Indexed OCR Text

to the two men. "But I have become a Muslim," Hadhrat Abu Baseer t pleaded,
"Will you send me back into their clutches?" Rasulullaah p also advised him to
exercise patience and added, "Allaah will soon open up a way for you."
The two men then left with him. On the way, Hadhrat Abu Baseer t said to one
of them, "I see that you have an extremely fine sword." The man drew the sword
from the sheath and said boastfully, "O yes! It is fine indeed. I have tried it many
times." In his negligence, the man handed it over to Hadhrat Abu Baseer t, who
immediately 'tried' it on him, killing him instantly.
Seeing that he was next, the other person dashed for Madinah and when he
came running into the Masjid, shouting, "My companion is dead and I am next."
Following close behind him came Hadhrat Abu Baseer t, who said, "O
Rasulullaah p! Allaah has absolved you of your responsibility when you returned
me. I have no pledge to fulfil with them and have done this because they wanted
to remove me from my Deen." Rasulullaah p said, "This man is a true
warmonger. If only there was someone who assist him in some way." Hadhrat
Abu Baseer t understood from this that Rasulullaah p would return him should
anyone be sent for him again. He therefore left Madinah and settled along the
coast.
The Quraysh had heard about the incident and so did Hadhrat Abu Jandal t, who
managed to escape from the Quraysh and secretly joined up with Hadhrat Abu
Baseer t. Thereafter, every man who accepted Islaam and left the Quraysh
joined up with Hadhrat Abu Baseer t until they grew into a large group. They
settled in the wilderness where there was neither vegetation nor food. Only
Allaah knows what hardships they were forced to endure there. While some
1140

historians write that they numbered 70 men, others like Imaam Suhayli cil 44a )
write that they were 300 in number.
They however, managed to silence the oppressors from whom they had fled and
launched attacks on every caravan of the Quraysh that passed their way. The
Quraysh eventually (grew weary and) sent a message to Rasulullaah p, imploring
him in the name of Allaah and by the family ties they shared that he should call
this group to Madinah. In this way, they could also be bound to the clauses of
the treaty and would allow a safe passage for the caravans. (They also added
that whoever came to Rasulullaah p from Makkah as a Muslim afterwards would
be left in peace without having to return to Makkah).
Rasulullaah p then sent a letter, calling them to Madinah. It is written that
Rasulullaah p's letter reached the group when Hadhrat Abu Baseer t was on his
deathbed. Happy to receive the letter, he passed away with the letter in his
hand. May Allaah be pleased with him. Hadhrat Abu Jandal t shrouded him and
buried him there before leaving with the group for Madinah.
As events unfolded, the Mushrikeen started to realise that the same treaty they
thought would be a source of honour and victory for them was becoming a
means of humiliation and defeat. It was merely three months after the treaty
was signed that the Muslims achieved one of the most brilliant victories when
they conquered the Jewish stronghold of Khaybar and captured a wealth of
booty. This was the largest booty ever captured during the life of Rasulullaah p.
It was soon afterwards that the regions of Fidak, Waadil Qura, Tayma, Tabook
and other Jewish areas fell under Muslim control.
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During the two years following the treaty, many Arab tribes that had once been
loyal to the Jews and the Mushrikeen started to align with the Muslims. As a
result, the strength of the Mushrikeen was rapidly reduced. The battle that
would have broken out between the Muslims and the Mushrikeen at
Hudaybiyyah was averted by Allaah for reasons only He could have known. This
was indeed a tremendous favour from Allaah. Of course, Allaah could have
allowed the battle to take place and favour the Muslims with the conquest of
Makkah at that time. However, there were salient reasons why that would not
have been favourable. Amongst these reasons are:
1. There were many Muslims in Makkah at the time who had
either concealed their Imaan or were known Muslims, but
unable to emigrate to Madinah for various reasons, including
finance and health. Had a battle erupted between the
Muslims and Mushrikeen, these Muslims could have suffered
death or injury, either from the Mushrikeen or even
unintentionally by the Muslims. Apart from the grief that the
Muslims would suffer from the deaths of these Muslims, they
would have to bear the taunting of the Mushrikeen, who
would accuse them of killing their own.
2. A battle would have violated the sanctity of the Haram, in
which bloodshed is forbidden. When even carrying weapons
within the Haram is not allowed, how could Allaah allow His
Rasool p and the Muslims to be the ones to violate the
sanctity of His Blessed Haram? Allaah also intended that the
Mushrikeen of Makkah should be surrounded by Muslims and
their allies within the two years following the treaty and that
they should be too weakened to resist the conquest of
Makkah when the Muslims arrived.
