.

.

D) The Expedition (Peace Treaty) of Hudaibiya: (Zi-Qad, 6th Al-Hijra)

1. The Holy Prophet’s Umrah expedition of Hudaibiyah with 1400 /1500* companions was a master move on his part. Even many of his companions were surprised on such a move. He knew that there was a state of war between the Quraish and the Muslims and that the former would not allow them to perform Umrah. [* (Bukhari:3921-3923)]

2. The Quraish had been recently defeated in the Battle of Ahzab and the wounds were still fresh in their minds. Their resistance had, however been crushed and they were not ready to wage another battle against the Muslims.

3. The Holy Prophet offered them a peace treaty, which they readily accepted. Apparently, it was not a favorable treaty for the Muslims, but the time proved that it was his greatest victory against the non- believers, since that was a turning point in the history of Islam. It may be noted that after this Peace Treaty, the Quraish did not wage a war against the Muslims, as they were weakened and greatly demoralized.

4. Before this, the Quraish never thought of having a peace treaty with the Muslims, since they waged ferocious battles against them with the only objective of wiping them out from the surface of earth.

5. It was the initiative of the Holy Prophet which surprised both his enemies as well his companions. It was no time for Umrah. He very intelligently offered peace which the Quraish readily accepted, as they were convinced in their hearts about his superiority in the battle field.

[Note: When the Holy Prophet was in between Mecca and Madina while returning, Surah Al-Fateh (Chapter No.48) was revealed to the Holy Prophet, declaring this Treaty as the clear victory of the Holy Prophet (48:1).]

[Encyclopedia on Seerah, Ibn Hashsham, Ibn Khaldun, Bukhari]

NOTE: Terms and conditions of the Peace Treaty:

a) The two parties (i.e. The Muslims & Quraish) will not fight for ten years and that peace will be maintained at all costs.

[Note that with such a condition, the Holy Prophet became safe from the Quraish, and thus, he quite easily took an offensive action against his other enemies like the Jews of different tribes, who betrayed him, breached their pacts, made conspiracies, and sided Quraish in the Battles like Uhud, Ahzab etc.]

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