🤝 The Treaty of Hudaybiya: The Clear Victory

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📅 Introduction and the Prophet's ﷺ Vision

﴿ Indeed, We have granted you a clear victory ﴾
— [Surah Al-Fath: 1]

In the sixth year of Hijra, the Prophet ﷺ saw in a dream that he was entering Mecca for 'Umra with his companions.

The True Vision

📜 Scene:

The Prophet ﷺ woke up and informed his companions:

"I saw that I was entering the Sacred House with my companions, safely, with our heads shaved or hair shortened."

The companions were overjoyed, for they had not seen the Ka'ba in years!

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

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🕋 Departing for 'Umra

The Ihrâm and Talbiya

📜 Scene:

The Muslims went out in the state of ihrâm, reciting the talbiya for 'Umra, carrying only travelers' swords in their sheaths.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Labbayk Allâhumma labbayk, labbayka lâ sharîka laka labbayk!"

— Source: Sahîh Muslim

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🚫 Quraysh Blocks the Muslims

The Hostile Stance

📜 Scene:

When Quraysh learned of the Muslims' departure, they sent Khâlid ibn al-Walîd at the head of 200 cavalry to stop them.

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Woe to Quraysh! War has consumed them. What would it cost them to leave me free to deal with the rest of the Arabs?"

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

The Alternative Route

Some companions suggested a rugged path through the mountains. The Muslims took it until they reached Hudaybiya.

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🐪 The Prophet's ﷺ Camel Kneels

Al-Qaswâ' Stops

📜 Scene:

When they arrived at Hudaybiya, the Prophet's ﷺ camel (al-Qaswâ') knelt down and refused to move.

People said: "Al-Qaswâ' is being stubborn!"

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Al-Qaswâ' is not being stubborn, that is not her nature. But the One who held back the elephant has stopped her!"

Meaning: Allah, who prevented the people of the elephant from entering Mecca, stopped her here for a wisdom.

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

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🕊️ The Negotiations

Delegations Exchanged

The Companions' Attitude Toward 'Urwa

📜 Scene:

'Urwa ibn Mas'ûd came to negotiate and noticed something remarkable:

Whenever the Prophet ﷺ spat, his companions rushed to collect his saliva!
When he made ablution, they fought over the water of his ablution!
When he spoke, they lowered their voices!
They did not stare at him out of reverence!

'Urwa returned to Quraysh and said:

"O people of Quraysh! By Allah, I have been sent to kings—to Chosroes, Caesar, and the Negus. By Allah, I have never seen a king whose subjects venerate him the way Muhammad's companions venerate Muhammad!"

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

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🌳 The Pledge of Ridwân (Good Pleasure)

The Reason for the Pledge

📜 Scene:

The Prophet ﷺ sent 'Uthmân ibn 'Affân رضي الله عنه to negotiate with Quraysh.

'Uthmân was delayed, and a rumor spread that he had been killed!

The Prophet ﷺ gathered his companions under a tree and said: "We will not leave until we confront these people!"

The companions pledged to die for him, and the Prophet ﷺ placed his hand over his other hand saying: "This is for 'Uthmân."

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

The Merit of the Pledge

﴿ Certainly Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree ﴾
— [Surah Al-Fath: 18]

The Prophet ﷺ said: "None of those who pledged under the tree will enter the Fire." — Source: Sahîh Muslim

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📜 The Terms of the Treaty

The Negotiator: Suhayl ibn 'Amr

Suhayl ibn 'Amr came to negotiate on behalf of Quraysh, and the following was agreed:

Writing the Document

📜 Scene:

The Prophet ﷺ dictated to 'Alî: "Bismillâh ar-Rahmân ar-Rahîm..."

Suhayl said: "We do not know this! Write: Bismika Allâhumma."

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Write: Bismika Allâhumma."

Then he dictated: "This is what Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, has agreed upon..."

Suhayl said: "If we knew you were the Messenger of Allah, we would not have stopped you! Write: Muhammad ibn 'Abdillâh."

Some companions became angry, but the Prophet ﷺ said: "Erase it, O 'Alî."

'Alî said: "By Allah, I will not erase it!"

The Prophet ﷺ took the document and erased it himself.

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

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💔 The Return of Abû Jandal

The Most Difficult Moment

📜 Scene:

While the treaty was being written, Abû Jandal, son of Suhayl, arrived dragging his chains, having escaped from his father's prison!

He fell at the Prophet's ﷺ feet crying: "O Muslims! Will I be returned to the polytheists who torture me for my religion?!"

Tears flowed from the companions' eyes...

Suhayl said: "This is the first thing I demand of you! You must return him to me!"

The Prophet ﷺ said with pain: "O Abû Jandal, be patient and hope for reward. Allah will grant you and those with you a way out and relief."

— Source: Sīra of Ibn Hishām

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🔍 Why Was the Treaty a Victory?

The Companions' Anger

📜 Scene:

'Umar came to the Prophet ﷺ angrily:

"Are we not upon the truth and they upon falsehood? Are not our dead in Paradise and theirs in the Fire? Then why do we accept humiliation in our religion?"

The Prophet ﷺ said: "I am the Messenger of Allah. I do not disobey Him, and He is my supporter."

'Umar said: "Did you not tell us that we would go to the Sacred House and perform tawâf?"

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Did I tell you that you would go this year?"

'Umar said: "No."

The Prophet ﷺ said: "Then you will go and perform tawâf around it."

— Source: Sahîh al-Bukhârî

The Fruits of the Treaty

🌟 Just two years later:

More people entered Islam than in all the previous years combined! And in year 8, Mecca was conquered with ten thousand Muslims!

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💡 Lesson Summary

🌟 To Reflect:

What seemed to the companions like defeat, Allah called a clear victory. Sometimes true victory is found in what we think is retreat. Such is the prophetic wisdom that transcends appearances to reach reality.

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✅ Review Questions

1. Why did the Prophet ﷺ and companions go out toward Mecca?
2. What did 'Urwa ibn Mas'ûd notice about the companions?
3. What was the cause of the Pledge of Ridwân and what is its merit?
4. Name three terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiya?
5. Why did Allah call the treaty a clear victory?

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In the next lesson: The Battle of Khaybar — The End of the Jewish Threat ⚔️