There are several verses of Surah Fatah referring to these reasons. These are:
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Verse 21 states: "There are still others (other victories) that you are not yet been
able to attain (but will do so in future) which are well within Allaah's power. Allaah
has always had power over everything."
Verse 22 states: "If the Kuffaar were to fight you (in battle instead of signing the
treaty), they would turn their backs (and flee from the battlefield) and then not find
any ally or helper."
Verse 24 states: "It is Allaah Who restrained their hands from (fighting) you and
your hands from (fighting) them right in Makkah (at Hudaybiyyah) after granting
you dominance over them (when the Muslims captured fifty Mushrikeen who intended
to attack them). Allaah is always Watchful over what you do (and makes events
happen for the best. Therefore, although the Muslims would have defeated the Mushrikeen
had a battle been fought, Allaah knew of more benefit in the treaty and did not allow a
battle to take place)."
Verse 25 states: "If it were not for your trampling (unintentionally harming) many
Muslim men and many Muslim women (in Makkah) about whom you were
unaware and then unknowingly suffering harm on their account (for harming
them), the matter would have been concluded (you would have been allowed to fight
the Mushrikeen). (However, a battle did not take place) So that Allaah enters whoever
He wills into His mercy (by allowing them to accept Islaam). If they (these Muslim
men and women still in Makkah) were to separate (from the Mushrikeen of Makkah),
We would inflict a painful punishment on the Kuffaar of Makkah (by allowing the
Muslims to kill or capture them in battle)."
Guarantee of Allaah's Pleasure
Just as there are occasions when events that seem unfavourable turn out to be
favourable, there are as many occasions when events that seem favourable turn
out to be unfavourable. The Qur'aan is a treasury revealing that when a person
uses the directives from Allaah and His Rasool p as his guide in every matter, he
will not only see success in this world, but in the Aakhirah as well. When people
1143

look past their lack of resources and are prepared to sacrifice their very lives by
relying only on Allaah, they earn the guarantee of Allaah's pleasure. This is what
the Sahabah w earned when they pledged their very lives beneath the tree in
Hudaybiyyah. Referring to this, Allaah says, "Allaah was well pleased with the
Mu'mineen (the Sahabah y) when they pledged their allegiance to you (O
Rasulullaah p) beneath the tree (at Hudaybiyyah). Allaah knew what was in their
hearts, sent tranquillity to them (causing them to accept Allaah's commands without
hesitation) and rewarded them with a victory close at hand (when they conquered
Khaybar soon after signing the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah) and (Allaah will also reward them
with) abundant spoils of war that they will take (after conquering Khaybar). Allaah
is always Mighty, Wise".616
A Tremendous Reward
Although Ulema have cited many, only Allaah knows the extent of the actual
benefits and wisdom hidden in the treaty. Nonetheless, the culmination of it all
was the conquest of Makkah, which made the blessed city the capital of Imaan
and Islaam until the Day of Qiyaamah. History is witness to the fact that for
almost one and half thousand years since then, Kufr and Shirk have never
enjoyed sovereignty over it.
616 Surah Fatah, verse 18-19.
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The Conquest of Makkah
Allaah's Assistance
The treaty signed at Hudaybiyyah allowed the Arab tribes to align themselves
with whichever of the two parties they wished. Taking advantage of this freedom
of association, the Banu Khuzaa'ah tribe opted to side with the Muslims, while
the Banu Bakr tribe aligned themselves with the Quraysh. By doing this, they
pledged to assist their allies in times of war, but also secured peace from each
other, since they had always been at loggerheads. However, despite this pledge
to peace, enmity still prevailed within the hearts of the people. The people of
each tribe were still bent on taking revenge from each other and searching for an
opportunity to get even for past offences.
The two tribes managed to uphold the treaty for a year and half, but when the
enmity could no longer be contained, the Banu Bakr tribe (aligned to the
Quraysh) attacked the Banu Khuzaa'ah one night and caused tremendous
destruction. The Quraysh assisted the Banu Bakr in this attack by providing them
with weapons and men. Their intention was to teach the Banu Khuzaa'ah a
lesson for siding with the Muslims. They did not think that their attack would
reach the ears of the Muslims, especially since the attack was at night and
Madinah was so far away.
