Breach of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah by the Quraysh 

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, meant to ensure peace for ten years between the Muslims and the Quraysh, faced a significant breach just two years after its establishment in 630 AH. This violation was a result of the treachery of the Quraysh and their allies.

The Quraysh’s Ally Banu Bakr’s Treachery

The Banu Bakr, allies of the Quraysh, attacked and killed members of the Banu Khoza’s, who were allied with the Muslims. The Quraysh not only supported this attack but actively fueled it by providing weapons and backing the Banu Bakr. Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl, a prominent Quraysh leader, played a direct role in this betrayal.

The Banu Khoza’s sought justice and protection from Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), who was bound by the terms of the treaty to defend his allies. The Prophet (ﷺ) sent an envoy to the Quraysh with three options:

1. Provide fair compensation to the Banu Khoza’s.
2. Sever ties with the Banu Bakr.
3. Accept the annulment of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.

Driven by their hostility toward Muslims, the radical Quraysh chose to nullify the treaty, setting the stage for conflict.

Consequence of Violating the Treaty & Abu Sufyan’s Efforts

Realizing the consequences of nullifying the treaty, Abu Sufyan, the Quraysh leader, attempted to salvage the situation through diplomatic efforts and by appealing to the Muslims in Madinah.

• Abu Sufyan’s Visit to Umm Habiba (RA):
  Abu Sufyan first started his efforts by approaching his daughter, Umm Habiba (RA), the wife of the Prophet (ﷺ). However, she refused to let him sit on the Prophet’s (ﷺ) bed. Abu Sufyan asked the reason for this, she said: “I do not like it that an unholy polytheist should sit on this sacred bed.”

Angered by his daughter’s behavior and words, Abu Sufyan left there and went to meet the Prophet (ﷺ) in the Masjid-–un—Nabi with the proposal to uphold the treaty. But the Prophet (ﷺ) did not respond to his proposal.

• Appeals to the Companions: Being rejected Abu Sufyan sought support from senior companions of the Prophet (ﷺ), including Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Ali (RA), and Hazrat Fatima (RA). All declined to intercede with the Prophet (ﷺ) on his behalf. Hazrat Umar (RA) harshly rejected him, while Hazrat Ali (RA) advised him to leave Madinah quickly and publicly announce the treaty’s validity to avoid further consequences.

Public Announcement: In a desperate move, Abu Sufyan made a public declaration in Madinah at the premise of Masjid—un—Nabi affirming the treaty. Despite his efforts, the Prophet (ﷺ) did not respond, and Abu Sufyan returned to Makkah in fear of the inevitable.

Preparations for the Conquest of Makkah

The Prophet (ﷺ) began meticulous preparations for a military campaign to address the Quraysh’s betrayal. His primary goal was to capture Makkah with minimal bloodshed.

• The Aim and Significance of the Makkah Campaign

This campaign aimed to liberate the Ka’ba, the sacred house of Allah, from the clutches of idolatry. For centuries, the Quraysh had turned the holy site into a center for idol worship. By the will of Allah (SWT), the Ka’ba was about to be freed from their hand and restored as a place of monotheistic worship of the one and only Allah.

The violation of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the subsequent preparations for the conquest of Makkah marked a turning point in Islamic history, paving the way for the eventual unification of Arabia under Islam.

• Commitment to Allies: The Prophet (ﷺ) upheld the terms of the treaty of Hudaybiyyah by defending the Banu Khuza’a, demonstrating the importance of loyalty and justice in Islam.
• Strategic Leadership: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) emphasis on secrecy and strategic planning ensured the successful mobilization of a large army without alerting the Quraysh.

Secrecy and Strategy of the Preparation

With aim of avoiding possible bloodshed in the Holy City of Makkah the Prophet (ﷺ) maintained strategy of secrecy:

1. The Prophet (ﷺ) kept the destination of the campaign confidential.
2. He mobilized 10,000 soldiers from various tribes around Madinah, ensuring the army was well–equipped.

Hazrat Hatib’s (RA) Letter to Quraysh of Makkah:

Hazrat Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah (RA), a companion of the Prophet (ﷺ) out of concern for his family in Makkah, sent a secret letter informing the Quraysh of the Muslims’ plans.

