The Events of Tabuk, Year of Deputations and the Tenth Year of Hijrah

At Tabuk:

When the Muslim expedition arrived at the stream of Tabuk near the Syrian border, Heraclius recognized him as a true prophet and withdrew out of fear. The Christian troops and the Ghassanide king also left their positions and cleared out of the area of the Muslim force. Tabuk lay at a distance of fourteen or fifteen stages from Al-Madinah where the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) stayed for about twenty days. During this period, Yuhannah bin Ru'bah, the ruler of Ailah appeared before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) to offer his obedience to him, his request was accepted in return for Jizyah (tax) which he paid on the spot. The people of Jarbâ' also followed suit and earned peace on the same conditions, and the same came to pass with the people of Adhruh.

Dumat-ul-Jandal was located near Tabuk whose ruler Ukaidir bin Abdul-Malik was a Christian and belonged to Banu Kindah tribe. He refused to obey the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and showed arrogance. He sent Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at the head of a detachment saying, "You will see Ukaidir hunting a white antelope." When Khâlid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came near to his palace after a night's journey, he saw an amazing event.

It was a hot summer moonlit night, Ukaidir was enjoying his rest with his wife on top of his palace. All of a sudden a white antelope came out from the adjacent forest and started rubbing its horns against the gate of his palace. His wife drew her husband's attention to this. Ukaidir, along with his brother Hassân, chased the animal on horseback. He had covered a short distance when Khâlid's detachment surrounded them. Ukaidir was captured alive while his brother was killed in the encounter. His beautiful silken garment was sent ahead through a courier and Ukaidir himself was brought by Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) spared the life of Ukaidir who showed his obedience and.

Hâtim stretched out his hand, took the oath of allegiance, became a Muslim and returned to his people.

First Deputy of the Prophet of Allâh

After returning from Tabuk the arrival of deputations kept the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) so busy that he could not spare himself to lead the Hajj caravan to Makkah. He delegated Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to perform the job. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) departed at the head of three hundred Hajj pilgrims along with twenty camels from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and five of his own to be sacrificed during Hajj. Soon after the departure of the Hajj caravan under Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), forty Verses of Sûrat At-Taubah were revealed. These Verses delineated some essential injunctions like banning the polytheists' entry into the zone of the Sacred Mosque from the next year, banning the naked circumambulation of the House of Allâh, and the fulfilling of the covenant made with the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). These injunctions were supposed to be announced on the occasion of the Hajj.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) immediately sent Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) riding on his (the Prophet's) dromedary with the instructions that these Verses be read out to the audience on the Day of Sacrifice after the Hajj was completed. Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) traveled quickly and caught up with the caravan of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at Dhul-Hulaifah. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) asked him whether he had come as the commander or the commanded. "I have come as the commanded and you will remain the commander. I have been entrusted with the duty of reading out these Verses." On reaching Makkah, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) oversaw the Muslims perform the rites of Hajj while Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) read out the Verses of Sûrat At-Taubah.

The same year the Prophet's daughter Umm Kulthum passed away, Hajj was declared as obligatory and was performed under the guidance of a Muslim leader and Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) gave them instructions on the rites of Hajj. The polytheists were given a duration of only four months to vacate the sacred zone otherwise Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) would bear no responsibility whatsoever concerning them. Hearing this announcement even those in Makkah who had remained polytheists accepted Islam. Abdullah bin Ubai died the same year.

The Tenth Year of Migration

From Muharram 10 AH up to the end of the year, deputations kept arriving and Arab tribes continued joining the caravan of Islam. In Rabi' Al-Âkhir, Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to Najrân and its surrounding areas accompanied by four hundred Companions with instructions to call the people thrice to accept Islam and avoid fighting. They were pleased to embrace Islam when Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reached there. Banu Al-Hârith bin Ka'b was one of the tribes who was converted to Islam. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) called Khâlid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and the Companions back while Amr bin Hazm (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to those areas as an instructor of Islam.

In Ramadân 10 AH, a deputation from Ghassan tribe came, which consisted of three members. They accepted Islam with all pleasure and returned to their people, but they refused to come into the fold of Islam.

In Shawwâl 10 AH, a seven-member deputation from Banu Salâmân came headed by its chief Habib bin Amr, and returned after accepting Islam. One day Habib bin Amr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) asked the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), "Which is the most excellent deed in Islam?" He replied, "It is to offer prayer on time."