When they were attacked, the Banu Khuzaa'ah sought refuge in the Haram, but
were attacked even there. Early the following morning, Amr bin Saalim, who was
the chief of the Banu Khuzaa'ah tribe, left with forty men for Madinah. After
reporting the incident to Rasulullaah p and seeking Muslim intervention,
1145

Rasulullaah p said, "By Allaah! I shall see that you are kept safe from that which I
have feared."
The message then filtered through to the Mushrikeen in Makkah that
Rasulullaah p would be seeking redress for what was done to the Banu
Khuzaa'ah. Rasulullaah p then sent a message to the Quraysh, with the option to
choose one of the following three conditions:
1. Pay the blood money for every person they killed from the
Banu Khuzaaʼah
2. Disassociate from the Banu Bakr and sever all ties with them
3. Dissolve the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah
The Quraysh responded by saying that they rejected the first two options and
would rather dissolve the treaty. Rasulullaah p's messenger had barely left
Makkah when the Quraysh realised their folly. They immediately dispatched Abu
Sufyaan to Madinah to negotiate an extension of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah.
When Abu Sufyaan reached Madinah, he went to visit his daughter Hadhrat
Ummu Habeebah bic ili, who was the wife of Rasulullaah p. While in her room,
he went to sit upon the bed, but she immediately rolled it up, saying, "This is
Rasulullaah p's bed." Surprised, Abu Sufyaan asked, "But I am your father." "You
certainly are," she replied, "but this is his pure bed and you are an impure
Mushrik."
Although Abu Sufyaan left in a huff, the incident opened his eyes to the devotion
that Muslims had for Rasulullaah p. He proceeded to the Masjid, where he
1146

started negotiations with Rasulullaah p. "What is the need to extend the treaty?"
Rasulullaah p asked him, "Has anything new transpired?" "Nothing at all," Abu
Sufyaan replied. "In that case," Rasulullaah p said, "you can rest assured that we
have abided by the clauses of the treaty." Abu Sufyaan could not say anything
further without disclosing the fact that they had breached the treaty. He
therefore left the Masjid and then went to enter into private negotiations with
Hadhrat Abu Bakr T, Hadhrat Umar t and Hadhrat Ali T. However, he was
unable to get any of them to agree to what he had in mind.
Rasulullaah p then informed Hadhrat Abu Bakr t about what had happened,
adding that the treaty was no longer valid since the Quraysh had violated the
clauses. Preparations then started for Jihaad against Makkah. An announcement
was made to all the surrounding areas for all Muslims to reach Madinah by
Ramadhaan. However, the plan to march on to Makkah was kept a closely
guarded secret so that the Quraysh should not know what their intention was.
However, something happened in between.
Hadhrat Haatib bin Abi Balta'ah t as a Sahabi who was a veteran of the Battle of
Badr, whose wife and children were still in Makkah. Afraid that an attack on
Makkah would jeopardise the safety of his family, he decided to send word to
the Mushrikeen about the imminent attack. He had also thought that since the
Mushrikeen would be alerted in some way or another, it would be in his best
interests if he was to inform them because they would then be indebted to him.
This would ensure that they protected his family. He then wrote a letter with this
information and sent it with a woman who was travelling to Makkah.
Allaah revealed the plan to Rasulullaah p, who immediately dispatched Hadhrat
Ali t, Hadhrat Zubayr t and Hadhrat Miqdaad t with the instruction saying, "Ride
1147

until you reach Rawda Khaakh617. There you will find a woman in her carriage
with a note that you should take from her."
The Sahabah w raced their horses to the place where they saw the woman.
When they asked here for the note, she denied having it in her possession. When
they threatened to remove all her clothing if she did not surrender the note, she
removed the note from the plait of her hair. When they brought the note to
Rasulullaah p, he summoned Hadhrat Haatib t, who explained, "O Rasulullaah p!
Please do not be hasty. I am not one of the Quraysh and was only living with
them as an ally618. The others who have migrated with you have relatives in
Makkah by virtue of whom their families and property are protected. Because I
have no relatives there I wanted to do a favour for the Quraysh so that they
become indebted to me. In this way, they will see to the protection of my family.
I did not do it out of apostasy nor because of being pleased with kufr after
becoming a Muslim."
After hearing the story, Rasulullaah p said, "He has spoken the truth." Hadhrat
Umar t then exclaimed, "O Rasulullaah p! Permit me to behead this hypocrite."