• A slave girl named Sarah was tasked with delivering the letter.
• Through divine revelation, the Prophet (ﷺ) learned of this and dispatched Hazrat Ali (RA) and Hazrat Zubair (RA) to intercept Sarah and retrieve the letter.

The revelation about Hatib’s letter highlighted Allah’s protection over the Muslim community and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding its interests. The Qur’anic verse revealed regarding this incident warned the believers against forming secret alliances with the enemies of Islam:

“O you who believe, do not take My enemies and your enemies as friends. You send them messages of friendship, while they deny the truth that has come to you. They expel the Messenger and you, because you believe in your Lord…” (Surah Al–Mumtahina, 60:1)

• Hatib’s Explanation and Forgiveness: When questioned, Hatib (RA) admitted his mistake, explaining that his actions were motivated by his desire to protect his family, not betrayal.

• • Despite Hazrat Hatib’s (RA) mistake, the Prophet (ﷺ) showed mercy, recognizing his sincerity and past contributions to Islam.

 The Journey towards Makkah

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) embarked on the journey to Makkah with strategic precision, prioritizing secrecy and minimizing the potential for bloodshed. To uphold the sanctity of Makkah, he tried to keep the confidentiality of the campaign so that the Quraysh couldn’t get the chance of bloody retaliation, rather surrender peacefully.

• Initially, he took a different route on the opposite direction of Makkah, and advanced for some distance.
• Then he suddenly changed course and rushed towards Makkah without the notice of the Quraysh.
• He warned everyone and announced the Makkah campaign so that there would be no unwanted bloodshed.

The Camp at Nayq al–Uqab

Under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) a large Muslim army of 10,000 Mujahid devotees were moving toward Makkah. Finally, they reached a place called Nayq al–Uqab near Makkah and set up camp there. At night, the soldiers lit massive bonfires, catching the attention of the Quraysh in Makkah. Alarmed and seeking information, several Quraysh leaders, including Abu Sufyan, Bodayl ibn Warqa, and Hakim ibn Hamza, approached the area.

• Hazrat Abbas’s (RA) Visit to Muslim Camp:

The Prophet’s uncle Hazrat Abbas (RA) visited Muslim camp and met the Muslim army and the Prophet (ﷺ). Seeing the large Muslim army gathering, he became concerned about the fate of the Quraysh and inquired Prophet (ﷺ) what would happen if the Quraysh people sought refuge. The Prophet (ﷺ) reassured him and sent him as an envoy to Makkah, granting safety to those who sought refuge in specific places or individuals.

• Interaction with Abu Sufyan:

Abbas (RA) rode the Prophet’s (ﷺ) white mule and set off towards Makkah. On the way, he met Abu Sufyan and his two companions. From him, Abu Sufyan confirmed that it was the Muslim army. He was stunned by this huge battle array of the Muslims. He sought advice from Hazrat Abbas (RA) on what they should do in this situation. He took Abu Sufyan with him to the Prophet (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) allowed him to be brought there the next morning.

Abu Sufyan Embraced Islam

Hazrat Abbas (RA) brought Abu Sufyan to the Prophet (ﷺ) the next morning. The Prophet (ﷺ) invited him to embrace Islam, emphasizing its truth and the mercy of Allah (SWT).

Initially hesitant, Abu Sufyan eventually accepted Islam, acknowledging the inevitability of Allah’s (SWT) decree. The Prophet (ﷺ) then made a pivotal announcement:

“Abu Sufyan has been given complete security, and those of the people of Makkah who wish to seek refuge in him will also be protected. In addition, those who remain in their homes with their doors closed and those who seek refuge in the Ka’ba will also be protected.”

This declaration highlighted the Prophet’s (ﷺ) commitment to avoiding unnecessary bloodshed and ensuring the peaceful conquest of Makkah.

