Why did Allah call

the unjust peace treaty of Hudaibiyah
between the Muslims and the disbelievers,

M ANIF EST

VICTORY
compiled by Shawana A. Aziz
References:
Ar-Raheeq ar-Makhtoom by Safi-ur-Rahmaan Mubarakpuri,
The History of Islam by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi,
Tafseer Ibn Katheer, and others.

Published by Quran Sunnah Educational Programs

www.qsep.com
It was about 6th year after the migration in the month of Shawwal that
Allah's Messenger r informed his companions about a dream in which
he r saw the Muslims carrying out the rites of Umrah (lesser
pilgrimage). The Sahabah were overwhelmed with happiness because
they had been away from the House of Allah for six year. They
understood that Allah had fulfilled their desire to perform the
pilgrimage because dreams of the Prophets are true visions and
revelation from Allah.
The Prophet r with 1,400 - 1,500 companions left for Makkah
wearing the Ihram and taking along seventy camels for sacrifice. The
Muslims carried no weapons except a sheathed sword for protection.

The Arab disbelievers neither followed any divine book nor any
messenger but they had immense respect for the House of Allah. It was
part of their tradition to regularly perform Hajj.
In the month of Dhul-Hijjah, Makkah was visited by people
from distant places and were zealously welcomed by the Quraysh.
However, when the news of the Prophet's approaching Makkah
reached Quraysh, they gathered a huge crowd to stop the Muslims –
although they had no right to do so especially since the Muslims
showed no desire to harm them.

- 01 -
When the Muslims arrived at Dhi Hulaifa, the Prophet r sent a man
towards Makkah to inquire about the situation. The man reported that
the road to Makkah was blocked by the slaves of Quraysh and a huge
army had gathered to stop the Muslims. The Prophet r consulted his
companion.

Abu Bakr t said,

"Allah and His Messenger know that we have only come to
perform Umrah and not to fight but if anyone tries to prevent
us from reaching the House of Allah, we will fight them."

All the Sahabah henceforth decided not to fight unless they were
prevented from performing their rites of Umrah.

The Prophet r commanded,

"Go forth, in the Name of Allah, the Exalted."

Nevertheless, the Quraysh had already dispatched Khalid Ibn Waleed

(who was still a disbeliever) with two hundred horsemen to attack the
Muslims during the afternoon prayer without any prior notice. Allah,
the All Wise, revealed the command to perform, 'the prayer of fear' and
thus Khalid could not harm the Muslims.
The Muslims proceeded towards Makkah and halted at the
well of Hudaibiyah. The Quraysh sent delegates to communicate with
the Prophet r, all of whom returned saying that the Prophet r had
come merely to perform the pilgrimage and had no intention to fight.

- 02 -
Allah's Messenger r offered a truce to the Quraysh saying,
"We have not come to fight anyone, but to perform Umrah. So,
if the Quraysh wish, I will conclude a truce with them, during
which they should refrain from interfering between me and
others.

...But if they do not accept the truce, by Allah, in Whose Hands

is my soul, I will fight them defending my cause until I am
killed, but (I am sure) Allah will definitely make His cause
victorious."

One of the delegates of the Quraysh after returning from the Prophet
and witnessing the Sahabah's love and obedience to Allah's Messenger
r expressed,
"O people of Quraysh! I have been to the magnificent royal
courts of Rome and Persia, but nowhere did I witness any ruler
as dear to his people as Muhammad (r) is to his followers.
His Companions have such intense love and high
regard for him that when he performs ablution; they struggle
to collect the used water and they don't let it touch the ground.
If he speaks, everybody listen to him with absolute
attention. Nobody even dares to look straight into his eyes (due
to respect).
They can't leave Muhammad (r) at any cost. Accept
what Muhammad (r) has explained and make truce with him."

The Quraysh however, considered allowing entry to the Muslims into

Makkah as a disgrace and humiliation for the tribe. Negotiations went
on but with no results!

- 03 -
The Prophet r then sent Uthman Ibn Affan t to consult with the chiefs
of the Quraysh. Uthman t assured Abu Sufyan and other chiefs of the
Quraysh that the Muslims would peacefully leave Makkah after
performing the rites of Umrah but the Quraysh refused. Instead, they
offered Uthman t the permission to perform Tawaaf around the
Ka'bah, upon which Uthman t exclaimed,
"How is it possible that I circumambulate
while the Prophet is denied of it!!"