Rasulullaah p said, "Haatib participated in the Battle of Badr and Allaah has
looked upon the veterans of Badr saying, 'Do as you please because I have
forgiven you"". It was with reference to this incident of Hadhrat Haatib t that
Allaah revealed the verse:
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا لَا تَتَّخِذُوا عَدُوِّي وَعَدُوَّكُمْ أَوْلِيَاء تُلْقُونَ إِلَيْهِم بِالْمَوَدَّةِ وَقَدْ كَفَرُوا بِمَا جَاءَكُم مِّنَ الْحَقِّ
يُخْرِجُونَ الرَّسُولَ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَن تُؤْمِنُوا بِاللَّهِ رَبِّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ خَرَجْتُمْ جِهَادًا فِي سَبِيلِي وَابْتِغَاء مَرْضَاتِي تُسِرُّونَ
إِلَيْهِم بِالْمَوَدَّةِ وَأَنَا أَعْلَمُ بِمَا أَخْفَيْتُمْ وَمَا أَعْلَنتُمْ وَمَن يَفْعَلْهُ مِنْكُمْ فَقَدْ ضَلَّ سَوَاء السَّبِيلِ
617 This is a place that lies approximately 12 miles out of Madinah.
618
Allaama Qurtubi (A.R) mentions (Vol. 18 Pg. 51) that Hadhrat Haatib (R.A) was originally from
Yemen.
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TRANSLATION: O you who have Imaan! Do not take My enemy and your enemy
as friends, offering your friendship to them when they reject the truth (of
Islaam) that has come to you. They have driven out the Rasool p and yourselves
(from Makkah simply) because you believe in Allaah as your Rabb. If you
emerge to strive (in Jihaad) in My path and to seek My pleasure (you would not
befriend the Kuffaar). You secretly show friendship to them (by passing
confidential information on to them) when I am Aware of what you conceal and
what you reveal. The one who does this from among you has certainly strayed
from the straight path. 619
It was on the first day of Ramadhaan that Rasulullaah p left Madinah with an
army of ten thousand Sahabah w. Two of Rasulullaah p's wives, Hadhrat Ummu
Salamah رضي الله عنها as well as Hadhrat Maymoonah رضي الله عنها, accompanied him on the
journey. Many of the Muslims were fasting, while others sought permission not
too fast. When Rasulullaah p saw that the fasting was getting too difficult for the
Muslims, he asked for a cup of water when they reached a place called Usfaan.
Taking the cup in his hand, Rasulullaah p drank from it in full view of all the
Sahabah y around him. This gave the message to them that they were also to
terminate their fasts because a person on a journey is allowed to observe the
Ramadhaan fasts at a later time. While most of them did terminate their fasts,
there were a few who did not. When the army set up camp at the end of the
day, one of the companions who did not end his fast collapsed out of
exhaustion. To this, Rasulullaah p remarked, "These people had been
disobedient."620
It was during this journey that Rasulullaah p's uncle Hadhrat Abbaas t came to
Rasulullaah p and announced his Islaam. Rasulullaah p instructed him to send
his wife and children off to Madinah, while he accompanied the Muslims to
Makkah.
619
Surah Mumtahina, verse 1
620 Bukhaari.
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As the Muslims drew close to Makkah, Abu Sufyaan decided to scout outside
Makkah, but was captured by the Muslim reconnaissance party. They took him
before Rasulullaah p, who immediately pardoned him and set him free. Seeing
this noble act of kindness from the merciful Nabi p, Abu Sufyaan accepted
Islaam. His acceptance of Islaam greatly pleased Rasulullaah p, who then told
Hadhrat Abbaas t to take him to a nearby hill from where he could see the size
and strength of the Muslim army. Standing on the hill, Hadhrat Abu Sufyaan t
was impressed by the many battalions of the Masjidul Haraam and Ansaar, all of
them bearing their flags as they marched beneath him.
It was then that a regiment from the Ansaar marched by under the leadership of
Hadhrat Sa'd bin Ubaadah t. Hadhrat Sa'd t was shouting a slogan, which meant,
"Today is the day of bloodshed. Today warfare will even be permitted at the
Kabah." When he heard this, Rasulullaah p remarked that Hadhrat Sa'd t was
wrong. Rasulullaah p added that rather than a day of bloodshed, the day shall be
one of mercy and a day when the Kabah will be honoured.