The Conquest of Makkah

To further minimize resistance, the Muslim army was divided into groups, each led by different commanders, and advanced toward Makkah through separate routes. As a strategy to demonstrate the strength of the Muslim army, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) ordered Hazrat Abbas (RA) to stand by the pass with Abu Sufyan by his side and watch the progress of the Muslim army. This would remove all doubts and conflicts from the minds of the Quraysh leader Abu Sufyan and the people of Makkah about the strength of the Muslim army and no one would dare to resist.

As the Muslim army marched, Hazrat Abbas (RA) stood with Abu Sufyan by the pass, allowing him to witness the might and discipline of the Muslim forces. When the Muslim army divided into different groups was crossing the path one after another, Abu Sufyan was fascinated by the progress of those well–organized army groups. One group, comprising the Muhajirin and Ansar, was led by the Prophet (ﷺ) himself, carrying a green flag and fully armored. Overwhelmed by this sight, Abu Sufyan remarked to Abbas (RA):

“Today, the people of Makkah have no power to resist. The kingdom of your nephew has been established.”

Abbas (RA) corrected him, saying: “Not a kingdom—say that prophethood has been established.”

Abu Sufyan’s Declaration of Security and Surrender

Abu Sufyan returned to Makkah, ran to the top of the mountain and shouted to the people of Makkah, “O Quraysh! No one has the strength to face the fierce Muslim army.”  At the same time, he kept repeating the declaration of security given by the Prophet (ﷺ) and urging the Quraysh to surrender without resistance.

A Peaceful Victory

As the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muslim army entered Makkah, they encountered no organized resistance. It was a moment of immense gratitude and joy for the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Muhajirun, who had been exiled from their homeland years earlier. Their hearts were filled with gratitude to Allah Almighty. They thanked Allah (SWT) for this bloodless victory and the opportunity to restore Makkah as the center of Islamic monotheism.

• The Minor Clash

Despite the goodwill and efforts of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) to ensure a peaceful conquest, and the warnings and security declarations of the Quraysh leader Abu Sufyan, a minor clash occurred. The instigators behind this were three other leaders of the Quraysh namely Safwan ibn Umayya, Suhayl ibn Amr, and Ikrimah ibn Abu Jahl.

1. 1. As the army led by Hazrat Khalid ibn Walid (RA) entered Makkah from the lowlands, they were ambushed with arrows.
   2. The brave Khalid (RA) and his soldiers instantaneously retaliated the attack, killing 13—18 attackers and the rest fled.
   3. Sadly, two Muslim soldiers were martyred by arrows in the clash.

The Prophet (ﷺ) was deeply saddened by this unnecessary bloodshed, which occurred despite his clear instructions for a peaceful entry.

Implications of Conquest Makkah

The conquest of Makkah was not just a military victory but an excellent demonstration of mercy and forgiveness. The profound hardships endured by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his followers due to the oppressive actions of the pagan Quraysh of Makkah left indelible marks on their hearts. The Quraysh’s relentless hostility forced the Muslims to leave their cherished homeland, first seeking refuge in Abyssinia and later migrating to Madinah.

Their suffering during these times was unparalleled; the Quraysh pursued them even in exile, launching attacks and attempting to annihilate them. Instead, the Prophet of mercy Muhammad (ﷺ) did not seek revenge. Rather, he embodied the qualities of patience and compassion.

1. Despite all adversities and enduring years of oppression, humiliation, and exile at the hands of the Quraysh, the Muslims’ faith in Allah (SWT) remained unshaken. They displayed remarkable patience, resilience, and steadfastness in the face of persecution. Their unwavering belief and reliance on Allah (SWT) were tested through numerous trials, yet they never faltered.
2. The conquest of Makkah marked the culmination of the struggles of the believers, symbolizing not only their physical return to their homeland but also the triumph of truth, justice, and monotheism over oppression and falsehood. This event remains a shining example of Allah’s favor upon His steadfast servants.
3. Finally, the divine promise of victory materialized. The conquest of Makkah, achieved without bloodshed, stands as a testament to the mercy and grace of Allah (SWT).