During the same period came the deputation of ten members from Azd and accepted Islam, by their preaching the whole tribe converted to Islam. For the same reason a fight broke out between Azd and Jursh tribes. Before the fight, Jursh people had sent their two men to Al-Madinah to enquire about the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). When these men approached the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), he said to them, "The Jursh and the Azd engaged themselves in fighting against one another and the Jursh were defeated." It had happened the same day. When both went back and related the event, the entire Jursh tribe accepted Islam. The same year, Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to Yemen to teach them Tauhid and forbid polytheism. With his efforts, Hamdân, the well known tribe of Yemen, embraced Islam entirely. During this year the deputation from Murâd tribe came after breaking away from Muluk Kindah and accepted Islam. The deputation of Banu Abdul-Qais also came headed by Jârud bin Amr and they all converted to Islam from Christianity. They went back and brought their whole tribe to Islam.

Musailamah Kadhdhâb

In the same year the deputation of Banu Hanifah came from Yamâmah which included Musailamah bin Hubaib Kadhdhâb (liar), Jurjân bin Ghanam, Talq bin Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Salmân bin Hanzalah. They stayed for a fortnight and learned the Quran from Ubai bin Ka'b. During this period, other persons used to be in the company of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), but Musailamah was away most of the time, with the permission of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), under the pretext of looking after the belongings of the group. Among the deputations which came during this year were those of Banu Kindah, Banu Kinânah and Hadramout and accepted Islam. In the same year, Wâ'il bin Hujr appeared before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and embraced Islam. Expressing his joy over this, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) asked Mu’âwiyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) bin Abu Sufyân (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to make his guest. On the way to his home Mu’âwiyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was on foot and Wâ'il bin Hujr was on his mount. Mu’âwiyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) asked Wâ'il for his footwear because his feet were burning from the heat. "I shall not give them for I have already worn them," Wâ'il replied rather rudely. "Well, let me ride behind you," Mu’âwiyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) proposed as an alternative. "You can't ride the mount of a king," Wâ'il replied with an air of arrogance. "But my feet are burning," Mu’âwiyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) spoke rather painfully. "It is enough for you to walk in the shadow of my camel,"Wâ'il retorted. This is the same Wâ'il that when he approached Mu’âwiyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) during his caliphate, he showed him so much respect.

The Ninth Year of Hijrah and the Expedition to Tabuk

The Ninth Year of Migration

Following the Prophet's return to Al-Madinah after the conquest of Makkah and Hunain, the pagans of Arabia started coming into the fold of Islam. At the outset of 9 AH, people from the far off regions of Arabia began to send their representatives to the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) to announce their declaration of Islam. That is why, 9 AH came to be called the Year of Deputations. From the temporal standpoint too, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had become the ruler of Arabia. The believers had Zakât made obligatory on them, while the disbelievers had to pay a nominal amount as Jizyah (protection tax). In order to collect the Zakât, tax collectors were sent to various tribes. At times the tax collectors suffered resistance and even were martyred, while on other occasions they punished the wrong doers. At last, a regular system of Zakât was established.

Expedition to Tabuk

The Ghassanide King collected a big army to avenge his ignominious defeat at Mu'tah. He then sought help from Heraclius of Rome, who was pleased to send an army forty thousand strong to his help and decided to march with the large army. The monk named Abu Âmir, referred to before, went to the Byzantine monarch, Caesar with the sole purpose of inducing him to invade Al-Madinah. Abu Âmir was also regularly but secretly in correspondence with the hypocrites of Al-Madinah, who had already started construction work of a mosque named Dirâr Mosque. News of such serious matters kept pouring into Al-Madinah for some time. Military movements of this magnitude could not be ignored. The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) gave a call to the believers in general to come and join hands to take on the massive army of Heraclius. The Muslims from all areas of the country rushed to Al-Madinah in response to the call.

The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) generally kept the military preparations and movements a secret to keep the hypocrites and the enemy in the dark. But, since such large-scale preparations were not possible secretly and silently, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) announced that the preparations were to give battle to the Roman army. It was the year of a bumper crop and the time of reaping the harvest was upon them and some of the people felt a little unwilling to leave and lose the crop.