As they reached Makkah, Rasulullaah p dispatched Hadhrat Khaalid bin Waleed T
with a contingent of Sahabah w to enter the city from the lower reaches.
Rasulullaah p gave them explicit instructions not to kill or engage anyone in a
skirmish. However, Hadhrat Khaalid t was forced to defend his men when
some Mushrikeen tribes decided to resist their entry. Several Mushrikeen and
two Sahabah y were killed in the skirmish. Rasulullaah p then entered the city
from the upper reaches, from where he proceeded directly to the house of his
cousin Hadhrat Ummu Haani Quie al (a), who was the daughter of Abu Taalib. There
he took a bath and perform eight Rakaahs of Duhaa (Chaast) salaah.621
621
Bukhaari.
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Thereafter, Rasulullaah p made the announcements that:
1. Anyone who threw down his weapons would be safe
2. Anyone who locked his door would be safe
3. Anyone who entered the house of Abu Sufyaan would be safe
4. Anyone who entered the Masjidul Haraam would be safe
However, the names of certain individuals were included in a list of those who
would be executed because of their capital crimes in the past. These people
would receive no amnesty. It is with reference to them that the Qur'aan states,
"They are accursed (cast far from Allaah's mercy). (Therefore,) Wherever they go (to
seek asylum), they will be seized and massacred".622 Although these people
numbered 15 or 16, only a few of them were executed. The others sought
pardon from Rasulullaah p and were granted amnesty.623
Rasulullaah p then mounted his camel and entered the city itself as he recited
the verses of Surah Fatah. So profound was his humility on such a grand occasion
that he kept his head lowered and eyes downcast. As soon as he entered the
Masjidul Haraam, he instructed that all the idols be removed and the pictures on
the walls of the Kabah be effaced. The Kabah was then purified of all 360 idols
that desecrated its sanctity. Looking at two pictures depicting Hadhrat Ibraheem
v and his son Hadhrat Ismaa'eel v with divining arrows in their hands,
Rasulullaah p remarked, "May Allaah destroy the Mushrikeen who knew that
these two noble men had nothing to do with this vile act (of divining with
arrows)."
622
Surah Ahzaab, verse 61.
623
Seerah Ibn Hishaam.
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When the idols were all removed, Rasulullaah p performed Tawaaf and then
entered the Kabah, where he went to all four corners and recited the Takbeer
aloud. Thereafter, he performed Nafl salaah. Upon exiting from the Kabah,
Rasulullaah p performed two Rakaahs salaah behind the Maqaam Ibraaheem.
The Masjidul Haraam gradually filled with people during this time and was full
when Rasulullaah p proceeded to the door of the Kabah and delivered an
eloquent sermon. Together with detailing many important directives and
injunctions, Rasulullaah p also proclaimed blanket amnesty for all the
Mushrikeen.
Rasulullaah p then sat down as the key of the Kabah were presented to him.
Hadhrat Abbaas t and Hadhrat Ali t requested Rasulullaah p to give them honour
of being custodians of the keys, which they could add to the honour of providing
water to the pilgrims. It was then that Allaah revealed the verse, "Verily Allaah
instructs you to return trusts to their rightful owners". 624 Rasulullaah p then
called for Hadhrat Uthmaan bin Talha Hajabi t, whose family had been
custodians of the key from the Period of Ignorance. When he arrived,
Rasulullaah p handed the key over to him and said, "Take this key forever (it will
remain in your family forever). It is not I, but Allaah Who has made it over to you
and none, but an oppressor shall take it from you."625 This was the same
Uthmaan who had previously refused to allow Rasulullaah p access to the Kabah
and proclaimed that that granting access to the Kabah was his sole prerogative.
624 Surah Nisaa, verse 58.
625
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.8 Pg.15).
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The time for Zuhr then arrived and Rasulullaah p instructed Hadhrat Bilaal t to
call out the Adhaan from atop the Kabah. This was the first Adhaan ever called
out at the Kabah and it took place on the 20th of Ramadhaan 8 A.H. Rasulullaah
p stayed in Makkah for approximately 15 days, before returning to Madinah.
Before leaving, he appointed Hadhrat Itaab bin Usayd t as the governor of
Makkah, who was then only 21 years of age. 626 He remained the governor even
during the Khilaafah of Hadhrat Abu Bakr t and happened to pass away on the
same day that Hadhrat Abu Bakr t passed away. May Allaah be pleased with all
of the Sahabah w.
