The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was a peace agreement signed in the year 628 CE (6 AH) between Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Quraysh of Makkah. At first glance, the treaty seemed unfavorable to the Muslims. Many companions even felt disappointed. But in reality, it turned out to be one of the greatest victories of Islam, opening the door for its peaceful spread across Arabia.
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Background:
After years of persecution and battles with Quraysh, the Prophet ﷺ had a vision (dream) that he and his companions would perform ʿUmrah (the minor pilgrimage) in Makkah. Trusting in Allah, he set out with around 1,400 Muslims from Madinah, dressed in simple pilgrim clothing, carrying no weapons of war—only swords for protection.
The Muslims made it clear: they came for worship, not fighting. However, Quraysh, still hostile, blocked them from entering Makkah. Tensions grew, and negotiations began at a place called Hudaybiyyah, just outside the city.
The Negotiations:
The Prophet ﷺ sent envoys to explain their peaceful intentions. At one point, a rumor spread that ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (RA), the Prophet’s messenger, had been killed. The Muslims pledged their loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ under a tree, promising to stand firm even if it meant death. This became known as the Pledge of Ridwān, praised by Allah in the Qur’an:
> “Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you under the tree…” (Qur’an 48:18)
Finally, the Quraysh leader Suhayl ibn ʿAmr arrived, and a treaty was drafted with several conditions.
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Main Terms of the Treaty:
1. Muslims would return to Madinah without performing ʿUmrah that year but could come back the following year for three days.
2. There would be peace between Muslims and Quraysh for ten years—no fighting.
3. Any Quraysh who escaped to Madinah without permission must be returned, but any Muslim who left Madinah for Makkah would not be returned.
4. Tribes were free to ally with either Quraysh or the Muslims.
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The Companions’ Reaction:
Many companions felt hurt and confused. They saw the conditions as unfair, especially the clause about returning Quraysh escapees. ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA) openly questioned why Muslims were accepting humiliation.
But the Prophet ﷺ reminded them that this was by Allah’s wisdom, saying:
“I am the servant of Allah, and He will never forsake me.”
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The Importance of the Treaty:
Though it looked like a setback, the treaty became a major turning point:
1. Peaceful Environment for Daʿwah
For the first time, Muslims and Quraysh were not at war. This allowed Muslims to interact freely with other tribes, spreading Islam peacefully. In just two years after the treaty, more people embraced Islam than in all the years before.
2. Recognition of the Muslim State
By signing a treaty with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Quraysh indirectly recognized Muslims as a legitimate power, equal to them in status.
3. Test of Obedience and Patience
The treaty tested the faith of Muslims. Though it seemed unfair, their patience led to great victories. This showed that sometimes short-term sacrifice leads to long-term success.
4. The Qur’an Called It a Clear Victory
Despite doubts, Allah revealed:
> “Indeed, We have given you a clear victory.” (Qur’an 48:1)
This verse reassured the believers that the treaty would benefit Islam greatly.
5. Path to the Conquest of Makkah
The treaty’s clause on tribal alliances weakened Quraysh. When Quraysh broke the treaty later, the Muslims had the moral high ground. This led directly to the peaceful Conquest of Makkah in 630 CE.
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Lessons from Hudaybiyyah:
1. Wisdom over Emotion – The Prophet ﷺ chose patience and strategy instead of immediate war, showing that true leadership is about long-term vision.
2. Trust in Allah’s Plan – Even when events seem unfavorable, Allah may turn them into blessings.
3. Dialogue Before Conflict – Islam encourages negotiation and peace agreements when possible.
4. Obedience to the Prophet ﷺ – Even when companions struggled to accept the treaty, they later realized the Prophet’s wisdom.
5. Peace Helps Islam Grow – More people embraced Islam during peace than during war, proving that Islam spreads best through understanding, not violence.---
Reflection Questions
1. Why did many companions initially view the treaty as a defeat?
2. What leadership qualities did the Prophet ﷺ show during the negotiations?
3. How does Hudaybiyyah teach us patience when faced with setbacks?
4. In what ways can Muslims today apply the lessons of peaceful strategy in their lives?
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CONCLUSION:
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was not a defeat—it was a strategic victory. What looked like humiliation turned out to be one of the greatest blessings for Islam. It created space for peaceful daʿwah, strengthened the Muslim community, and set the stage for the eventual conquest of Makkah.
This event teaches us that true success often comes through patience, wisdom, and trust in Allah, even when situations appear unfavorable.
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