The establishment of Islamic faith as revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) by Almighty Allah through Arch Angel Jibreel in the year 610 C.E. was not an easy task. Like all other Messengers of Allah Prophet Muhammad was an embodiment of all virtuous traits. The Holy Qur’ān reminds us that Messengers of Almighty God have a great tradition and harbour good manners and habits. The real leadership, unlike the present day leaders, involves many positive qualities like bravery, patience, mentality to serve humanity, wisdom, knowledge, virtuous behaviour and so on. The Holy Qur’ān reveals that Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) was infused with all good qualities needed for a human being. He was an inborn leader, unlike the self-made leaders of modern times. He was the last and final Messenger as well as the conveyer of complete knowledge for human life. Michael Hart, a great scholar, assigned first rank among all human beings to Prophet Muhammad after studying the life history of 100 great persons of the world including Jesus Christ.
The pact of Hudaibiyah was a turning point in the propagation and spread of Islam. The Prophet utilised the situation opened to him in the midst of threat and violence unleashed by the enemies of Islam under the leadership of the Quraish tribe of Arabia. In fact, the Prophet also belonged to this tribe, and the enemies were the Prophet’s own family members who didn’t want to lose power and authority traditionally held by them. The authority and power they wielded was undemocratic and anti-human. Their autocratic and despotic rule was against the rules of Almighty God. They not only disobeyed the Divine Law but worshipped imaginary ‘gods’. As the situation was worse and darkness spread over the Arabian continent, a Messenger was sent to them to guide them and warn them against severe punishment for anti-social activities.
They opposed, and the Prophet repeatedly reminded them of the rules to be followed despite cruel reactions from them. Few embraced Islam, and many were willing to join the rank. The number of faithful people increased day by day, and this situation created fear and panic in the minds of enemies of Islam. Enemies persecuted the followers of the Prophet. Believers were forced to migrate to Abyssinia. First batch contained 15 persons followed by 83 families. The enemies created a dreadful situation in Abyssinia also. However, the ruler of Abyssinia, a devote Christian, gave asylum to them, and Islam was introduced there also. As enemies decided to kill the faithful, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) and his followers migrated from Makkah to Madinah. By the year 625 C.E. the Prophet gained enough strength to face the enemies. However, as the Prophet could act only with Allah’s permission, he kept patience. He never wanted to fight the enemies and kill them.
The Prophet and his disciples won the Battle at Badr, the first major encounter, in 625 C.E. In all the battles fought by the Prophet, his leadership quality was clearly visible. It was more evident in the Battle of Uhd (626 C.E) where Muslims lost a victorious encounter due to the negligence of the Prophet’s instructions to Muslims regarding the positions in the battlefield. As the members of the victorious army were involved in grabbing the booty, the enemies made a surprise attack from behind and defeated the Muslim army who lost many lives. This would not have happened if they had obeyed the instructions of the Prophet. In the Battle of Trench (627 C.E.) the enemies tasted a psychological defeat, and they were compelled to withdraw from the battlefield after one month. In this battle also we could note the Prophet’s strategic and diplomatic genius. Ira M Lapidus was right when she writes: “What made Muhammad so rare in history, what made him a Prophet was his ability to convey his vision to people around him so that concepts long known to everyone took on the power to other peoples’ lives as he had transformed his.” (A History of Islamic Societies, P.35)
CONSTITUTIONALISM VS UNCONSTITUTIONALISM
Constitutional provisions laid in the law were in favour of humanism and welfare of the people. The anti-social elements in the practical life of the Quraish could not be questioned by any one during their authority in Makkah due to the despotic rule and autocratic decisions. In fact, there was a tradition for constitutional law from time to time as we see in the original Roman law, Greek practice, Hammurabi Code, the Code of Manu, Babylonian law and so on. Those laws were forerunners of Islamic Shari’ah, the complete Law prescribed to mankind from Prophet Muhammad’s time.
Islamic constitution is very clear and human-friendly or democratic. Everyone is equal before the law, unlike other laws which protect illegal and inhuman interests of the ruling people. Even before the establishment of Shari’ah, the Prophet introduced its contents occasionally to the people of Arabia.
The Cambridge History of Islam points out the legal method adopted by the Prophet to safeguard natural law. It states: “In working out these ideas in actual events and institutions Muhammad showed great gift as a statesman. He had screwed insight into the important aspects of any situation and concentrated on these. Altogether, he gradually evolved a coherent set of policies, and built up viable institutions which continued to function after his death.” (The Cambridge History of Islam, Edited by P M Holt and others, Vol. 1A, P.55).
