Upon receiving the news of the Quraysh's breach, the Prophet (PBUH) assured the Banu Khuza’ah of Muslim support. This breach was not just an act of treachery but an opportunity to resolve years of hostility with the Quraysh and establish justice in Makkah, the heart of Arabia.
The Prophet (PBUH) ordered the gathering of a large army, totaling approximately 10,000 men. Despite this significant force, the Prophet (PBUH) was careful to keep his plans confidential. This secrecy was critical to prevent the Quraysh from preparing a counterattack or seeking reinforcements.
The Prophet (PBUH) also made dua, seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for the mission. He wanted to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, aiming for a peaceful entry into Makkah where Islam could be established without force.
In Ramadan of the 8th year of Hijrah, the Muslim army began its march toward Makkah. The journey was marked by a sense of resolve and humility. The Prophet (PBUH) ensured that the march was well-disciplined, with clear orders to avoid harming civilians, damaging property, or desecrating sacred sites.
As the army approached Makkah, the Quraysh grew increasingly anxious. They realized they were unprepared to confront such a formidable force. Abu Sufyan, a prominent leader of the Quraysh, sought to negotiate with the Prophet (PBUH) to prevent complete humiliation.
Abu Sufyan, accompanied by other leaders, met the Muslim army at a camp near Makkah. Upon witnessing the discipline, unity, and sheer size of the Muslim force, he was awestruck. The Prophet (PBUH) treated him with dignity, reflecting the values of mercy and justice central to Islam.
Abu Sufyan was invited to Islam and, after initial hesitation, embraced it, recognizing the truth of the Prophet’s (PBUH) message and the inevitability of the Muslim victory. The Prophet (PBUH), demonstrating his magnanimity, declared that anyone who sought refuge in Abu Sufyan’s house, the Ka’bah, or their own homes would be safe.
On the 20th of Ramadan, the Muslim army entered Makkah with minimal resistance. The Prophet (PBUH) divided his forces into four contingents, instructing them to enter the city from different directions. The strict orders to avoid harm ensured that the conquest was largely peaceful.
The Prophet (PBUH) entered Makkah with humility, his head bowed in gratitude to Allah. This was not a conquest of arrogance but one of submission to Allah’s will. As he entered the sacred city, he recited Surah Al-Fath:
"Indeed, We have given you a clear conquest." (Qur’an, 48:1)
The people of Makkah, who had long opposed him, watched in awe as the Prophet (PBUH) displayed unmatched compassion and restraint.
One of the first acts of the Prophet (PBUH) was to cleanse the Ka’bah of its idols and symbols of polytheism. Accompanied by his companions, he entered the Ka’bah and recited:
"Truth has come, and falsehood has vanished. Indeed, falsehood is bound to vanish." (Qur’an, 17:81)
The idols were removed and destroyed, and the Ka’bah was restored as the House of Allah, dedicated to His worship alone. This act symbolized the triumph of Tawhid (monotheism) over centuries of idolatry.
Standing at the Ka’bah, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed the people of Makkah. He reminded them of their past enmity and the persecution they inflicted upon the Muslims. However, he followed this with a profound question:
"What do you think I will do to you today?"
The people, aware of the Prophet’s (PBUH) merciful nature, responded, “You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.”
The Prophet (PBUH) declared:
"No blame will there be upon you today. May Allah forgive you; He is the Most Merciful of the merciful. Go, for you are free.”
This remarkable act of forgiveness won the hearts of many, including those who had once been staunch enemies of Islam. It demonstrated the Prophet’s (PBUH) unparalleled character and commitment to building a society based on justice and compassion.
The conquest of Makkah marked a turning point in Islamic history. Many of the Quraysh embraced Islam, including some of its most influential figures. The city became a stronghold of Islam, and its significance as the spiritual center of the Muslim world was solidified.
The Prophet (PBUH) remained in Makkah for a short period, ensuring that the city was reorganized under Islamic principles. He established justice, restored the rights of the oppressed, and prepared the community for its role as the custodians of the Ka’bah.