Heraclius and his ministers had brought the hypocrites to their side as a part of their military campaign. The hypocrites were constantly in league with the Jews of Al-Madinah and were holding regular consultations against the Muslims. A band of twelve hypocrites built their own separate mosque as a center for carrying out their hostile activities and anti-Islamic propaganda, and for creating a rift among the Muslims. When they saw the Muslims engaged in preparing for the impending battle, they started passing discouraging remarks along with mentioning the hardships of such a long and arduous journey. What they wanted was the Caesar to invade Al-Madinah and to frustrate all the efforts of the Muslims to stop this Christian movement towards Al-Madinah.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had, on the other hand, ordered all the Companions to join the expedition. Since coming face to face with the massive Christian army meant large-scale preparations from the Muslim camp which needed provisions, mounts, and weapons in large quantities and numbers. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had, therefore, made an appeal to the Muslim masses to lavishly contribute to the war fund.

The Muslims had also showed an astonishing response to the appeal. Uthmân bin Affân (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was about to dispatch his trade caravan to Syria, but contributed the whole of it to the Muslim campaign. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) contributed all goods and chattels of his household, entrusting his wife and children to Allâh the Almighty, while Umar Faruq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) divided everything in his house in two and gave one half to the fund being raised by the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).

The poor among the Muslims who lived on their sweat and labor contributed their wages to the Muslim war preparations. The hypocrites didn't give any contributions. An army of thirty thousand. Strong collected in Al-Madinah. The Muslim army could hardly prepared footwear because the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said to them that footwear raises foot soldiers to the category of cavalry.

Islamic Army's Departure:

The Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) set out for Tabuk with an army of 30,000 men from Al-Madinah. The campaign was undertaken in the month of Rajab, 9 AH. They had hardly covered a distance of one hour and reached Dhi Awân when the hypocrites submitted, "We have built a mosque. Please offer prayer therein to bless it." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) replied, "Presently, I am busy making preparations for the journey; I shall see to it on my return." Departing from Al-Madinah, he ordered the army to pitch the camp at Thaniya-tul-Wada and he put Muhammad bin Maslamah Ansâri (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in charge of Al-Madinah.

The chief of the hypocrites, Abdullah bin Ubai also left Al-Madinah with his band of people and camped at the low-lying area of the Thaniya-tul-Wada. He apparently wanted to show that he also accompanied the Muslim troops, but in fact, he broke away from the Muslims and came back to Al-Madinah with his men. However, a few of them went along to work as spies for the forces hostile to Islam. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had left behind Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to look after his family.

The hypocrites used this as an opportunity to spread false rumors about Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). They implied that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) gave little importance to Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and, therefore, left him alone in Al-Madinah. When his patience ran out, he hurried from Al-Madinah and joining the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) at Al-Jurf asked, "The hypocrites are saying such and such about me and so I have come to you." The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said, "They are liars. I have left you behind to look after my household; so go back." In order to sooth his feelings the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) further said, "You are to me as Hârun was to Musa, except that there will be no Prophet after me." Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) returned to Al-Madinah pacified and satisfied.

When the Muslim army arrived at Al-Hijr (presently Al-Qura Valley), the destroyed territory of Thamud, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) exhorted, "Pass on swiftly seeking forgiveness of Allâh even without drinking a drop of water from its wells." When the Muslim troops had to pass a night at.

Al-Hijr the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) told them that no one was to go alone out of the camp. When passing through the ruins of the deserted territory, he covered his face with his mantle and drove his mount fast. He also instructed his Companions to hurry up seeking the forgiveness of Allâh the Almighty while passing through the settlements of the tyrants and sinners lest they be overtaken by what they (the Thamud) had suffered.

The Siege of Ta’if, Love of the Ansār and Major Events of 8 AH

Siege of Tâ'if

The fortress of Mâlik bin Auf was located in route from the valley of Hunain to Tâ'if and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) demolished it along with the fortress of Atam. He found the people of Tâ'if wanting to give battle and so they were besieged. The siege dragged on for twenty days. During this period people from the surrounding areas began accepting Islam. During the battle of Hunain only four Muslims were martyred while during the siege of Tâ'if the number of Muslim martyrs reached twelve. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), at last, raised the siege and returned to Ji'rânah with his men and distributed the spoils.

