Pledge of Ridhwan

At the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah (Sulah Hudaibiyah), the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) sent Hadhrat Uthman as an envoy the Quraish of Makkah.  The people of the clan of Hadhrat Uthman were still in Makkah.  Because of his affluence and because of the support of his clan, Hadhrat Uthman was though highly of by the Quraish of Makkah.  The Quraish said to him:  You may perform Tawaf and perform Umrah.  Hadhrat Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) replied:  I will not perform Umrah without the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).  Then the Quraish stopped him from returning and among the Muslims, the rumor spread that Hadhrat Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him) was martyred.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) took the pledge the allegiance (Ba’yah) from the Sahabah.  Then the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) placed His left hand over His right hand and said: O Allah Ta’ala!  This hand is on the behalf of Uthman and this is the pledge on his behalf as he is in Your and Your Prophet’s obedience.

 

Here an objection is raised that if the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) had the knowledge of the unseen (Ilm Ul Ghaib), then why would He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) take the pledge of allegiance from the Sahabah when the rumor of Hadhrat Uthman’s martyrdom reached them.

 

The answer to this objection is that if the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did not have the knowledge of the unseen, then why did He (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) take the pledge on behalf of Hadhrat Uthman (May Allah be well pleased with him).  This is a clear sign that the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) knew what the truth was.

 

The reason behind this pledge was to show the world that even in a state of destitution, Muslims are ready to sacrifice their lives and possessions for the sake of their religion and their faith.

 

Allah Ta’ala has expressed His pleasure and approval about this pledge.  This is also called the “Ba’yahe-Ridhwan.”

 

Because of this pledge, the enthusiasm of the Muslims to sacrifice everything was doubled and the courage of the Quraish non-Muslims petered out.  On this occasion, Allah Ta’ala revealed this verse

 

Verily those who plight their fealty to thee do no less than plight their fealty to Allah: the Hand of Allah is over their hands: then anyone who violates his oath, does so to the harm of his own soul and anyone who fulfils what he has covenanted with Allah― Allah will soon grant him a great Reward.  Surah Fath (48:10)

 

Allah Ta’ala also says about them:

 

Allah's Good Pleasure was on the Believers when they swore Fealty to thee under the Tree: He knew what was in their hearts and He sent down Tranquillity to them and He rewarded them with a speedy Victory.  Surah Fath (48:18)