The Violation of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah
Two years into the treaty of Hudaybiyah, the treaty proved its success and victory. Leading figures from the Quraysh accepted Islam and Islam spread throughout Arabia. As letters were sent to the kings of neighboring lands, Islam also began to spread beyond the Arabian borders in all directions (1). However, it was also two years into the treaty that the agreement was broken by Banu Bakr, allied with the Quraysh attacked Banu Khud’a, allied with the Muslims, when Banu Bakr attacked and killed a few among them. Abu Sufyan knowing that the Quraysh could no longer resist the Muslims came to Madina to seek renewal of the broken treaty, but Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) refused his request. This was the time that Prophet Muhammad began his preparations, in secret, to enter and conquer Mecca.
The Conquest of Mecca
As Prophet Muhammad began his preparations, he did so in secret. He left Madina with 10,000 men. Two years before when the treat of Hudaybiyah was signed, he left with only 1,600. However, he did not tell any of his companions where they were marching. Prophet Muhammad had no intention of bloodshed. In fact, he forbade his commanders from facilitating bloodshed at all, stating that they would only be allowed to act in defense. In addition to this, he told the commanders, “Those who enter the Ka’ba are safe, those who enter the home of Abu Sufyan are safe, and those who remain in their homes are safe.”
As they approached the city of Mecca, Prophet Muhammad ordered each member of the army to light a fire. Since the Meccans while traveling would light a fire for every tent, this gave the illusion that there were actually around 30,000 men in the army. This left the Quraysh with nothing to do, but surrender. Abu Sufyan also advised all Meccans to surrender without a fight.
The Prophet of Mercy
Bowing on the back of his camel, Prophet Muhammad entered Mecca a victorious conqueror. Prophet Muhammad was sent as a mercy to mankind from God-Almighty. He displayed no sense of vengeance, retaliation or even an ounce of pride. As he drew to the Ka’ba, after years of oppression and hardship, he asked those around him, “How do you expect me to treat you?” they answered, “You are a noble man, the son of noble man.” This is when he said, “This day, no reproach shall be on you. God-Almighty will forgive you; He is the Most Merciful of the Merciful. You may leave!” This marked the end the practice of polytheism in Mecca.
As Prophet Muhammad began to send others around him to different areas to spread the message of Islam, he always told his companions to be polite, not harsh and to give glad tidings to the people. He said when you preach about the Oneness of God-Almighty and his messengership and if they accept, tell them that God-Almighty enjoined five daily prayers and zakah (almsgiving) to help the poor. He also warned of being oppressive when he stated, “beware the curse and supplication of victims, for they reach straight to God-Almighty.
Prophet Muhammad’s mercy was not limited to people and encompassed every creature, because of his love for the Beloved. He even required lambs to live secure from the threat of wolves, and once scolded his companions for removing baby birds from their nest making the mother bird wrestle in fear. (1)
His compassion towards children was particularly great, once stating that he heard a child cry and so did not prolong the prayer to lessen the anxiety of the mother. (1) He lived his life for others, and was a mercy for all creation. Allowing everything and everyone around him to know the joy of faith was his greatest concern.
Gulen, Fethullah, The Messenger of God: Muhammad, Somerset, NJ: Light, 2005. Print