A deputation of the Hawâzin came there and called on the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and sought forgiveness for the sake of Halimah Saadiyah. He asked them to come at the time of Zuhr prayer when all the Muslims would congregate for the prayer. When they did as told, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) gave his reply, "Whatever was apportioned to me and the Banu Abdul-Muttalib is yours." Thereupon the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr said, "Whatever share has been given to us is passed on to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)." Saying this, they set all the captives of Hawâzin free. Thus, in a very short duration, about six thousand prisoners were released. Among the captives was also Shimâ' bint Halimah Saadiyah, the foster-sister of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). When she was produced before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), she said, "O Prophet of Allâh, I am your foster-sister." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) asked for proof, and she replied, "The bite you gave me on my leg. The mark is still there." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) accepted the proof and stretched out his robe for her to sit on and treated her courteously. He gave her the choice of living with him in affection and honor or going back to her people. She chose to go back to her tribe. And the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) gave her a bondsman, a slave girl and a considerable quantity of wealth and goods.

Deep Love of the Ansâr for the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)

When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) began to distribute the spoils at Ji'rânah, he gave a large portion to the Quraish whose faith in Islam, he wanted to strengthen. Since most of the Makkans were from the Quraish, and they were relatives and fellow-countrymen of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), some of the young men among the Ansâr aired their grievances at the meager gifts given to them and the large portion given to the Prophet's relatives and compatriots.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) also got wind of what was going on among the younger section of the Ansâr. The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) ordered the Ansâr to assemble in an enclosure. He then said addressing them, "Did you say such and such?" The Ansâr submitted in reply: "Our young men have said so no doubt, but none of the discerning, respectable and mature persons has ever thought it nor has such a thought ever entered our minds."

Having heard this, the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said: "O the Ansâr, did I not come to you when you were astray, and Allâh guided you through me?" The Ansâr replied, "Yes, indeed, Allâh and His Prophet are most kind and generous." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) again asked them, "You were divided and He softened your hearts and you united through me?" They again submitted, "Yes, indeed, you did us this great favor." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) asked once again, "You were poor and Allâh made you rich through me?" The Ansâr admitted, "Yes, indeed, Allâh and His Messenger did this great favor for us." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) again asked them, "O Ansâr, why don't you speak to me?" He then added, "I would have acknowledged it if you had replied: 'You came discredited and we believed you; you came deserted and we helped you; you were a fugitive and we gave you shelter; you were poor and we comforted you.' O Ansâr, are you not satisfied that these men should take away camels and goats while you go back with the Prophet of Allâh?"

The Ansâr wept bitterly until tears ran down their beards. The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) further said, "Had migration not been destined, I would have been one of the Ansâr myself. If all the people go one way, and the Ansâr take another, I would take the way of the Ansâr. O Allâh! Have mercy on the Ansâr and their children and their children." We can not even conceive of the joys, the Ansâr felt at this time. The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) let them understand that these people were new entrants to Islam and they were given more so they would be reconciled to Islam, not by way of any special favor.

First Governor of Makkah

On the way back from Ji'rânah, the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) entered Makkah to perform Umrah. Before leaving, he installed as Governor of Makkah, a young man of a little more than twenty years. Also he left Mu'âdh bin Jabal (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as an instructor of the Quran and Islamic injunctions. The young governor named Attâb bin Usaid was given the significant post for his profound fondness of religious knowledge. A dirham per day was fixed for him so that he would not depend on anyone else for his needs. He was the first man in Islam to perform Hajj as a ruler.

That year the Muslims and non-Muslims performed Hajj according to their own tenets and none got in the way of other. However, they performed their duties so close to one another that the polytheists found ample opportunity to observe the good deeds and moral excellence of the Muslims.

It is worth mentioning here that Urwah bin Mas'ud, a chieftain of Tâ'if was outside when Tâ'if was raided by Muslim troops in 8 AH. Urwah now followed the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) when he was on his way to Al-Madinah and confessed Islam at his hand before his entry into Al-Madinah. Urwah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) then sought permission of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) to preach Islam among his people. He (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said, "Your people take pride in that they could not be defeated by the Muslim army. When you preach Islam to them, you might be killed." Urwah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) submitted, "My people love me very much and I hope they will listen to me." Thus the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) acceded to his request. Following this, he went to Tâ'if, ascended a raised place and began to call the people to accept Islam. The people of Tâ'if surrounded him on all sides and showered arrows on him, which led to his martyrdom. On being asked about the retaliation, Urwah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said to his relatives: "By the Grace of Allâh, I have been honored with martyrdom. Now my sole desire is that I am buried beside those Companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) who were martyred and buried during the Muslim siege of Tâ'if." It was in this year that the Prophet's son Ibrâhim was born to Maria Qibtiyah (Coptic). Also in this year his daughter Zainab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) passed away. The same year, a wooden pulpit was made for the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), and he. wrote a letter to Mundhir bin Sâwa. Mundhir bin Sâwa (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had already embraced Islam in response to an earlier letter sent to him, according to which he began to charge the Jizyah (protection tax) from the Jews and Magians of his territory.

