Treaty of Hudaybiyah — a win in apparent loss

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Contents

Threatened with war yet again A peace pact is signed Adversity into advantage Action points Also read

Picture yourself journeying across the hot desert after being promised to perform Umrah by the Prophet ﷺ.

You set out with a clear goal in mind, travel all the way from Madina to Makkah, knowing no-one stops pilgrims from reaching the House of Allah, not even the polytheists… But to your horror, you are met with an obstacle that seems insurmountable.

Disappointment, confusion, and unreal hope might affect your judgment. And this is exactly the situation that the Companions (radiy Allahu ‘anhum) of the Prophet ﷺ found themselves in, before the Treaty of Hudaybiyah was ultimately signed. [1]

Threatened with war yet again

In the sixth year after Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ led his followers on a pilgrimage to Makkah, a deeply significant act of faith and one that would become known as the “lesser pilgrimage” only to Hajj.

However, the Quraysh tribe, custodians of Makkah at the time, blocked their entry at Hudaybiyah.

The Companions pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ to fight if necessary.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“Surely, those who pledge allegiance to you, O Prophet, are actually pledging allegiance to Allah. Allah’s Hand is over theirs. Whoever breaks their pledge, it will only be to their own loss. And whoever fulfils their pledge to Allah, He will grant them a great reward.” [2]

He continues,

“Indeed, Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged allegiance to you, O Prophet, under the tree.

“He knew what was in their hearts, so He sent down serenity upon them and rewarded them with a victory at hand…” [3]

A peace pact is signed

With caution, negotiations ensued, but the resulting treaty initially seemed like a defeat for the Muslims.

Key concessions were made, including postponing the pilgrimage for a year and returning any Makkan fugitives who had sought refuge with the Muslims.

Understandably, the Prophet’s Companions were disheartened. They were not in a position to be able to see the bigger picture.

Nevertheless, the Prophet ﷺ accepted the terms with utmost faith in Allah and a strategic vision in mind. This seemingly disadvantageous agreement, as it turned out, was a great example in patience and wisdom.

Allah says,

“Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph, O Prophet, so that Allah may forgive you for your past and future shortcomings, perfect His favour upon you, guide you along the Straight Path, and so that Allah will help you tremendously.” [4]

Adversity into advantage

The Treaty of Hudaybiyah shows that short-term challenges can be stepping stones to long-term victories.

The agreement ultimately led to a surge in conversions to Islam, a freer environment for spreading the message and, ultimately, the peaceful conquest of Makkah.

Reflecting on the Prophet’s demeanour during the negotiations (ﷺ), a hadīth comes to mind:

“The strong is not the one who overcomes the people by his strength, but the strong is the one who controls himself while in anger.” [5]

Action points

Practise strategic patience, because we can benefit from that in our personal and professional endeavours.
Like the Prophet ﷺ at Hudaybiyah, we should seek the hidden lessons within challenges.
Realise, victories that lie ahead may not be immediately apparent, but they are promised to the believers.