The Quraysh grew furious and held Uthman t back in Makkah while
the Prophet r and the Muslims were lied to that Uthman r was
martyred. The Prophet r declared upon hearing the news,
"We shall not leave this place
without avenging the murder of Uthman."

The Muslims were also enraged because their brother in faith was
unjustly martyred by the disbelievers. They took an oath upon the
hands of Allah's Messenger r to avenge the death of Uthman rt and
not turn away from the battlefield even if death arrived. This pledge is
known 'Bait ar-Ridhwan' (The Oath of Loyalty). Being pleased with the
Sahabah, Allah revealed the verse,
"Verily, those who give pledge to you (O Muhammad r),
they are giving pledge to Allah.
The Hand of Allah is over their hands.
Then whosoever breaks his pledge,
breaks it only to his own harm;
and whosoever fulfills the covenants he makes with Allah,
He will bestow on him a great reward."
[Soorah al-Fath (48): 10]

- 04 -
Jabir t said,
"On the day of Hudaibiyah, we were one thousand and four
hundred. The Messenger of Allah r said to us, "Today, you
are the best people on the earth." [Saheeh Muslim (4811)]

Imam Ahmad recorded that Jabir t said that the Messenger of Allah r
said,
"None among those who gave the pledge under the tree shall
enter Hell-Fire." [Musnad Ahmad (vol. 3, no. 350)]

Scholars mention the incident of 'Bayt ar-Ridhwan' to refute the false

belief that Allah's Messenger r knew the unseen (ghayb). If Allah's
Messenger r had the knowledge of the unseen, 'Bayt ar-Ridhwan'
would not have taken place since Uthman t was neither killed nor
harmed. Rather, he was kept waiting in Makkah by the disbelievers in
order to deceive the Muslims.

Upon seeing the firm determination of the Muslims to die for the
revenge of their brother, their love and loyalty to the Prophet r, the
Quraysh realized that Muslims could not be frightened or driven back
by feeble tricks. Uthman t was returned back and the Quraysh agreed
to make a peace treaty with the Muslims.

- 05 -
Allah says,
"If those who disbelieve had fought against you,
they certainly would have turned their backs; then
they would have found neither a protector or a helper."

Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes,

“(In this verse), Allah gives glad tidings to His believing slaves that had
the idolaters fought the Muslims, Allah would have given victory to His
Messenger and His faithful slaves. Then the army of the disbelievers
would have been defeated and deserted the battlefield.. They would not
have found any helper or supporter because they were fighting Allah,
His Messenger r and his faithful party.

Allah said,
"That has been the way of Allah already with those who
passed away before. And you will not find any change in the
way of Allah."

This is the way Allah deals with His creation; whenever faith and
disbelief meet, Allah gives victory to faith over disbelief, raises the truth
and destroys falsehood. For instance, Allah helped His loyal faithful
supporters during the battle of Badr and they defeated the idolaters,
even though the Muslims were few in number and had very minimal
weapons whereas the disbelievers were huge in number and were
loaded with weaponry." [end quote]

Even today, if the disbelievers seek to harm the Muslims and cause
destruction; the Muslims are required to harbor strong faith in Allah
and trust in Him. Allah will certainly triumph the faith over disbelief.

- 06 -
Suhail Ibn Amr was sent by the Quraysh as a delegate to discuss the
terms of peace treaty. The Prophet r called Ali t to prepare a draft of
agreement.

Ali t started with the words,

'Bismillah ar-Rahmaan ar-Raheem.'
(In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful),

Suhail objected,
'We do not recognize Rahmaan, write, 'Bismika Allahumma' (In
Your Name, O Allah!)' as was their custom.

The Prophet r agreed and said,

'Let it be (as he says)' and then he r dictated, 'This is a peace treaty
agreed upon between Muhammad r, the Messenger of Allah and
Suhail Ibn Amr.'

Suhail objected for a second time,

“Had we witnessed you as the Messenger of Allah, we would not
have turned you away from the House of Allah, nor fought you.
You should write Muhammad Ibn Abdullah (Muhammad r, the
son of Abdullah).”

"I am Allah's Messenger, even if you disbelieve in me," replied the

Prophet and asked Ali t to rub out what he had written.

“By Allah, I cannot do it.” replied Ali t.

- 07 -
The Prophet r in the larger interest of Islam, himself erased the words
and dictated,
"Muhammad r, the son of Abdullah..."