The Triumph of Truth, Destruction of Idols and the Battle of Hunain

The Truth came and Falsehood vanquished:

Destruction of idols installed in the Ka'bah meant the destruction of the idols all over Arabia. Likewise, the entry of the Quraish into Islam implied the whole Arabia coming to the fold of Islam, for all eyes were fixed on the Quraish of Makkah to see whether they accepted Islam or not.

A large number of the Quraish were converted to Islam after the conquest of Makkah. However, many of them still remained immovable and unyielding. But none of them were compelled to accept Islam. The sole aim before the Muslims was to do away with disruptions, bring perfect peace and confer on them complete religious freedom. With peace prevailing and freedom of religious practice granted, the idol worshippers got a full opportunity to study, observe and watch Islam in operation. It resulted in their quick conversion to Islam in large numbers.

After the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) announced throughout the land that nobody becoming a Muslim was allowed to keep an idol in his house. Following this he sent a few parties to destroy idols installed in the area around Makkah. He sent Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at the head of thirty soldiers to break Uzza, the idol of Banu Kinânah and to pull down its temple. Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) went and broke Uzza to pieces and razed its temple to the ground. Amr bin Al-Âs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to destroy Suwa', the idol of Banu Hudbail. When Amr bin Al-Âs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reached the spot, the priest said, "How will you be able to overpower it?" Amr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "Just watch." Saying this he entered the temple and broke the idol to pieces. Seeing this, the priest renounced idolatry and embraced Islam on the spot. Saad bin Zaid Ashhali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to Qadid to destroy Manât. The priests were sure the Muslims would fail in their task but they saw with their own eyes the believers break the idols and pull the temple down. All idols and temples were destroyed.

The first priority being completed, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) resumed his mission of preaching Islam through Muslim missionaries and sent them near and far. Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to Banu Jadhimah with the order to avoid a fight. But the situation demanded it and a few from Banu Jadhimah were killed. When Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) returned to Makkah with the booty, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) expressed regret and sent back the booty along with blood money through Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ).

Battle of Hunain

The resounding victory of the Muslims over the Quraish and the ever-increasing conversions to Islam frightened the enemies of Islam out of their senses. Those tribes who were not allies of the Muslims were disturbed and worried. The Hawâzin and the Thaqif were the two tribes who were most hostile to Islam and they also were old arch-rivals of the Quraish. Living between Tâ'if and Makkah, they expected to become the next target of attack by the Muslims. The Hawâzin Chief, Mâlik bin Auf brought around him all the tribes of Banu Hawâzin and Banu Thaqif to fight against the Muslims. Several other tribes like Nasr, Jusham and Saad also joined hands with the Hawâzin. Their troops concentrated at Autâs. On receiving this information, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) sent Abdullah bin Abu Hadrad Aslami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as a spy. He came back with the news that the enemy had already completed its military preparations and they were ready to fight.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) ordered quick preparations and led an army of twelve thousands comprising ten thousand men from the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr and two thousand new entrants to Islam from Makkah. The Muslim army reached Hunain on Shawwâl 10, 8 AH. The enemy had already taken its position in the depressions and hollows and the craters of the valley. As the Muslim army started descending into the valley in the half light of morning, the enemy suddenly rose from their place of ambush and started to attack with full force.

Since the Muslims were caught unaware by the celebrated archers of Hawâzin, they could not withstand the sudden onslaught of the enemy and their flanks fell back. The two thousand Makkans were the first to flee in terror no one paying attention to the other. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was then on the right side of the valley along with Abu Bakr, Umar Faruq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Ali, Abbâs, Fadl bin Abbâs, and Abu Sufyân bin Al-Hârith (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had all the while stood firm in his place, riding his white mule without any fear or nervousness. Abbâs bin Abdul-Muttalib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was holding the bridle of his mule, while the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was calling aloud: "Verily, I am the Prophet without falsehood; I am son of Abdul-Muttalib."

When the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) saw his men in confusion, he said, "O Abbâs, call the Muslims to this side." The Muslims recognized his voice and rushed towards the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). However, not more than about a hundred men could rally around the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) for the rest were barred by the intervening enemy and resumed fighting from where they had been.