In the Words of the Qur' aan
The Qur'aan speaks of the conquest of Makkah in the following verses:
Verses 1-3 of Surah Nasr state:
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمُنِ الرَّحِيمِ
إِذَا جَاءَ نَصْرُ اللهِ وَ الْفَتْحُ ﴾(١) وَ رَآَيْتَ النَّاسَ يَدْخُلُوْنَ فِيْ دِيْنِ اللهِ أَفْوَاجًا ◌ٌ(٢) فَسَبِّحْ بِحَمْدِ رَبِّكَ وَ
اسْتَغْفِرْهُ ﴿ إِنَّهَ كَانَ تَوَّابًا ٪ (٣)
In the name of Allaah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.
(O Rasulullaah p!) When Allaah's help (to the Muslims) and victory (the Conquest of
Makkah) come and you see people entering the Deen of Allaah in droves (in large
numbers), then glorify the praises of your Rabb (in gratitude for this great favour)
626
Rowdhul Unf (Vol.2 Pg.276).
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and seek forgiveness from Him (for any shortcomings in your effort of propagation).
Without doubt, He is the Greatest Acceptor of repentance.
It was after the conquest of Makkah that surrounding areas like Taa'if and the
Hawaazin and Thageef tribes submitted to Islaam.
Verse 10 of Surah Hadeed states:
لَا يَسْتَوِىْ مِنْكُمْ مَّنْ أَنْفَقَ مِنْ قَبْلِ الْفَتْحِ وَ قُتَلَ * أُولَئِكَ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةَّ مِّنَ الَّذِيْنَ أَنْفَقُوْا مِنَّ بَعْدُ وَ قَتَلُوا ب ـ
وَكُلَّا وَعَدَ اللهُ الْحُسْنَى * وَ اللهُ بِمَا تَعْمَلُوْنَ خَبِيْرٌ (٪١٠)
TRANSLATION: None of you (Muslims) can equal (the rewards of) those (Sahabah y)
who spent (for Allaah's pleasure) and fought (in battle) before the conquest (of
Makkah because their spending and fighting were against tremendous odds). These
people are greater in status (higher in rank) than those who spent and fought
after (the conquest of Makkah). However, Allaah has promised good (Jannah) for all
and Allaah is Informed of what you do.
Verse 21 of Surah Fatah states:
وَّ أُخْرِى لَمْ تَقْدِرُوْا عَلَيْهَا قَدْ أَحَاطَ اللهُ بِهَا * وَ كَانَ اللهُ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيْرًا (٢١)
TRANSLATION: There are still others (other victories) that you are not yet been
able to attain (but will do so in future) which are well within Allaah's power. Allaah
has always had power over everything.
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Verse 3 of Surah Fatah states:
وَ يَنْصُرَكَ اللهُ نَصْرًا عَزِيْزًا (٣)
TRANSLATION: Allaah may grant you assistance that is most powerful (allowing
you to eventually conquer Makkah)
1155

Lessons and Conclusions
The Time of Victory
Although the Muslims wielded sufficient power to subdue the Mushrikeen when
they entered Makkah, they did not assert this power and concluded a peaceful
takeover. Furthermore, the strength of the Mushrikeen throughout Hijaaz was
crushed by then and there was none to oppose the Muslims. Would even
Muslims nowadays match this peaceful and merciful victory?
There was no pomp and show of force whatsoever. There were no victory
speeches, beating of drums and any other show of superiority. The Sahabah \
did exactly what Allaah instructs when receiving a bounty such as this victory.
Allaah's directive is, "glorify the praises of your Rabb (in gratitude for this great
favour) and seek forgiveness from Him (for any shortcomings in your effort of
propagation). Without doubt, He is the Greatest Acceptor of repentance".
A Measure of Sincerity
Apart from their Imaan and essential belongings, the Muslims had to leave
everything behind when they emigrated to Madinah. Whatever they left behind
was greedily taken by the Mushrikeen. Therefore, when they entered Makkah as
victors, Hadhrat Abu Ahmad bin Jahash t submitted, "O Rasulullaah p! Abu
Sufyaan had taken my house. May I have it back." Rasulullaah p then whispered
something in his ears, after which he remained silent and did not repeat his
request. When someone later asked him what it was that Rasulullaah p
whispered to him, he replied that Rasulullaah p told him, "It would be best if you
exercise patience and Allaah will grant you a house in Jannah." Hadhrat Abu
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Ahmad t declared that he would then prefer to remain patient and forsake the
worldly house.
