In the sixth year after the Hijrah, the Prophet (PBUH) had a vision in which he and his companions entered the sacred precincts of the Ka’bah, performing their rituals unharmed. This vision filled the Muslims with hope and determination to visit their homeland, from which many had been exiled for years.
The Prophet (PBUH) announced his intention to perform Umrah and invited his companions to join him. A group of approximately 1,400 Muslims responded, eager to journey to Makkah. They traveled unarmed, carrying only their personal belongings and animals for sacrifice, a clear indication that their mission was one of peace and devotion.
When news of the Muslims' approach reached Makkah, the Quraysh were alarmed. They could not accept the idea of Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers entering their city, even for peaceful purposes. Determined to prevent them from performing the pilgrimage, the Quraysh dispatched a force to block the Muslims’ path.
The Prophet (PBUH) and his companions halted at Hudaybiyyah, a location near Makkah. Here, the Muslims set up camp and awaited further developments.
The Prophet (PBUH) sought to avoid confrontation, emphasizing the peaceful nature of their intentions. He sent emissaries to the Quraysh to negotiate a way forward. However, tensions rose when one of the Muslim envoys, Uthman ibn Affan, was delayed in returning. Rumors spread that he had been killed, prompting the Prophet (PBUH) to call his companions to pledge their loyalty under a tree, an act known as Bay’ah al-Ridwan (the Pledge of Ridwan). This pledge demonstrated the Muslims’ unity and readiness to defend their faith.
Eventually, Uthman returned unharmed, and the Quraysh sent their negotiator, Suhayl ibn Amr, to reach an agreement.
The negotiations resulted in a treaty that, at first glance, seemed unfavorable to the Muslims. Its key terms included:
- The Muslims would return to Medina without performing Umrah that year but could return the following year.
- A ten-year truce would be established, ensuring peace between the Quraysh and the Muslims.
- Any Muslim who defected from the Quraysh to Medina without their guardian’s permission would be returned to Makkah, but the reverse would not apply.
- Arab tribes were free to ally with either the Quraysh or the Muslims.
Although many of the companions felt disheartened by these terms, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) saw the treaty as a significant victory. His farsightedness recognized the long-term benefits of peace, which would allow Islam to spread without the constant threat of war.
The Muslims returned to Medina, honoring the terms of the treaty. On the way back, Surah Al-Fath (The Victory) was revealed, affirming the treaty’s significance and comforting the believers with Allah’s promise of triumph:
“Indeed, We have given you, [O Muhammad], a clear conquest.” (Surah Al-Fath: 1)
This divine reassurance bolstered the Muslims’ faith in their leader and their mission.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah marked a turning point in the Islamic mission. The peace it established allowed the Prophet (PBUH) to focus on spreading Islam to neighboring regions. Many tribes, impressed by the Muslims’ conduct and principles, began embracing Islam.
Within two years of the treaty, the balance of power shifted dramatically. The Quraysh’s dominance weakened, while the Muslim community grew in strength and numbers. The treaty also demonstrated the Prophet’s commitment to peace and his skill as a leader, capable of prioritizing long-term benefits over immediate emotions.