LEADER AND LEADERSHIP
A true leader is one who leads people in the right way. Most of the leaders get their power crookedness and muscle power. They are not actual leaders of human beings, but most crooked or evil who dare to commit any crime. The Holy Qur’ān explains the quality of a leader in many contexts. Pandit Nehru’s assessment is right in this context when he writes: “Nevertheless it is true that the Prophet of Islam vitalised people and filled them with faith and enthusiasm. Considering themselves the standard bearers of a new cause, they developed the zeal and self-confidence which sometimes fills a whole people and changes history.” (Discovery of India, P.228)
The Holy Qur’ān says that Prophet Ibrahim was appointed ‘Imam’ of mankind on earth. It is regarding the faith people should follow and Prophet Muhammad is following Ibrahim’s path. As Ibrahim is the Imam of Christians and Jews, it is very clear that the Prophet’s religion is not a new one. However, with establishment Islam religion and politics were not separated, and hence Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) wanted to establish an ‘Islamic State’ that would satisfy the ‘Divine Law’ (Shari’ah) and establish peace and justice on earth.
Even as a leader the Prophet was equal among the equals. Usually the leaders are unequal among the unequal. The Prophet’s positive personality and pleasing manners and habits were excellent qualification to become the leader of people. He was made leader unanimously, and even the enemies acknowledged his positive personality.
The leadership of the Prophet was evident in the incident of Hudaibiyah Treaty. Even though the Prophet could muster a powerful army to combat the enemy, his strategic knowledge was utilised to bring peace among the people. The Prophet loved his countrymen very much. But, the command of Allah is above all earthly interests and relations. It was the Prophet’s duty to propagate Islamic faith, and establish a nation based on Shari’ah. Apparently, few conditions of the treaty were harmful to Muslims. But, in practical, Muslims had advantage in the long run. The Prophet had an insight to think the consequences of every action. His ability of this intuition gave him victory over the enemy without much bloodshed. In fact, the victory Muslims reaped at Makkah (Hijra 8) stands unique in the history of mankind as all other battles and wars took many human lives. The Prophet had taken very keen interest in safeguarding the life of innocent people during the battles, and instructions were given to the followers regarding it. But, we could see numerous innocent people lose their life in a battle or war.
The formation of a peaceful and disciplined nation was achieved without force or much fight. Fighting took place as a defence to the attack of the enemy. After victory in the Battle of Badr (Hijra 3) Muslims did not exploit the situation to debase the enemy as the victorious people usually do. The Battle of Uhd which followed the Battle of Badr was also a defensive one. The provocation and attack came from the Quraish and the Muslims were compelled to defend themselves. The Prophet’s aspiration for a peaceful situation was created with the Treaty at Hudaibiyah.
The leadership quality of the Prophet could be understood from the words of Urwah, the spy sent to Hudaibiyah by the Quraish to watch the movements of Muslims. When he was asked about the situation in the Muslim camp, Urwah replied: “I have been to Chosroes in his kingdom, the Caesar in his kingdom and the Negus in his kingdom, but never have I seen a king among a people like Muhammad among his companions. If he makes his ablutions they would not let the water thereof fall on the ground; if a hair of his falls down they vie with each other in order to secure that. They will not abandon him for anything in any case. Do what you please.”
Anyone who goes through the life history of a leader could note that there was no leader like Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) in the human history. Prophet Muhammad was an inborn leader and trustworthy person (Al-Ameen) among the Arabs even before Muhammad was chosen as Messenger by Allah.
Despite unilateral condition laid in the pact by the Quraish, the Prophet was confident that he could win over the Quraish. He could convince the people regarding the intentions contained in Islamic principles. But, the political leaders were frightened that they would lose power if Islamic democracy was established. Moreover, they wanted to continue the immoral and illegal acts and deeds in which they were involved. The then political leaders could have remained in the same position if they agreed to the Prophet’s suggestions in the initial stages. People would have allowed them to remain in the same post if they had embraced Islam in the initial periods. They not only feared that they would be displaced if Islamic democracy comes into existence but they were concerned about the traditional gods they worshipped. They were engaged in luxuries like women and wine. The practice of usury also would be stopped if Islam comes to power.
The Prophet’s leadership quality is visible in his efforts to win the heart of people through negotiations, treaties and agreements. The Hudaibiyah Agreement gave enough time for the Prophet to propagate Islam as well as defend himself against the onslaught of enemy in future.
The leadership quality of the Prophet is pointed out by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in these words: “The triumphant career of a people whose home lands were the deserts of Arabia and who had thus played no notable part in history is most remarkable. They must have derived their vast energy from the dynamic and revolutionary character of their Prophet and his message of human brotherhood”. (Discovery of India, P.228)
HUDAIBIYAH TREATY
A series of misfortunes to the Quraish created panic and disappointment in their ranks. They decided to make a compromise with the Prophet. Realising the situation, the Prophet with one thousand and four hundred followers set forth to Makkah for pilgrimage. They kept only the sword they used to carry and no war material was taken. The Prophet was very straightforward as he conveyed his intention of performing the pilgrimage through a messenger to the Quraish. The Prophet and companions camped at Hudaibiyah, waiting for the response from the Quraish.