Lessons from the Conquest

1. Strategic Planning: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) foresight and secrecy ensured minimal resistance and loss of life during the campaign.
2. Mercy and Forgiveness: The Prophet (ﷺ) extended safety and protection to the Quraysh, emphasizing Islam’s values of mercy and reconciliation.
3. Unity and Discipline: The organized display of the Muslim army’s strength served as a deterrent, ensuring a bloodless victory.
4. Commitment to Peace: Despite provocations, the Prophet (ﷺ) prioritized a peaceful resolution, demonstrating his dedication to humanity and justice.

The conquest of Makkah marked a turning point in Islamic history, solidifying the Prophet’s (ﷺ) mission and paving the way for the spread of Islam throughout Arabia.

General Amnesty Declared

The Holy Prophet (ﷺ), the embodiment of mercy and forgiveness, was not vengeful or vindictive towards his own people, the Quraysh. Today, with his generosity and greatness, he declared a general amnesty for the oppressive and cruel Quraysh.

Standing at the door of the Ka’ba, the Prophet (ﷺ) addressed the people of Makkah:

“O people of Makkah, how do you expect me to treat you today?”

The people, humbled and expecting leniency, responded:

“You are our kind brother and kind nephew, and very patient.”

The Prophet (ﷺ) declared:

“I will say the same thing that Prophet Yusuf (peace be upon him) said to his brothers: ‘I have no complaint against you today. May Allah Almighty forgive you’.” (Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Hurairah RA).

This generosity and act of forgiveness left a deep impression on the Quraysh and remains a timeless example of magnanimity for humanity.

• Limited Exceptions to Amnesty: However, this amnesty did not cover a handful of criminals whose crimes were unforgivable. While the general amnesty was declared, a few individuals whose crimes were particularly heinous were excluded due to their grievous actions against Islam and the Muslims. Even among these, most were forgiven at the request of the companions of The Prophet (ﷺ) when they sought repentance and embraced Islam. Only four of the death sentences were executed.
• Notable examples include:

1. 1. Hind bint Utbah, the wife of Abu Sufyan, who repented for her revengeful actions of mutilating the body of martyred Hazrat Hamza (RA) during the battle of Uhud and embraced Islam.
   2. Ikrimah ibn Abu Jahl, the son of Abu Jahl, was forgiven when he accepted Islam.
   3. Realization of the Quraysh: The people of Makkah were impressed by the unique greatness and generosity of the Holy Prophet (ﷺ). They could realize the depth of his compassion and love for them. This widespread clemency encouraged the people of Makkah to embrace Islam. They voluntarily dismantled the idols that had been in their homes for generations and submitted wholeheartedly to monotheism.

Removing Idols from the Ka’ba

The Messenger of Tawheed, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), entered the Ka’ba and saw it filled with hundreds of idols, statues, and pictures reflecting the instruments of their superstitious thoughts. The idol of their great god ‘Hubal’ was also kept there. In addition, there were imaginary pictures of the Prophet Ibrahim (AS) engaging in activities like gambling, which were offensive distortions. The carved pictures of imaginary female angels were found there.

Seeing all these, the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) recited the following verse of the Holy Qur’an:

“Say: The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Falsehood was bound to vanish.” (Surah Bani Israel, 17:81)

The Prophet (ﷺ) personally oversaw the removal and destruction of all idols, statues, and images. Among the destroyed idols was the infamous “Hubal,” a central figure in the Quraysh’s idol worship.

The Quraysh stood in front and watched this scene of purification. They realized that these gods had no power to do them any good or harm, and they were not even able to protect themselves.

• Qur’anic Verses Condemning Idolatry: The Qur’an condemns idolatry and underscores the futility of worshiping powerless entities:

• • On the nature of false gods:

“Have you seen (false gods like) Lat. and ‘Uzza And another, the third (goddess), Manat?” (Surah An–Nazm, 53:19—20)

“These are nothing but names which you have devised, by you and your fathers, – for which Allah has sent down no authority (whatever). They follow nothing but conjecture and what their own souls desire! – Even though there has already come to them Guidance from their Lord!” (Surah An–Nazm, 53:23)

“How many gods have they taken besides Him, who create nothing, and are themselves created, and have no power to do good or evil for themselves, and have no control over life, death, or resurrection?” (Surah Al–Furqan, 25:3)