Calling out Allâhu Akbar (Allâh is the Most Great), the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) advanced with his mule and launched such a fierce attack that the enemy plunged into disorder and confusion and fled from the scene. Now the Muslim troops gathered and bore down upon the army, which resulted in a smashing defeat of the enemies of Islam. At the outset, when the Muslims were suffering reverses, a rude fellow from Makkah who had joined the Muslim army but was still not strong in faith, let out his antipathy to Islam saying, "The spell of their sorcery has ended today." Another person of the same category remarked, "Their flight will not stop before they get to the sea." A man named Shaibah stepped forward towards the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) with the evil intention of taking revenge on him but fell down unconscious.

The Hawâzin paid a heavy toll in the battle before escaping in terror. Banu Thaqif then attempted to fill the gap but in vain. They could not resist the advancing flood of Muslim troops and fled from the battle field after suffering terrible loss of life. Notable chieftains of the enemy were killed but their commander-in-chief, Mâlik bin Auf escaped unhurt and took refuge in Tâ'if. A part of the fugitives gathered in Autâs while another fled to Nakhlah for their lives. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) sent military detachments chasing them and fighting took place at both locations again, they could not withstand the heavy onslaught of the Muslims and gave in.

The Muslims returned victorious with booty and captives. When the captives and spoils of Hunain were brought to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), he ordered them to be taken to Ji'rânah and appointed Mas'ud bin Amr Ghifâri (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to be in charge. The spoils of this battle, known as the Battle of Hunain, went up to six thousand captives, twenty-four thousand camels, more than forty thousand sheep and goats, and four thousand Uqiyyah (a measure of weight) of silver.

The Conquest of Makkah: Abu Sufyān’s Conversion, the Prophet’s ﷺ Historic Address and General Forgiveness

March to Makkah:

On Ramadan 11, 8 AH, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) set out from Al-Madinah at the head of a ten-thousand-man army of the Companions. The failure of Abu Sufyân's mission had disheartened the Quraish and they were in the dark about the plans of the believers. The Prophet's march to Makkah was very swift. They came across his uncle Abbâs bin Abdul-Muttalib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) on the way who, along with his wife and children, was moving to Al-Madinah after they had embraced Islam. The Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) took Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to Makkah and sent his relatives to Al-Madinah. Marching quickly, the Muslim army reached Marr-az-Zahrân at a distance of 8 miles from Makkah. The Makkans were still unaware of the presence of Muslim troops even though they were so close to Makkah. They encamped at that place. The Makkans came to know of the Muslim force only from the shepherds who went back in the night. Informed of this, Abu Sufyân came out to look into the matter. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had already deputed Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at the head of a patrol party to ward off a night attack.

Abbâs bin Abdul-Muttalib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was anxious about the safety of his people and wanted them to accept Islam and be safe. He came out mounted on Duldul, the mule of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), in the night and moved towards Makkah. As per the order of the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) the entire Muslim army had, in separate groups of one thousand each, lit their campfires.

When Abu Sufyân witnessed the blazing campfires spread over a vast area, he was shocked and stunned to the core to think how such a large army had been collected.

Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) recognized the voice of Abu Sufyân even in the dark night and sounded back that the army belonged to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and was ready to invade Makkah the next morning. Abu Sufyân was left more confounded at this disheartening news. He, in a state of utmost bewilderment, drew near Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to seek his counsel at this juncture. Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said to him, "Ride on the back of this mule and I will bring you to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) for he alone can give you protection." Abu Sufyân got on the mule without a moment's delay. Umar Faruq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) recognized Abu Sufyân and wanted to kill him at once. But Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) spurred the mule and quickly went into the camp of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came chasing him and said, "O Prophet of Allâh! Command me to kill this disbeliever, for he has come under our control without any condition." Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "I have already given him protection." But Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sought permission once again. Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) replied to him with a pinch of taunt, "Umar! You would not have insisted on his being killed had he belonged to your family." Thereupon Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "Abbas! I felt more happy on your accepting Islam than I would have been, had my father done so because I found the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) eager for your becoming a Muslim." After this exchange between the two, the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) enjoined, "Well, Abu Sufyân is given respite for a night." Following this he asked Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to keep Abu Sufyân in his own camp. And next morning Abu Sufyân appeared before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and confessed Islam.

Abu Sufyân (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) honored

Abbâs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) appeared before the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and submitted, "Abu Sufyân is a person who loves honor, so would you please give him some special honor." At this he said, "He who enters the Sacred Mosque will be safe, he who enters the house of Abu Sufyân will be safe, he who shuts his doors upon himself will be safe and he who goes unarmed will be safe." Abu Sufyân (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) felt elated.

