Detailed Account

The Conquest of Makkah was triggered by Quraysh's violation of the Treaty of Hudaybiyah when they supported their allies Banu Bakr in attacking the Banu Khuza'ah tribe, who were Muslim allies. After Banu Khuza'ah sought assistance invoking their treaty rights, the Prophet ﷺ gave Quraysh three options: pay blood money for those killed, terminate their alliance with Banu Bakr, or consider the treaty dissolved. When Quraysh chose the third option, the Prophet ﷺ began preparations for a decisive campaign. To maintain the element of surprise, he ordered roads to Makkah blocked and requested Allah: 'O Allah, keep the spies and news from Quraysh until we surprise them in their land.' Despite precautions, his companion Hatib ibn Abi Balta'ah attempted to warn Makkans via a secret letter carried by a woman, which was intercepted based on divine revelation. The Prophet ﷺ led 10,000 Muslims toward Makkah in Ramadan, ordering campfires lit on surrounding mountains to demonstrate their overwhelming force. Abu Sufyan, Makkah's leader, was brought to the Prophet ﷺ after being captured by scouts. After witnessing the Muslim army and speaking with his old friend Abbas (the Prophet's uncle), Abu Sufyan embraced Islam and was sent back with terms of surrender: anyone remaining in their homes, in the Sacred Mosque, or in Abu Sufyan's house would be safe. The Muslim army entered Makkah from four directions with explicit orders against fighting except in self-defense. Only minimal resistance occurred in Khalid ibn al-Walid's sector. Upon entering the city, the Prophet ﷺ performed tawaf around the Ka'bah on his camel, systematically destroyed the 360 idols surrounding it using his staff and reciting: 'Truth has come and falsehood has vanished.' In the conquest's defining moment, he gathered the anxious Quraysh—who had persecuted him and his followers for two decades—and asked: 'What do you think I will do with you?' When they hoped for good treatment mentioning he was a 'noble brother, son of a noble brother,' he declared: 'Go, for you are free.' This unprecedented general amnesty for former enemies, including those who had once planned his assassination, demonstrated remarkable magnanimity and political wisdom. Exceptions were made for a few individuals who had committed especially heinous crimes against Muslims, though even some of these were forgiven when they sought pardon. After the conquest, the Prophet ﷺ gave an important sermon clarifying Makkah's sanctity, tribal equality, and the abolition of pre-Islamic blood feuds.