The Treaty of Hudaibiya – A clear victory for the Muslims

The Treaty of Hudaibiya – A clear victory for the Muslims

 

One after the other two, three persons came from the Quraish but matters did not progress.  Then a person named Suhail bin ‘Amr came.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) remarked:  Now matters have been made easy (Sahl) for you.  Suhail said:  You and us, let us make a pact.  The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) accepted this.  Then points of the treaty were discussed.

 

On the command of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), Hadhrat ‘Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) prepared the treaty:  These are the conditions on which the Quraish and Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) have agreed.

 

Suhail took offense to this and said:  By Allah!  If we were sure that You are the Prophet of Allah, we would neither have stopped You from the house of Allah nor would we have fought with You.  Thus, “Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah” should be written.

 

The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) said:  I am Muhammad, the Prophet of Allah as well as Muhammad, the son of ‘Abdullah.

 

The respect of Hadhrat ‘Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)

 

Hadhrat ‘Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) was not only highly obedient to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) but also had absolute respect for Him.  Due to his absolute respect, Hadhrat ‘Ali (May Allah be well pleased with him) didn’t dare rub the words “the Prophet of Allah.”  When he found himself unable to do so, he told the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam):  O Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam)!  I am not one of those who can rub it off.

 

The Prophet acknowledged his reverence and Himself rubbed off the said words.  Then “Muhammad bin Abdullah” was written.  (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 4729; Subul Ul Huda War Rashaad, Vol. 5, Pg. No. 53/55)

 

The conditions of the treaty of Hudaibiyah

 

The conditions in the treaty were as follows:

 

There would be no fighting between the Muslims and the Quraish for the next 10 years.

 

Muslims should return that year, but can come the next year.  However, they cannot reside for more than 3 days.

 

Except swords, no other weapon should be brought and the swords should be sheathed.

 

From among the Muslims who had been residing in Makkah, none can be taken.  If any Muslims want to reside in Makkah, they should be allowed to do so.

 

If any Muslim or non-Muslim goes to Madina, that person will be returned, but if any Muslim comes to Makkah from Madina, that person will not be returned.

 

The clans of Arabia will have the freedom to become allies of any other clan and to make agreements with anyone.

 

This treaty is apparent unfair to Muslims, but in fact it was a great victory for Muslims.  A divine revelation came:

 

(O Esteemed Beloved!) Surely, We decreed for you a clear victory (and the dominance of Islam so that your great struggle might be completed with success).  Surah Fath (48:01)

 

Due to this treaty, the non-Muslims could become socially close to the Muslims.  They had the chance to observe the lifestyle and the character of the Companions.  This treaty was nothing but a prelude to the victories of Muslims.