Taking a Leaf Out of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah - Give Peace a Chance

Taking a Leaf Out of Treaty of Hudaybiyyah - Give Peace a Chance!

Ramzan is the holy month of fasting, praying, and spiritual introspection! But some misguided Muslims have hijacked Ramzan, a blessed month of peace, and turned it into a month of terror. Rather than serving as a time to pursue inner calm and peace; Ramzan has become the month where some misinformed Muslims are trying to push their own blood ridden agenda.  

Ramzan is the holy month of fasting, praying, and spiritual introspection!

In order to ensure peace during the holy month of Ramzan, the government of India had announced unilateral ceasefire (non-initiation of offensive operations (NIOO) in Jammu and Kashmir. It was a goodwill gesture to usher in peace for the sake of the common people of the Jammu and Kashmir.

The government’s initiative took many by surprise. However the move was applauded by the J&K Chief Minter Mehbooba Mufti. Ramzan ceasefire in Kashmir was a symbolic gesture – a serious and an honest move to give peace a chance.  

However, within few hours of declaring ceasefire; all hell broke loose. The saddest part is that all this extremism and violence is perpetrated by hypocrites in the name of Islam.

Peace Treaty of al Hudaybiyyah - A Turning Point in the History of Islam

Islam has always spread the message of peace and love for all humanity. We can take inspiration from the Treaty of al Hudaybiyyah that hugely contributed towards establishing peace between Mecca and Medina.

Peace Treaty of Hudaybiyyah - A Turning Point in the History of Islam

Six years after Hijrah, in 628 CE, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his followers had left Medina for the holy city of Mecca. They were keen to visit the holy Kaaba and perform tawaf (circumambulation).

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his supporters wore the “Ihram” (single cloth garment worn to perform circumbulation of the Holy Kaaba). As per the centuries-old Arab tradition and the law of Jahiliyyah (period of pre-Islamic ignorance in Arabia); the Meccans were bound to allow pilgrims to enter the city. However the Quraish leaders of Mecca initially denied him permission.

In order to avoid confrontation, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) went to a lesser-known place known as Hudaybiyyah, a place close to Mecca, and sought the holy city’s permission to perform the pilgrimage.  

Finally, Sohayl bin Amr Al-Thaqafi was sent to negotiate the terms of peace with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In order to avoid bloodshed, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) accepted all the terms, honored and abided by them and this came to be known as the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah or “Sulh-e-Hudaybiyyah”.

The treaty recognized the Holy Prophet (PBUH) as the leader of the Medina state. There was to be no fighting between the two parties for the next 10 years. It put an end to the hostile behavior of Quraish leaders against Muslims.

This outstanding event proved to be a turning point in the Islamic history. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) peacefully returned to Medina, without performing the pilgrimage to Mecca in keeping with the treaty.

Being a brave warrior himself, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) chose not to retaliate against Meccans and showed Muslims that it takes more courage to follow the path of peace rather than war.

Thus, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) displayed great wisdom, humility and strength of character. In doing so, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) avoided bloodshed and succeeded in establishing peace.  

"Surely, We have given you a clear victory, that Allah may forgive you your former and later sins, and complete His blessing on you and guide you on a straight path and that Allah may help you with a mighty help.” ~ The Holy Quran (48: 1-3)

"Except those who join a group between whom and you there is a treaty (of peace), or those who approach you with hearts restraining them from fighting you as well as fighting their own people. If Allah had pleased, He could have given them power over you, and they would have fought you: Therefore if they withdraw from you but fight you not, and (instead) send you (Guarantees of) peace, then Allah Hath opened no way for you (to war against them).” Surah An-Nisa 4:90

Give Peace a Chance – Follow in the Footsteps of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

In today’s world, where misinterpretation and ignorance of Islam is resorted to by political interests; the treaty of Hudaybiyyah serves as a reminder of the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) message of peace. It is as timely, and necessary as ever.

The treaty of Hudaybiyyah was a decisive step in bridging the gap between Muslims and the pagans of Mecca and spreading peace in the Arabian peninsula.

“And if they incline to peace, then you (also) incline to it, and put (your) trust in Allah. Indeed, He (is) All-Hearer, All-Knower.” ~ Surah Al-Anfal 8:61

It is in this spirit of peace that the Indian government, announced the unilateral ceasefire, and gave the common people an opportunity to pray and fast in a peaceful environment during the blessed month of Ramzan.

As true followers of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and Islam, we should learn to rise above our mere egos and enmity, in the pursuit of a greater cause and strengthen the message of unity and peace.

“Indeed in the Messenger of Allah (Muhammad SAW) you have a good example to follow for him who hopes in (the Meeting with) Allah and the Last Day and remembers Allah much.” ~ Quran 33:21