The Prophet r said to Suhail,

"On the condition that you allow us to visit the House so that we
may perform Tawaaf around it."

Suhail interrupted,
“By Allah, we will not (allow you to enter Makkah), so as not to give
the Arabs a chance to say that we yielded to your pressure, but we
will allow you next year."

So, the Prophet had that written.

Suhail then said,

“We also lay down the condition that you should return to us
whoever comes to you from us, even if he has embraced your
religion.”

The Muslims protested,

“Glorified by Allah! How can a person be returned to the
disbelievers after he has become a Muslim?”

At this moment, Abu Jandal, the son of Suhail himself - who was put in
chains and severely tortured for accepting Islam - came from the valley
of Makkah and fell down among the Muslims. He showed great desire
to be taken to Medina. Sympathizing with him, the Prophet r and the
Sahabah tried to take him with them.

- 08 -
But Suhail cried,
"To signify that you are faithful to your contract, an opportunity
has just arrived."

The Prophet r said,

"But the treaty was not signed when your son entered the camp."

Suhail burst out saying,

"But the terms of treaty were agreed upon.'

On one hand, Abu Jandal was shouting and crying, 'O Muslims! Will I
be returned to the polytheists although I have come as a Muslim?' and
on the other hand, the faithful engagement was also necessary. The
Prophet r wanted to release Abu Jandal but he also had to honor his
words. He r consoled Abu Jandal and said,
"Be patient, submit yourself to the Will of Allah. Allah will provide
you and your helpless companions relief and means of escape. We
have concluded a peace treaty with them and we have taken the
pledge in the Name of Allah. We, therefore, cannot break the
treaty."

- 09 -
Following were the complete terms of the treaty:

a. The Muslims shall return this year and come back next year to
perform the pilgrimage, and they will not stay in Makkah for
more than 3 days.

b. The Muslims shall not carry any weapons, except a sheathed

sword.

c. War activities will be suspended for ten years, during which both
parties will live in security and not raise the sword against the
other.

d. If anyone from the Quraysh goes over to (Prophet) Muhammad r

without his guardian's permission, he should be returned back
to the Quraysh but anybody of (Prophet) Muhammad's r
followers returns to Quraysh, he will not be sent back.

e. Any tribe of Arabia is free to join the treaty with (Prophet)

Muhammad r or with the Quraysh.

The conditions were unjust but the Messenger of Allah r accepted

them all despite the dislike of the Sahabah y.

- 10 -
Umar Ibn Khattab t said, “I went to the Prophet and said, 'Are you not
truly the Messenger of Allah r?'
The Prophet replied, 'Yes, indeed.'

I asked, 'Is not our cause just and the cause of the enemy unjust?'
The Prophet replied, 'Yes.'

I asked, 'Then why should we be humble in our religion?'

The Prophet r replied, 'I am the Messenger of Allah r and I do not
disobey Him and He will make me victorious."

I asked, 'Did you not tell us that we would go to the Ka'bah and perform
Tawaaf around it?'
The Prophet remarked, 'Yes, but did I tell you that we would visit the
Ka'bah this year?'
I replied, 'No.'
He said, 'So you will visit it and perform Tawaaf around it.'

Umar Ibn Khattab t further relates, “I went to Abu Bakr and said, 'O
Abu Bakr! Is he not truly the Messenger of Allah r?'
Abu Bakr replied, 'Yes.'

I asked, 'Is not our cause just and the cause of the enemy unjust?'
Abu Bakr replied, 'Yes.'

I asked, 'Then why should we be humble in our religion?'

Abu Bakr replied, "O you man! Indeed, he r is the Messenger of Allah
and he does not disobey Allah. He r is on the right path.'

- 11 -
I asked, 'Did he not tell us that we would go to Ka'bah and perform
Tawaaf around it?'
Abu Bakr replied, 'Yes, but did he tell you that you would visit the
Ka'bah this year?'
I said, 'No.'
Abu Bakr remarked, 'You will go to Ka'bah and perform Tawaaf.’”

Umar says, “I performed many good deeds as expiation for the

improper questions I asked them.”

