Chapter 31: Treaty


In the 6 year of Hijri , Prophet (SAW) saw a dream of doing tawaf of the Kaba in Makkah.

Along with 1500 companions the Prophet (SAW) headed towards Makkah to perform the Umrah.

They were unarmed, in pilgrim clothes and had sacrificial animals with them.

When the Quraysh heard Prophet (SAW) was coming with 1500 men - they sent 200 horsemen to meet them.

The Prophet (SAW) avoided the horsemen - by changing his route into Makkah by pitching up camp at a place called Hudaybiyyah.

The enemy did not want to allow Prophet (SAW) easy entry. To help with the discussions Uthman (RA) was sent to talk to the Quraysh.

The enemy did not want to allow Prophet (SAW) easy entry. To help with the discussions Uthman (RA) was sent to talk to the Quraysh.

A rumour circulated that the Quraysh had killed Uthman (RA). The Prophet (SAW) called his companions to a tree and took a pledge called the Pledge of the Tree - which was to fight to the end.

Later it was clear the rumour was false and Suhayl Ibn Amr came to speak on behalf of the Quraysh with the Prophet (SAW).

A treaty of Hudaybiah was drawn up which said:

1 Peace between Muslims and Quraysh for 10 years.

2 Anyone who leaves Medina and comes to Makkah - they will not be returned but anyone who leaves Makkah without permission and goes to Medina - they will be returned.

3 Anyone who joins with Mohammed will be allowed to do so and the same for the Quraysh.

4 Muslims will not perform Umrah this year - but next year  they would be allowed - for only 3 days.

Ali (RA) wrote the treaty - Suhayl disagreed with the words Bismillah Hir Rahman nir Raheem - he said he did not know who Ar Rahman was.

Suhayl also disagreed with writing Mohammed Rasul Ullah. (Mohammed Messenger of Allah)

Ali (RA) did not want to cross it out - but then Prophet (SAW) asked Ali to show him where it was written and he himself crossed it out - those words were replaced with Mohammed son of Abdullah.

Prophet (SAW) told the companions to shave their heads and to sacrifice the animals.

Some of the companions felt unhappy at the treaty of Hudaybiyyah.