quraish had become neutral in the struggle between the Jews and Muslims, Muslims attacked the Jewish settlement of Khyber, which had become the hub of conspiracies against them and invaded it with ease.

Prominent People Converted to Islam

After this truce, there was no longer a state of war between Makkah and Madinah. Many Makkans came to Madinah and mingled with the masses. Thus, many influential people converted to Islam like Hazrat Hamza, Khalid bin Walid (R.A) and Hazrat Amr bin -A’as (R.A).

Islam Spread Globally

At last, there was peace now between the two states, and the threat of Khyber had also perished. Consequently, Prophet (S.A.W) could put across his message to Abyssinia, Bahrain, the Roman and Persian Empires, Oman, Damascus and Yamamah. In this way, Islam spread internationally as a result of the pact of Hudaibya.

Disadvantageous Clause

The disadvantageous clause of the pact for Muslims caused much disappointment among them that was excluded later, on the demand of Makkans. It was possible due to the Prophet (S.A.W)’s fulfilment of the promise to return the Makkah escapees, and they managed to threaten the Makkan’s trade caravans. Consequently, the Quraish leaders asked the state of Madinah to accept the escapees. 

Suggest reasons for the disappointment of Muslims regarding this pact.

Firstly, the Hudaibya pact that was agreed upon by both sides was overall disfavouring the Muslims, especially the extradition clause. It was unjust and one-sided that only favoured the Quraish.

Secondly, Muslims who were thrilled and excited about performing the Umrah in the House of Allah got disheartened when they weren’t permitted to perform Umrah that year. They would have to return to Madinah even though their beloved city was in plain sight. 

Thirdly, they were upset by the refusal of Quraish to recognize Mohammad (S.A.W) as the Prophet of Allah on the actual document.

Lastly, the refusal of writing Tasmiya (In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful) on the pact document also caused displeasure in them. Instead, the Quraish wrote, “In the name, O God.”