After the peace treaty was signed, Allah's Messenger r said to his
companions, "Get up and slaughter your sacrifices and have you heads
shaved."
One of the Companions of Allah's Messenger r relates, ‘By
Allah none of them stood up although the Prophet r repeated his order
thrice. When none of them stood up, he r left them and went to Umm
Salamah (radhi allahu anha) (the Prophet's wife) and told her about the
people's attitude. Umm Salamah said, 'O Prophet of Allah! If you want
your order to be carried out, go out and don't say a word to anybody
until you have slaughtered your sacrifice. (then) Call your barber to
shave your head.'
The Messenger of Allah r did as Umm Salamah suggested.
Seeing the Messenger of Allah r, the companions slaughtered their
sacrifices and began shaving the heads of one another. There was so
much of a rush and sadness that there was a danger of killing each
other...”

- 12 -
The Fulfillment of Prophet's Dream
“Indeed, Allah shall fulfill the true vision
which He showed to His Messenger in very truth.
Certainly, you shall enter al-Masjid al-Haraam,
if Allah Wills, secure, (some) having your heads shaved,
and (some) having you hair cut short, having no fear.”
[Soorah al-Fath (48): 27]

During the month of Dhul-Hijjah in the seventh year of Hijrah, the

Prophet r accompanied by those who were with him at Hudaibiyah
moved on to Makkah reciting the Talbiyah aloud.

The leaders of the disbelievers - out of rage and anger - departed

Makkah so that they would not have to look at the Prophet and his
companions while the rest of the people assembled on the pathways
and house roofs to scrutinize the Prophet r and his companions.

Abdullah Ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhuma) said,

“When Allah's Messenger and his companions came to Makkah,
the fever of Yathrib (al-Medina) had weakened and troubled the
Muslims. The idolaters spread the gossip that a group of people,
who had been weakened by the fever of Yathrib, were coming to
them.
...Allah conveyed the rumours of the idolaters to His Prophet r
what the idolaters rumored. He r thus ordered his companions to
run in the first three rounds (i.e., Tawaaf around the Ka’ba)so that
the idolaters witness their strength...

- 13 -
 The Prophet r also ordered them to walk normally between the
two corners because the idolaters were unable to see them
between the two corners.”

Abdullah ibn Abbas (radhi allahu anhuma) remarked,

“The Prophet r did not order the companions to run in all the
rounds of Tawaaf out of compassion.

(Seeing the companions run in the first three rounds), the idolaters
exclaimed, 'Are these the people whom you claim are weakened by the
fever. They are stronger than so and so!'” [Saheeh Muslim]

- 14 -
A Manifest Victory
After signing the peace treaty of Hudaibiyah, on the way back to
Medina, Allah declared the peace treaty of al-Hudaibiyah, 'A Manifest
Victory,'

$ !
“Verily, We have given you a manifest victory.”
[Soorah al-Fath (48): 1]

Upon the revelation of this verse, Allah's Messenger r proclaimed,

“Tonight, a verse has been revealed to me that is dearer to me
than all what the earth carries.” [Musnad Ahmad]

Imam Ibn Katheer (rahimahullah) writes in the Tafseer of the verse,

“Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers
when they gave the pledge to you under the tree,
He knows what was in their hearts,
and He sent down as-sakeenah (serenity) upon them,
and He rewarded them with a near victory.”
[Soorah al-Fath (48): 18]

“(the above verse is) in reference to the goodness that Allah, the
Exalted, caused to happened to the companions on account of the
peace treaty (of Hudaibiyah) between them and the disbelieving
enemies. The companions gained abundant, general and continuous
benefits and accomplishments leading to the conquest of Khaybar,
Makkah and the various surrounding provinces and areas. They
earned tremendous glory, triumphs and honor in this life and in the
Hereafter...” [end quote]

- 15 -
The wisdom behind Allah's calling the peace-treaty of Hudaibiyah, 'A
Manifest Victory' revealed shortly...

! According to the terms of the treaty, the Quraysh showed no interest

in the religion of the people outside Makkah. The Muslims thus had
the opportunity to openly and freely call people to Islam and preach
the faith.
Within two years, double the number of people entered Islam
than ever before. When Allah's Messenger r returned back to
Medina after the peace treaty, he had only 1,400-1,500 companions
with him - But two years later, he returned back to liberate Makkah
with 10,000 men.

