STAGE 3 · TRUCE AND VICTORY
Chapter 23: The Treaty of Ḥudaybiyah
A journey for ‘Umrah, a hard agreement — and a “clear victory”
© 2026 Sheikh Mohamed Fawzy. All rights reserved. Version 1.7
Going to visit the House of Allah
For ‘Umrah, not for war
The Prophet ﷺ set out with about 1,400 Companions, in the clothes of iḥrām, driving camels to sacrifice at Makkah — carrying only travellers’ swords in their sheaths.
“The One who held back the Elephant has held her back”
He was ready to accept any plan that honours the sacred things of Allah — even a hard one.
“We have not come to fight anyone”
“I have never seen a king honoured like this”
Quraysh sent envoys to talk. One of them, ‘Urwah ibn Mas‘ūd, watched the Companions closely, then went back and told Quraysh:
“You are the best people on earth”
“This is the hand of ‘Uthmān”
‘Uthmān was away on the Prophet’s errand — so the Prophet ﷺ made the pledge for him with his own hand. What an honour!
“Write: In Your name, O Allah”
The Prophet ﷺ accepted to leave out words — not because they were untrue, but to reach peace. This is his promise in action: “any plan in which they honour the sacred things of Allah”.
The terms of the treaty
Peace for ten years
No fighting between the Muslims and Quraysh for ten years (Abū Dāwūd 2766).
Come back next year
The Muslims go home this year and perform ‘Umrah next year.
Return those who flee
A man from Quraysh who comes to the Muslims is returned (al-Bukhari 2731) — but not the other way round (Muslim 1784).
Free to make alliances
Any tribe may join the side of the Muslims or the side of Quraysh (Ar-Raḥīq al-Makhtūm, from Ibn Isḥāq).
“I am the Messenger of Allah — and He is my Helper”
Just then, Abū Jandal — Suhayl’s own son, a Muslim — escaped from Makkah and came shuffling in his chains, crying: “Am I to be returned to the idolaters?” By the treaty he had to go back. It was too much for ‘Umar (al-Bukhari 2731):
Abū Jandal was not abandoned: soon he and other Muslims who escaped Makkah gathered on the coast, and Quraysh themselves begged the Prophet ﷺ to cancel this condition (end of al-Bukhari 2731).
Actions speak louder than words
“Indeed, We have given you a clear victory”
1,400
Muslims at al-Ḥudaybiyah, 6 AH (al-Bukhari 4154).
10,000
Muslims marching to Makkah only two years later, 8 AH (al-Bukhari 4276). Peace let Islam spread.
What we learn
Honour Allah’s sacred things
He accepted a hard agreement to protect the sanctity of the Ḥaram and to stop war.
Obey even when it is hard
‘Umar learned: the Messenger of Allah ﷺ does not disobey Allah, and Allah is his Helper.
Lead by example
When words did not move the people, his action did — on Umm Salamah’s wise advice.
Quick quiz
A hard agreement that opened the door to Islam
ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam ﷺ