The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH)

Dhu al-Qi’dah 6AH

In the month of Dhu al-Qi’dah in the sixth year of the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) left Medina with 1,400 Muslims, intending to perform Umrah in Mecca. Upon reaching Hudaybiyyah, he learned that the Quraysh intended to prevent him from entering Mecca.

The Prophet ﷺ sent Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) to Mecca to inform the Quraysh that he did not come for battle. In response, the Quraysh sent Suhayl ibn Amr to negotiate with the Prophet ﷺ , leading to the agreement known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. This event is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Al-Fath, where Allah says,

“Indeed, We have given you a clear conquest” (Quran 48:1).

The Treaty

The terms of the treaty were as follows:

1. The cessation of hostilities between the two parties for a period of ten years.

2. The return of any Qurayshi who embraced Islam to the Muslims without objection from the Quraysh.

3. The Muslims would not return any Qurayshi who sought refuge with them.

4. Tribes were given the choice to enter Mecca with either the Muslims or the Quraysh. Banu Khuza’ah entered with the Muslims, while Banu Bakr entered with the Quraysh.

5. The Muslims would postpone their Umrah to the following year, under the conditions that:

   (a) They would enter Mecca for Umrah unarmed, except for sheathed swords.

   (b) They would enter after the Quraysh had vacated Mecca.

   (c) They would not stay in Mecca for more than three days.

 

The Benefits of the Treaty

The outcomes of the treaty were significant:

1. The Prophetﷺ  was able to focus on the war against the Jews and the conquest of Khaybar.

2. He could dedicate more time to spreading the message of Islam and corresponding with kings and leaders.

3. The Quraysh’s recognition of the Muslims’ strength influenced other Arab tribes.

4. The Muslims gained spoils of war, as mentioned in the Quran:

“Allah has promised you much booty that you will take and has hastened for you this” (Quran 48:20).

5. Some young Quraysh men embraced Islam and were not allowed to stay in Medina. They settled in al-Ays and disrupted trade between Mecca and Syria. Consequently, the Quraysh requested permission from the Prophet ﷺ for them to reside in Medina.

 

Stay tuned for more historical insights into the life of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the early Muslim community! 

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