When some other Sahabah w also made the same request, Rasulullaah p told
them that it was not appropriate to ask for something that had been given up for
the sake of Allaah. They all then waived their claims. 627
A Nabi on a King?
Another salient feature that distinguishes a Nabi from a king is that when kings
conquer lands, they cause wanton havoc. They massacre anyone deemed to be a
threat, cause humiliation to the noble ones and violate the chastity of the
women. However, history is witness to the fact that when Rasulullaah p
conquered Makkah, there was none of this. Rasulullaah p declared to the people
of Makkah, "There shall be no blame on you today (no revenge will be taken). May
Allaah forgive you. He is the Most Merciful of those who show mercy".
When one of the Mushrikeen was shivering with fear of pending vengeance
because of the harm he had caused to Islaam and the Muslims, Rasulullaah p
calmed his fears by saying, "Do not be afraid, for I am not a king, but the son of
a poor man from the Quraysh." May Allaah shower His special mercies and
blessings upon Rasulullaah p.
627 As Saarimul Maslool Pg. 154.
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The Battle of Hunayn
The conquest of Makkah and subsequent submission of the Arab tribes provoked
the patriotism of the Thageef and Hawaazin tribes, who lived between Makkah
and Taa'if. These two tribes were known for their warring and bloodthirsty
nature as well as for their profound skill in archery. Their leaders gathered after
the conquest of Makkah to decide what to do. Fearing that the Muslims should
not attack them, they decided to launch a pre-emptive attack against the
Muslims instead. After appointing Maalik bin Auf as their leader of their
coalition, twenty thousand of their archers marched to fight the Muslims.
When Rasulullaah p received intelligence of this, he consulted with the Sahabah
w and decided to leave Makkah to meet the attackers. Twelve thousand
Muslims therefore marched from Makkah towards a place called Hunayn
during the month of Shawwaal in the year 8 A.H. (two weeks after the
conquest). Because the Muslims had never before marched with such a large
army, the thought entered the hearts of many Muslims that they could never be
defeated because of their numbers. Since such a statement bordered on
boastfulness and reliance in numbers, Allaah withdrew divine assistance and
they Muslims were left to fight without it.
As the Muslims prepared for the battle, the enemy, who had been prepared
ahead of time, launched a surprise attack with a devastating shower of arrows.
Unable to defend themselves against such a sudden and overwhelming attack,
the ranks of the Muslims started to break and they scattered in confusion. Only
Rasulullaah p remained on the battlefield with a band of devoted Sahabah w.
Rasulullaah p called the Muslims to regroup, saying, "I am the Nabi who never
lies. I am the son of Abdul Muttalib."
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Rasulullaah p then instructed Hadhrat Abbaas t to call out in a loud voice for the
Muhaajireen and Ansaar. Hadhrat Abbaas t then made a series of
announcements, summoning the Ansaar, the Sahabah w who took the pledge of
Ridwaan, etc. When they heard the call, the Muslims speedily regrouped and
engaged the enemy in a fierce battle. Taking a handful of sand, Rasulullaah p
threw it towards the enemy, saying, "May the faces be covered in dust!" He the
exaclaimed, "I swear by the Rabb of Muhammad that they shall be defeated!"
The sand reached the eyes of every single enemy soldier, causing them to be
temporarily blinded. This gave the Muslims a chance to attack and the enemy
were soon taking to their heels. The fierce enemy soon suffered the deaths of
many of their men and many were taken captive.
Apart from taking 6000 captives, the Muslims also captured 24000 camels,
40000 goats and 4000 Awqiya of silver as booty (approximately 150kg). 628
A delegation from the Hawaazin then came to Rasulullaah p a few days later and
accepted Islaam. When they requested the release of the captives, Rasulullaah p
addressed the Sahabah w and informed them that since the Hawaazin were now
their Muslim brothers he had freed the captives who fell to his and his family's
share of the booty. He therefore requested the Sahabah w to follow suit. The
Sahabah y gladly obliged and all 6000 captives were set free.
Amongst the captives was a lady named Sheema, who happened to suckle with
Rasulullaah p as a child. When taken captive, she protested that she was the
foster sister of Rasulullaah p. She was therefore taken to Rasulullaah p for
628
Fat'hul Baari (Vol.8 Pg.38).
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