• On the inability of idols to respond:

“Who is more astray than one who worships besides Allah that which will not respond to his call until the Day of Resurrection? They are unaware of their worship.” (Surah Al–Ahqaf, 46:5)

• On the Weakness of created beings:

“O men! Here is a parable set forth! listen to it! Those whom you worship besides Allah could not create a fly, even if they gathered together. And if a fly snatched away anything from them, they could not retrieve it. Both the supplicant and the one invoked are powerless.” (Surah Al–Hajj, 22:73)

These verses emphasize the strength and uniqueness of Allah (SWT), contrasting with the helplessness of idols and idolaters.

Performing the Zuhr Prayer at the Ka’ba:

After purifying the Ka’ba, the Prophet (ﷺ) instructed Hazrat Bilal (RA) to call the Adhan (call to prayer) for Zuhr Standing atop the Ka’ba, Hazrat Bilal (RA) proclaimed the Adhan, signifying the triumph of monotheism.

The Prophet (ﷺ) then led the congregation in prayer, establishing the Ka’ba as the eternal center of Islamic worship.

 Re–establishing the Ka’ba as a House of Worship

During the Prophet’s (ﷺ) two–week stay in Makkah, he permanently destroyed the idols and statues that were the symbols of idolatry and ensured that not only the Ka’ba but also the surrounding areas were purified from idolatry. This act re–established the Ka’ba as the sacred House of Allah, dedicated solely to monotheistic worship. By the will of Allah (SWT), the Ka’ba and the city of Makkah became pure and holy, and monotheism was re–established in its glory.

The Qur’an affirms the Ka’ba’s original purpose as a place of worship for Allah (SWT) alone:

“When Abraham said: My Lord, make this city (Makkah) peaceful and save me and my offspring from idolatry. My Lord! indeed, they have misled many people. So, whoever follows me, then he is of me, and whoever disobeys me, then indeed You are Oft–Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Surah Ibrahim, 14:35– 6)

“When We made the House a place of assembly and peace for mankind, and a place where Abraham stood as a place of prayer, and We commanded Abraham and Ishmael: ‘Purify My House for those who circumambulate it, those who stand, and those who bow and prostrate themselves’.” (Surah Al–Baqarah, 2:125)

The conquest of Makkah restored the Ka’ba to its rightful place as the central sanctuary of Islam, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history.

Legacy of the Conquest of Makkah

1. A Lesson in Mercy and Forgiveness: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) unparalleled clemency paved the way for reconciliation and unity.
2. The Establishment of Monotheism: Idolatry was eradicated, and Makkah became the heart of worship for Allah (SWT) alone.
3. A Model for Justice: The Prophet (ﷺ) balanced mercy with justice, ensuring accountability for unrepentant criminals while embracing those who sought forgiveness.
4. A Beacon for Humanity: The events of the conquest serve as an enduring example of compassion, humility, and faith in action.

This monumental event symbolized not just the victory of the Muslims but the triumph of truth, justice, and the worship of one God.

The End of the Ansar’s Mental Anguish

After the conquest of Makkah, a sense of apprehension arose among the Ansar of Madinah. They feared that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), having returned to his homeland and achieved victory, might choose to stay in Makkah and leave Madinah behind. This thought saddened them deeply, as they had shared years of dedication, sacrifice, and love with the Prophet (ﷺ) during his time in Madinah.

The Prophet (ﷺ), judicious to their feelings, addressed their concerns with profound affection and reassurance. He declared: “May Allah protect us! My life and death will be with you.”

With this firm declaration of his, the Ansar’s thoughts of separation were dispelled and they became calm. His love for Ansars of Madinah will remain as a unique example in the history of Islam:

• This affirmation underscored his unwavering connection to the Ansar and his commitment to Madinah as his chosen home. The Ansar’s anguish was replaced with tranquility, knowing that the Prophet (ﷺ) would remain among them in life and death.
• This moment highlights the unique bond between the Prophet (ﷺ) and the Ansar, whose loyalty and sacrifices played a pivotal role in the founding and spread of Islam.
• It also exemplifies the Prophet’s (ﷺ) compassionate leadership, always mindful of the emotions and well-–being of his followers.