The army on the move surged like an ocean. Different tribes had passed by with their tribal colors. Abu Sufyân (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) ascended a raised spot to witness the spectacle of the Muslim troops on the march and hurried back to Makkah ahead of all to announce: "He who enters the Sacred Mosque or my house will be safe." The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) wanted to avoid bloodshed at all costs. His exit from Makkah in a state of helplessness and then his victorious and glorious return must have been on his mind. This day he made a triumphant entry into Makkah with his head lowered giving thanks to Allâh the Almighty. He then circumambulated the Ka'bah seven times mounted on his animal and then cleared the Ka'bah of idols. He then took the keys of the Ka'bah from Uthmân bin Talhah, and entered the Ka'bah and prayed to Allâh the Exalted. Following this the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) stood at the door of the Ka'bah, holding its frame, while the Quraish arranged themselves in front of him in the courtyard filled with fear and shame.

Historic Address of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم):

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said addressing them: "There is no God but Allâh Alone. He has made good His Promise and help to His slave. He has alone overthrown all the Confederates. Lo'! All the rites, privileges and claims to retaliation and blood compensation are beneath my feet except the custody of the Ka'bah and the giving water to the pilgrims. Even cutting down a green tree is not valid within the sanctuary. O you people of the Quraish, Allâh has abolished the haughtiness of paganism and the pride of lineage. Man comes from Adam and Adam came from dust. Allâh the Almighty says: 'O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and have made you nations and tribes that you may know one another. Verily! the noblest of you, with Allâh is the best in conduct.' (49:13) O Quraish, what do you think I am about to do with you?" "We hope for the best," they replied, "you are a noble brother, son of a noble brother." The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said in reply, "I say to you what Yusuf (Prophet Joseph) said to his brothers: 'Have no fear this day, go your way for you are all free'."

The address being over, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) went up to Mount Safa and sat down to take the oath of allegiance to Allâh and His Messenger from the people. After finishing with men, he deputed Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to take Bai'ah from the women, and he kept seeking forgiveness of Allâh for them. Safwân bin Umayyah fled to Yemen for fear of life. Umair bin Wahb from his tribe sought safety for him and he was granted immunity. Safwân was the man who had resisted the entry of the Muslims into Makkah and fled from Makkah after the conquest; so did Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl, and he too was granted safety. Both of them had the pleasure of coming to the fold of Islam after the battle of Hunain.

The Expedition to Quda'ah (Dhāt-us-Salāsil) and the Preparations for the Conquest of Makkah

The Expedition to Qudâ'ah (Dhât-us-Salâsil)

About a month after the battle of Mu'tah came the news that the people of Qudâ'ah had collected an army near the Syrian border to invade Al-Madinah. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) at once dispatched a detachment consisting of three hundred Muhâjirin and Ansâr under the command of Amr bin Al-Âs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). On reaching near the enemy, it came to be known that the number of the enemy soldiers was far more than was expected. A courier was immediately sent to Al-Madinah. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) sent Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrâh (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at the head of reinforcements. The enemy army could not stand the joint onslaught and scattered in fear and confusion. The raiding party returned safe and sound. Shortly after this came the news that the Juhainah tribe, along the seacoast, at a distance of five stages from Al-Madinah had collected men and arms to raid Al-Madinah. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) immediately sent Abu Ubaidah bin Al-Jarrâh (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at the head of three hundred Muhâjirin and Ansâr, but the expedition came back without engaging the enemy because they were so terrified at the sight of the Muslim detachment that they fled.

Conquest of Makkah

A surprising incident occurred in Sha'bân, 8 AH. Banu Khuza'ah and Banu Bakr had halted their long standing feud and made peace after entering into alliances respectively with the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and the Quraish as part of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. According to the Treaty they could not attack one another for a period of ten years. But Banu Bakr developed an evil scheme against Banu Khuza'ah and they planned to take revenge on their rivals. The Quraish of Makkah should have held Banu Bakr back from implementing their plan against Banu Khuza'ah making them uphold the Treaty. Instead of preventing them, the Quraish, totally at variance with their obligation to the Treaty, came out in the open lending full and active support to Banu Bakr with men and material. They broke their covenant to the extent that Safwân bin Umayyah, Irimah bin Abu Jahl, and Suhail bin Amr joined the fighting along with Banu Bakr.

