Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: Events and Benefits

By Eman Abdallah Kamel

Eman is a writer and engineer. She also studied Sharia (Islamic studies) at Zad Academy (online course).

In this article, you will learn about the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, its events, conditions, and benefits, as well as what the Pledge of Ridwan is.

Hudaybiyyah

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was a covenant and agreement between the Muslims and the Quraysh tribe in Dhu al-Qi’dah of the sixth year of the Hijrah, near a place called Hudaybiyyah, before Mecca.

Events

The Prophet Mohammad, peace and blessings be upon him, left Medina with his wife Umm Salamah and 1,400 Muslims, heading to Mecca to perform their first Umrah after the Hijrah. On the way, the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, learned that the Quraysh intended to prevent him from entering Mecca. Then he took a difficult path, avoiding a confrontation with Khalid ibn al-Walid, who was still a polytheist, as he had left Mecca with soldiers to prevent the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) from entering it.

When the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him) arrived at Al-Hudaybiyah, he sent the companion Uthman ibn Affan (may Allah be pleased with him) to the Quraysh to inform them that they had not come to fight but had come to perform Umrah. Uthman was late in returning to the Muslims, so the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) feared for him, especially after rumors spread that he had been killed. He called for allegiance, and companions rushed to him while he was under the tree, pledging not to flee. This was the Pledge of Ridwan (satisfaction).

The Pledge of Ridwan was a historic oath of allegiance sworn by the Prophet Muhammad’s companions to him in 628 CE (6 AH) at Hudaybiyyah, before the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was concluded. This oath was taken under a tree, prompted by false rumors that Quraish killed Uthman ibn Affan in Mecca.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you [O Prophet] under the tree, and He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down serenity upon them and rewarded them with an imminent conquest. “Surah Al-Fath (The Victory) 48:18”

The Quraysh sent Urwah ibn Mas’ud to negotiate with the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him); then they sent Suhayl ibn Amr to make peace.

Treaty Terms

The treaty’s terms were as follows:

A ten-year truce between the two parties.
The Muslims return to Medina this year and do not perform Umrah until the following year.
Muhammad (peace be upon him) returns anyone from Quraysh who comes to him as a Muslim without their family’s knowledge. The Quraysh do not return anyone who comes to them as an apostate.
If any tribe wishes to enter the pact on either side, this is permitted, and they must abide by the terms of the agreement.

The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) agreed to the terms of the treaty, which some of his companions, including Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), perceived as unfair and humiliating to the Muslims. However, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was aware and certain that this peace would be the beginning of good fortune and blessings for the Muslims thereafter.

Benefits

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) focused on the war against the Jews and the conquest of Khaybar. He also devoted more time to spreading the message of Islam and communicating with kings and leaders.
The Companions learned from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah the obligation to obey the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and submit to his commands.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah paved the way for the conquest of Mecca. The Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) went out to Al-Hudaybiyah with 1,400 Muslims, then went out again two years later in the year of the conquest of Mecca with 10,000.

Indeed, We have granted you, [O Prophet], a clear conquest. “Surah Al-Fath (The Victory) 48:1”

Sources

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