THE TREATY OF HUDAYBIA

The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had never fought a war of aggression. The treaty of Hudaybia was the first truce between Islam and its adversaries. In the month of Shawwal 6 A.H., the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) saw a dream that he along with the companions was in Makkah performing Hajj. Ayah 27 of Surah al-Fath was revealed immediately after the treaty of Hudaybia, “Allah made the dream of His Messenger come true for a genuine purpose. (In this he was told), “If Allah wills, you (believers) will enter the Sacred Mosque, in security, with your heads shaved, nails cut, and without any fear in your hearts. “ He knew what you did not know. Bedsides this victory, He will give you another victory.”

He asked the companions to prepare for going to Makkah. Imam Ali (a.s.) was holding the standard of Islam when 1,400 Muslims reached Dual Halifa, 6 miles from Makkah and changed the dress and wore Ihram. Dual Halifa now is known as “Diyar Ali” The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) ordered the companions not to fight the infidels even if they tempt them. The Makkans sent 200 men with Khalid bin Walid to attack the Muslims. But the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) advised the Muslims to recite “Prayer of Fear” or “Namaz-e-Khauf” in which one batch recites prayer while other batch watches and protects them and later the batch which had already prayed watches while the first batch prays. Consequently, Khalid was disappointed to ambush the Muslims.

They reached Hudaybia which is situated on the outskirts of Makkah. The infidels tried to attack at night but were arrested. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) could have punished them but he released them. The infidels sent couple of emissaries to talk and he (s.a.w.a.s.) repeated his stance that Muslims only want to perform Umra and leave. When status quo prolonged, he (s.a.w.a.s.) asked Hazrat Omar to talk to the infidels but he excused himself saying that there were no protection for him and suggested Hazrat Osman, who had many kinsmen in Makkah. Nineteen days passed but there was no news about him. At that time, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) assembled all Muslims under a tree and asked them to pay allegiance on his hand saying that they will not desert the Prophet under any circumstances. That was called “Bai'at-e-Rizwan” The infidels sent a negotiator named Sohail bin Omer, a tough negotiator.

The Treaty of Hudaybia was ready to be signed detailed as under:

The Muslims will return to Madinah and return next year for pilgrimage.

If any Muslim went from Madinah to Makkah, they will detain him, but if any Muslim went from Makkah to Madinah, he will be sent back to Makkah.

The Arab tribes would be free to join either parties.

The Truce will be valid for 10 years and no hostilities will take place between them.

The assets and wealth of either parties will be immune from appropriation by either party.

The Muslims in Makkah will be free to practice Islam without interference.

The Noble Messenger asked Imam Ali (a.s.) to prepare two copies of the treaty and directed him to write “Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim” and “Muhammadun RasoolAllah”. Sohail objected and asked to remove RasoolAllah but Imam Ali (a.s.) declined to strike off but the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) deleted it and wrote “Muhammad ibn Abdullah”

Sometimes the best way to expose hypocrites is through peace treaty.The Infallible Imam Hasan (a.s.) followed in the footsteps of his grandfather (s.a.w.a.s.) and made a peace treaty with Muawiya and the history is a witness that Muawiya breached every covenant of the Peace Treaty with Imam Hasan (a.s.).

Sources: The Glorious Qur'an, Duas.org, Ziaraat.com, al-islam.org