! The most objectionable unjust condition laid down by the Quraysh -

that the Muslims should return back whoever comes to them from
the Quraysh, even if he has embraced Islam - was later on terminated
by the Quraysh themselves because this condition that was
seemingly in favor of the Quraysh became a source of destruction for
the disbelievers and a blessing for the Muslims!!
Abu Bashir t after declaring Islam escaped from Makkah and
reached Medina for shelter, the Quraysh sent two men to bring him
back. On the way, Abu Bashir said to one of the men, 'Your sword
appears to be of the highest quality.’
Hearing this, another guard unsheathed the sword and began
admiring it. Abu Bashir said, 'Let me see the sword.' Without the least
concern, the man handed over the sword to Abu Bashir, who struck
the guard so hard with the sword that his head fell on the ground. The
other guard fled towards Medina and Abu Bashir followed him.

- 16 -
 When he reached the Prophet r, he said, 'Your obligation is over and
Allah has freed you from it. You duly handed me over to the men and
Allah has rescued me from them.’

The Prophet r remarked,

'He would have kindled a war if there had been others with him.'

Abu Bashir t knew he would be handed over to the disbeliever again if

he stayed back, so he thus fled Medina. Upon hearing about Abu
Bashir's escape, Abu Jandal Ibn Suhail too joined him and similarly all
those who embraced Islam in Makkah, joined the group. It was
impossible that the Muslims would ever leave the blessing of Islam or
become apostates after suffering hardships and openly declaring
Islam.
Allah thus, caused the Muslims in Makkah to escape the
disbelieving pagans, just as Allah's Messenger r had consoled Abu
Jandal t saying, "Be patient, submit yourself to the Will of Allah. Allah
will provide you and your helpless companions relief and means of
escape…”
The group of Abu Bashir t grew so strong that they soon
began intercepting the caravans of Quraysh in revenge. The situation
grew so worse and out of control that the Quraysh requested Allah's
Messenger r to terminate the relevant condition, and asked him to
send for the group of Abu Bashir to join the Muslims in Medina.

- 17 -
! The conquest of Makkah, two years later, was also a fruit of the peace
treaty. The Quraysh did not keep up with the terms of the peace
treaty and along with Banu Bakr (who had joined the Quraysh in the
peace treaty) attacked Banu Khuza'ah (who had joined Allah's
Messenger r in the peace treaty). When Allah's Messenger r was
informed, he r gathered the Muslims and approached Makkah. Allah,
the Exalted, granted Fath al-Makkah (Conquest of Makkah) to the
Muslims.

We thus, understand the words of Abdullah Ibn Mas'oud t and other

companions, who said,

"You consider the conquering of Makkah

to be al-Fath (the victory),
while to us, al-Fath is
the treaty conducted at Hudaibiyah.”
[Ibn Katheer]

- 18 -
Lessons from the peace treaty
The peace treaty of Hudaibiyah is a realistic example which teaches us
that a believer must always expect good from Allah and trust His
Decision with regard to every aspect of life. Allah has promised that if
the believers show reliance in their Lord, then Allah will suffice them,

“Whoever trusts in Allah, will find Him sufficient.

Verily, Allah will accomplish His purpose.”
[Soorah at-Talaq (65): 3]

It is beyond human understanding to completely comprehend the

Divine Wisdom behind every situation because our knowledge is
limited only to the apparent event. Allah Alone knows how things will
turn out in the end, and how it will benefit the slave. So, a situation
which appears to be evil may lead to many favorable benefits. Allah
says in the Qur'aan,

“…it may be that you dislike a thing which is good for you
and that you like a thing which is bad for you.
Allah knows (what is best for you) and you do not.”
[Soorah al-Baqarah (2): 216]

The treaty of Hudaibiyah resulted in great goodness, even though the

Sahabah disliked the treaty. Allah says,

“He knew what you knew not,

and He granted besides that a near victory."
[Soorah al-Fath (48): 27]

- 19 -
meaning, Allah knew the benefits of turning you away from Makkah
and preventing you from entering it, He knew that which you had no
knowledge of, "...and He granted besides that a near victory." [See Ibn
Katheer]

If Allah had willed, he would have defeated the disbelievers as Allah

says next,

"...to Allah belong the armies of the Heavens and the earth."

but for His Great Wisdom, Allah willed for the peace treaty to be
established.
"Allah is Ever All-Knower, All-Wise."

Allah further mentions some reasons behind the peace treaty, He said,

"(so) that He may admit the believing men

and the believing women
to Gardens under which rivers flow to abide therein forever.
And He may expiate from them their sins...
And that He may punish the hypocrite men and women,
and also the idolaterous men and women,
who think evil thoughts about Allah,
for them is a disgraceful torment.”
[Soorah al-Fath (48): 5]

- 20 -