Lessons of the Prophet’s Life

peace terms, they had bowed before the aggressor. They were even more astonished when a verse of the Quran was revealed, which referred to the agreement as an “obvious victory.” “What kind of victory is this?” one of them protested. “We have been prevented from visiting the House of God. Our camels for sacrifice have not been allowed to proceed. God’s Prophet has been forced to turn back from Hudaybiyyah. Two of our persecuted brethren, Abu Jandal and Abu Basir, have been handed over to their persecutors ...” Yet this humiliating treaty paved the way for a great Muslim victory. The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah appeared to be a capitulation before the enemy; however, it allowed the Muslims to strengthen themselves and consolidate their position. The Prophet accepted all the Quraysh’s demands in return for their assurance that they would cease all hostilities against the Muslims for ten years. However, continual raids and warfare threats prevented the Muslims from pursuing constructive missionary work. As soon as the Prophet returned from Hudaybiyyah, he intensified missionary work in and around Arabia, the groundwork having been done beforehand. Now that peace prevailed, the message of Islam started spreading like wildfire. People in their thousands, tribe after tribe, thronged to join the fold of Islam. Islam began spreading beyond the borders of Arabia too. Safe from the polytheists of Makkah,