Seerah of Prophet Muhammad 64 - The Treaty of Hudaybiyya - Part 2 - Dr. Yasir Qadhi | 11th Sept 2013

The Quraysh attempted a surprise attack on the Muslim camp at Hudaybiyya with 80 armed men. However, the Muslims, being well-prepared, surrounded them and forced them to surrender without any bloodshed. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) forgave all of them and sent them back to Mecca, demonstrating his desire for peace. This event is mentioned in Surah Al-Fath, verse 24, highlighting Allah's blessing in preventing bloodshed and paving the way for the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, which was a significant victory for the Muslims.

The first envoy was Budayl ibn Warqa, a leader from the tribe of Khuza'a, who acted as a neutral party. He informed the Prophet about the Quraysh's armed presence and their intent to prevent the Muslims from entering Mecca. The Prophet reiterated his peaceful intention, stating he only came to perform Umrah and not to fight. He even offered the Quraysh the option to leave Mecca temporarily for the Muslims to perform Umrah, emphasizing his preference for peace over war. Budayl conveyed this message to the Quraysh, where the wise among them were willing to listen, though some foolish ones dismissed it out of arrogance.

Urwah ibn Mas'ud, a leader from Ta'if, volunteered to negotiate with the Prophet. He tried to dissuade the Prophet by questioning the loyalty of his diverse followers, implying they would abandon him in battle. Abu Bakr responded vehemently to Urwah's insulting remarks about the Muslims' loyalty, demonstrating the sahahab's deep devotion to the Prophet. Urwah also attempted to grab the Prophet's beard, a common gesture of familiarity, but was prevented by the Prophet's nephew, Mughira ibn Shu'ba, who was a close bodyguard.

Upon returning to the Quraysh, Urwah delivered an astonishing report. He described seeing unprecedented reverence for Muhammad among his followers, surpassing that shown to any king or emperor he had ever encountered. He noted how the companions would eagerly collect even the Prophet's saliva or ablution water for blessings and would rush to fulfill his commands with utmost respect and humility, never even looking him directly in the eye. Urwah concluded by advising the Quraysh not to fight the Muslims, warning that their devotion made them an unbreakable force. This account is profoundly significant as it comes from an outsider and highlights the powerful bond between the Prophet and his companions.

The Prophet then sent Khirash ibn Umayya, from the tribe of Khuza'a (a neutral tribe), as his envoy. To emphasize his peaceful intentions, Khirash rode one of the Prophet’s own camels, known to the Quraysh. However, upon his arrival, a mob of Quraysh surrounded him, wounded the camel, and nearly killed Khirash before another individual intervened. This incident showed the Prophet that a direct emissary from his side was necessary, as neutral parties were not sufficient to calm the Quraysh's anger.

Following Khirash's unsuccessful mission, Al-Hulays ibn Alqama, from the tribe of Kinana (known for their respect for sacrificial animals), volunteered to talk to the Muslims. Understanding Al-Hulays's cultural values, the Prophet instructed his companions to display the hundreds of sacrificial animals, decorated as intended for the pilgrimage. Seeing the emaciated camels designated for sacrifice and the Muslims in ihram for Umrah, Al-Hulays immediately turned back to the Quraysh, chastising them for preventing pilgrims and their sacrifices from reaching the Kaaba. His report further eroded the Quraysh's support, causing the Kinana tribe to distance themselves due to the Quraysh's violation of sacred pilgrimage traditions.

With neutral and other tribal envoys failing, the Prophet decided to send a Qurayshi from his side. He chose Umar ibn Al-Khattab, due to his known strength and bravery, for this dangerous mission into Mecca. Umar initially expressed concern, acknowledging his well-known animosity towards the Quraysh and lack of tribal protection in Mecca. He suggested Uthman ibn Affan would be a better choice due to Uthman's closer lineage and tribal connections within the Quraysh, which might afford him more respect. This discussion highlights the Prophet's consultative approach and the consideration of tribal politics in diplomacy.