The combined attack of Banu Bakr and the Quraish inflicted on Banu Khuza'ah a heavy loss of 20 or 30 men. Being caught by a surprise attack at night while they were asleep, they found no where to take refuge except at the House of Allâh, the Ka'bah, and even some of them were killed there (this was also a breach of trust as the Ka'bah was a sanctuary for all). That fateful night when the massacre of Banu Khuza'ah took place and the terms of the Peace Treaty were thrown to the wind, a few persons of Banu Khuza'ah in Makkah cried for help from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). At that same moment the Messenger of Allâh was in the house of Maimunah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Al-Madinah and was performing Wudu (ablution). He heard what they said in Makka and replied: "Labbaik! Labbaik! (I am at your service)." Maimunah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "Whom were you talking to when you said Labbaik?" The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) replied, "At this moment the complaint of Banu Khuza'ah was being brought to me and I responded to it." Amazingly, they also heard in Makkah at the same time the consoling voice of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). The next morning the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said to Aishah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), "Last night, Banu Bakr and the Quraish have jointly massacred some of the Banu Khuza'ah." Aishah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "By this did the Quraish violate the Treaty in your opinion?" The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) confidently said, "They have certainly breached the trust, and very soon, Allâh the Almighty will issue His Command concerning it."

A Few days after the incident Budail bin Warqâ' and Amr bin Sâlim came to Al-Madinah and put their complaint before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Amr bin Sâlim told his tale of woe in a poem filled with gloom and grief at their being brutally attacked and killed. Some of the verses are as follows:

"The Quraish have committed a breach of trust against you, and they have broken the firm treaty signed with you. They have plundered us like hay, and they believe that we have nobody to help us. They are mean and deficient in number, and they attacked us at Watir when we were lying asleep."

The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) consoled them saying, "You will be helped." At the time of their departure from Al-Madinah the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) remarked: "Abu Sufyân has set out from Makkah to seek an extension in the duration of Peace Treaty and get it consolidated, but his mission will end in failure."

When the Makkans found time to think over the consequences of their misconduct, they were struck by fear. They sent Abu Sufyân to renew the Peace Treaty. The Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) ordered the Muslims, on the other hand, to make preparations for the ensuing battle and to keep it a top secret. On the way back to Makkah, Budail bin Warqâ' and his group came across Abu Sufyân who was heading for Al-Madinah. "Where have you been?" asked Abu Sufyân. "I was only up in this valley," Budail replied. Abu Sufyân was under the impression that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was unaware of the attack against Banu Khuza'ah that had just occurred. He was determined to get the Peace Treaty renewed as soon as possible.

Abu Sufyân in Al-Madinah:

Abu Sufyân came to Al-Madinah and made several attempts to contact the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Umar and Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), but none of them paid attention to him. During this exercise in futility Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), in order to make him look foolish, said to him, "You are the chief of Banu Kinânah, so you can go to the Prophet's Mosque and announce that you extend the terms of the Treaty and confirm it." He did accordingly and left in hurry. When he went back to Makkah and related what had happened, they laughed at him saying, "Ali has made a fool of you." Only then did Abu Sufyân become conscious of his stupidity. Immediately after the departure of Abu Sufyân, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) asked the Companions to march on Makkah. In spite of the massive size of the military preparations, the Companions did not know the target of attack. It was simply because the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) wanted the Makkans to be caught unaware.

However, a Companion of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Hâtib bin Abu Balta'ah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) informed the Quraish of the impending Muslim attack, in a letter sent through a woman. Allâh the Almighty informed this to His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) through inspiration. He sent Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Zubair bin Awwâm (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) immediately after the woman with the description of her features. They caught her after a hard chase, he searched her belongings but the letter remained hidden. However, Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was quite sure about the letter because he knew the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) did not say anything that wasn't absolutely true. When Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) threatened her with dire consequences, she drew out the letter from her hair and handed it over to them. The letter was from Hâtib bin Abu Balta'ah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to the Quraish. The letter along with the woman was brought to the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Hâtib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent for and was asked for an explanation. He said, "Since my relatives were still in Makkah and in danger, I liked to oblige the Makkans by informing them about the ensuing Muslim attack so that my relatives would remain safe from them." Having heard this, Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) lost his temper and said, "O Messenger of Allâh! Allow me to cut his head off." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) observed, "O Umar, Hâtib has committed a mistake which is pardonable." And so Hâtib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was forgiven.