Declaration to Protect the Sanctity of Makkah

Historically, Makkah was considered a sacred city where violence and bloodshed were forbidden. By Allah’s (SWT) command, the sanctity of this city was upheld even during the conquest of Makkah.

The Prophet (ﷺ) tried his best to complete the conquest of Makkah peacefully without bloodshed. Even then, the bloodshed that occurred when some people from the Khoza’ tribe killed a polytheist from the Huzail tribe, was undesirable. This desecrated the sanctity of the newly conquered Haram Sharif. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was very unhappy and paid the blood price for this murder.

While the Prophet (ﷺ) was divinely permitted to temporarily suspend this ban for a just cause, he strongly reaffirmed its sanctity after the conquest. He declared:

“Blood shedding has been completely banned in this city. It is not permissible for those who believe in Allah and the Hereafter to shed blood and cut down trees in the Haram Sharif. It was prohibited before me, and it will be prohibited after me. In the current situation, it was temporarily permitted for me only as a punishment for those who cause trouble. From now on, this prohibition will remain as before.”

This declaration restored Makkah as a safe haven, earning the respect and gratitude of its people.

 Impact of the Conquest of Makkah

The conquest of Makkah was not merely a military victory; it was a spiritual triumph that reshaped the course of history. It demonstrated the transformative power of faith, the enduring values of mercy and justice, and the boundless potential of a community united by monotheism. The event remains a beacon of inspiration, reflecting the Prophet’s (ﷺ) unparalleled leadership and the enduring legacy of Islam.

Some of the great potentials that this conquest opened up for the journey and progress of Islam are described below:

1. Fulfillment of Allah’s Promise: The conquest symbolized the fulfillment of Allah’s promise, as stated in the Qur’an:

وَلَقَدْ سَبَقَتْ كَلِمَتُنَا لِعِبَادِنَا الْمُرْسَلِينَ۝ إِنَّهُمْ لَهُمُ الْمَنصُورُونَ۝ وَإِنَّ جُندَنَا لَهُمُ الْغَالِبُونَ۝

“My word has come true concerning My Messenger and My servants, that they will certainly be helped, and My army will be the victorious.” (Surah As–Saffat, 37:171–173)

2. Triumph of the Truth: It was a victory of truth over falsehood, affirming the eternal message of monotheism: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (ﷺ) is His Messenger.”
3. Islam as a Religion of Peace: The bloodless conquest demonstrated Islam’s emphasis on peace and reconciliation that established Islam as a religion of peace in the world. The Holy Prophet (ﷺ) forgot all the past atrocities of his ferocious enemies, the Quraysh, and declared a general amnesty for them. This magnanimity of his set a unique precedent in the field of forgiveness and moral superiority.
4. Sanctity of the Ka’ba Restored: The Ka’ba was freed from idolatry, restoring its sanctity as a house dedicated to the worship of the one true God, as originally established by the Prophet Ibrahim (AS). But later it was made the center of idol worship by the pagan polytheists. With the conquest of Makkah, this house returned to its original form and regained its purity and sanctity, freed from the corruption of idolatry. Since then, this holy Ka’ba has been considered the Qibla, place of worship and pilgrimage center for the Muslims of the world as a symbol of monotheism.
5. Rapid Spread of Islam: As Ka’ba the pilgrimage center, well-–known throughout Arabia, came under the control of Muslims, the influence of Islam was felt everywhere, and the propagation and expansion of the true religion of Islam throughout the Arabian Peninsula was able to achieve rapid success. The city’s prominence as a pilgrimage center facilitated the propagation of Islamic teachings, unifying the Arabian Peninsula under the banner of monotheism.
6. Foundation of an Islamic Civilization: The conquest laid the groundwork for an Islamic civilization rooted in Qur’anic principles and the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ). It promoted Islam’s sense of peace, equality, and justice, establishing a moral and spiritual framework that guided the Muslim Ummah and influenced societies worldwide.

This victory paved the way for the establishment of a spiritual empire based on the ethics of Islam