Detailed Account

In the sixth year after Hijrah, the Prophet ﷺ had a dream indicating Muslims would perform Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) to Makkah. Following this divine guidance, he led approximately 1,400 Muslims toward Makkah in pilgrim's garb (ihram), bringing sacrificial animals to clearly demonstrate their peaceful intentions. When Quraysh learned of their approach, they dispatched cavalry to prevent Muslims from reaching Makkah. To avoid confrontation, the Prophet ﷺ diverted the Muslim group to a place called Hudaybiyah on the outskirts of Makkah. There followed intense negotiations with multiple Qurayshi representatives, including Urwah ibn Mas'ud, Mikraz ibn Hafs, Suhayl ibn Amr, and Budayl ibn Warqa. During these negotiations, Muslims demonstrated profound devotion to the Prophet ﷺ, collecting his ablution water and even his discarded hair—behavior that impressed the Makkan delegates. The Prophet ﷺ sent Uthman ibn Affan as his emissary to Makkah, but when rumors spread of Uthman's execution, the Prophet ﷺ gathered Muslims under a tree where they pledged to fight to the death (Pledge of Riḍwan), which Allah praised in the Quran. Eventually, both sides reached an agreement that appeared disadvantageous to Muslims but contained hidden strategic benefits that only the Prophet ﷺ fully recognized. Key terms included: a ten-year cessation of hostilities; Muslims returning without Umrah that year but permitted return the following year; any Muslim coming from Quraysh to Madinah must be returned, but not vice versa; and freedom for other tribes to ally with either side. Though many companions, particularly Umar, were deeply troubled by these seemingly unfair terms, the Prophet ﷺ signed the agreement, calling it a 'clear victory'—a description later confirmed by Quranic revelation. As they reluctantly departed without performing Umrah, Allah revealed Surah Al-Fath (The Victory), explaining the treaty's profound long-term benefits.