Sometimes in life, things don’t go the way we hope even when we’re doing the right thing. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah is one of those moments in Islamic history that teaches us how Allah (SWT)’s plan can unfold in ways we don’t understand at first, but later realize were full of wisdom and mercy. This wasn’t a typical military battle or a dramatic request. It was a moment of restraint, patience, and trust in Allah (SWT). And yet, it turned out to be one of the most important turning points in the seerah of the Prophet (SAW).
In this blog article, let’s walk through what happened, what the Prophet (SAW) and the Sahabah felt, and how we can draw lessons from it today.
In the sixth year after Hijrah, the Prophet (SAW) had a dream where he saw himself and his companions entering the Sacred Mosque in Makkah peacefully, performing Umrah. As The Quran confirms, “Indeed, Allah will fulfill His Messenger’s vision in all truth: Allah willing, you will surely enter the Sacred Mosque, in security—some with heads shaved and others with hair shortened—without fear. He knew what you did not know, so He first granted you the triumph at hand.” (The Clear Quran®, 48:27)
With that dream in mind, the Prophet (SAW) set out with about 1,400 companions, dressed in ihram, clearly showing they were not armed for war. Their only intention was worship. But when they reached the area of Hudaybiyyah, just outside of Makkah, the Quraysh refused to let them enter.
The situation was tense. The Muslims had come in peace, but they were being treated like enemies. The Prophet (SAW) tried to avoid conflict and sent Uthman ibn Affan to negotiate. When he didn’t return quickly, rumors spread that he’d been killed. In response, the Prophet (SAW) took a public pledge of loyalty from the companions, under a tree known as the Bay’ah al-Ridwan. Allah (SWT) praised this moment in The Quran when He said, “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 […].” (The Clear Quran®, 48:18)
Eventually, Uthman ibn Affan returned safely, and negotiations resumed. That’s when the Prophet (SAW) agreed to terms that left many of the Sahabah confused and even upset.
Here’s what the Muslims agreed to:
- They wouldn’t perform Umrah that year but would return the next year for a three-day visit.
- There would be no fighting between Quraysh and the Muslims for 10 years.
- If anyone from Quraysh came to Madinah as a Muslim, they’d be sent back. But if someone left Islam and returned to Quraysh, the Muslims wouldn’t be allowed to stop them.
- Both sides could make alliances freely.
To many companions, this felt like a huge compromise. Umar ibn al-Khattab said, “Aren’t we on the truth and they on falsehood?” The Prophet (SAW) answered calmly, “Yes, but I am the Messenger of Allah. I do not disobey Him, and He will help me.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This shows the Prophet’s deep trust in Allah (SWT)’s plan, even when others struggled to see this wisdom.
While the companions were still processing what had happened, Allah (SWT) revealed, “Indeed, We have granted you a clear triumph, O Prophet […].” (The Clear Quran®, 48:1)
Many may ask, how could this be a victory? But Allah (SWT) was teaching the Muslims, and all of us, that victory doesn’t always look like triumph on the battlefield. Sometimes, victory comes in the form of restraint, wisdom, and planting seeds for long-term change.
Over the next two years, Islam spread faster than it ever had before. The peace gave people space to think, listen, and accept the truth. More people accepted Islam during this time than in all the years before. Also:
- Quraysh now acknowledged the Muslims as a legitimate state by signing a treaty with them.
- When Quraysh broke the treaty two years later, the Muslims had every right to respond and that led to the peaceful conquest of Makkah.
- The Muslims showed the world they could be calm, rational, and peaceful even when they had the strength to fight.
So, what are some important events we can take away from this historic Islamic event?
- Not every delay is a denial. Just because something doesn’t happen right away doesn’t mean it’s not coming. Allah (SWT)’s timing is always perfect.
- Wisdom must always dominate emotion. The Prophet (SAW) didn’t make decisions based on how people felt in the moment. He looked at the bigger picture and trusted Allah (SWT).
- Peace is a form of strength. Being patient and strategic doesn’t mean being weak. Sometimes, it’s the highest form of power.
- The truth doesn’t always win loudly. Sometimes the greatest victories are quiet ones (firm decisions made with tawakkul, even when the world doesn’t understand them).
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah reminds us that true success lies in following Allah (SWT)’s guidance, even when it’s hard, and even when it may not make sense to us. What looked like a setback was actually a gateway to one of the greatest triumphs in Islamic history.
We ask Allah (SWT) to grant us the patience of the Prophet (SAW), the sincerity of the Sahabah, and the ability to see beyond the surface in our own lives.
Oh Allah (SWT), make us among those who are patient when tested, obedient when commanded, and trusting when You promise.
