Victory of Islam

Seerah as a Movement to a soft spot in the Quraysh’s own psyche. Actually, during the early period of Islam, when the Prophet first commenced his public mission in Makkah, ‘Utba ibn Rabiah once came to meet the Prophet on behalf of the Quraysh. When he returned to his people, this is what he had to say to them: “Leave this fellow to carry on with his work for, God knows, he is never going to give it up. Do not prevent him from preaching to the Arabs. If he wins them over, then his honour will be your own. If they prevail over him, then, thanks to others, you will be free of him.” (Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah) The Prophet’s appeal couched in terms which were consistent with the Quraysh’s own thinking, brought him supporters for his peace initiative within the enemy camp. The Prophet sent the Quraysh this message, and at the same time took various steps to influence them. For example, when the Prophet heard that one of the Banu Kinanah was on his way from Makkah to Hudaybiyyah to ascertain the Muslims’ intention, he told his followers of the Banu Kinanah’s reverence for sacrificial camels, and directed them to take these camels with them when they went out to meet him. They did so, at the same time chanting the prayer of pilgrimage—“We are here at your service, Lord...” The Quraysh’s envoy was extremely impressed. On his return to Makkah, he told the Quraysh that he was quite sure that the Muslims had come on a pilgrimage and for no other reason, and should be allowed to carry on. The very spectacle of 1500 Muslims displaying their faith in God also made a deep impact on the Quraysh. When one of their envoys came into the Muslim camp, he found the Muslims all praying in ranks, lined up behind the Prophet. He was highly impressed by the organization and discipline of the worshippers. When he returned to the Quraysh, he told them that the Muslims worked in unison: when Muhammad made a move, all his followers did likewise. Another envoy saw that when the Prophet performed his ablutions, the Muslims rushed to catch the water he had used in their hands before it could touch the ground. He