The Quraish leaders were forced to think about the strength of the Muslim army in the wake of Muslim victory at Badr. It was during such a situation that the Prophet planned to perform Umrah on 6 of Dhul Qada in Hijra 6. The Prophet and companions set out to Makkah from Madinah on the 1st of Dhul Qada for the ceremony. The Quraish came to know that the Prophet is advancing towards Makkah. On reaching Da’al Hulaifa they removed their hair as the first towards Umrah ceremony. But, the Quraish interrupted their journey at Hudaibiyah where Muslims were camping. Muslims kept only the material for Umrah in addition to the sword they usually carry. With the intention of driving Muslims back to Madinah the Quraish advanced towards Hudaibiyah. As the Prophet came to know about their intention, he sent Khalid and Ikrimah to the Quraish for negotiation. As the Quraish were preparing for a combat against Muslims, they did not agree. The Quraish did not oblige even after they were assured that Muslims only wanted to perform Umrah, and after that they would leave Makkah. At the same time, the Quraish sent observation team under Buraid ibnu Warakah to know the situation. The observation team informed the Quraish leaders that Muslims were not prepared for a battle and they only wanted to perform Umrah.
As the Quraish leaders were not satisfied with this information, they sent another team who repeated the same answer. They were not convinced, and subsequently they sent a team under Urwah ibn Majad, a Quraish favourite. Urwah, who was impressed by the pleasing manners and noble behaviour of the Prophet and his disciples, suggested to the Quraish that Muslims would be allowed to fulfil their wish. The Quraish thought that Urwah also fell under the spell of Prophet Muhammad’s ‘magic’. Urwah also informed that Muhammad is the most respected person on earth, relating his experience at the courts of Persia, Rome and Abyssinia.
Muslims were gentle enough to treat Quraish representatives with deserving respect. On the other hand, the Quraish persecuted Muslim representatives sent to Quraish. A rumour spread that Usman who was sent to the Quraish for discussion was murdered by the Quraish. The Prophet took a pledge that ‘if Usman is killed Muslims would take revenge.’ This pledge came to be known as ‘Bai’athur Ridwan’. The Holy Qur’ān mentions this incident in Surah 48:18. But, Usman returned to Muslim camp and there was relief for Muslims. Like the pact of Aqbah, Bai’atur Ridwan is also very important in the history of Muslim movements.
The Quraish were not ready for a negotiation, and were adamant on their former stand that Muslims won’t be permitted in Makkah even after Usman assured them that Muslims would not stay in Makkah after Umrah ceremony is completed. In the end of prolonged discussions they agreed for a negotiation. Suhail ibn Amr led the Quraish group to Muslim camp and a discussion started between Muslims and Quraish regarding Muslims’ entry into Makkah for Umrah. After long discussion the historic agreement – Hudaibiyah Treaty – was signed.
The Hudaibiyah Treaty was made in the Hijra year 6 in the month of Dhul Qada. After the treaty there was little relief to Muslims as the Quraish lightened their former hard and cruel attitude. Consequently many prominent leaders came into contact with Islamic principles and embraced Islam.
While writing the conditions of the treaty, Ali was told to begin with the words ‘In the Name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful’ by the Prophet. Suhail who represented the Quraish raised objection to this and suggested that words ‘Beneficent and Merciful’ should be avoided, as they didn’t believe that Allah is so. As the Prophet agreed to their amendment, Ali wrote ‘In the Name of Allah’ agreement between ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah and Suhail’. Suhail again interrupted and said that he does not believe Muhammad as the Messenger of Allah. Finally, it was written, ‘Agreement between Muhammad, the son of Abdullah and Suhail ibn Amr’.
The Treaty of Hudaibiyah paved the way for a bloodless revolution that occurred at Makkah in the Hijra year 8 (630 C.E.). The Prophet’s victory was not by sword. On the contrary, he won the hearts of the people who firmly believed in the faithful leadership of Prophet Muhammad. Those who could think positively knew that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, and the Holy Qur’ān itself is a miracle which no ordinary human being could produce. Mankind had witnessed many Scriptural Verses revealed to them from time to time. But, they were not comprehensive or universal like the Verses in the Holy Qur’ān. Holy Qur’ān contains all subjects pertaining to the life of human beings from cradle to grave.
CONDITIONS IN THE AGREEMENT
1. Battle between Muslims and the Quraish stand cancelled for the next ten years.
2. In the year of the treaty (628 C.E.) accessibility to Ka’aba for Muslims is denied; but in the following year Muslims were permitted to perform Umrah and could stay there for three days.
3. Muslims are permitted to carry only one sword they used to take, and no other weapon is permitted.
4. The Quraish have the right to make treaty with any tribe they wish; Muslims are also permitted to engage in agreements with any Arab tribe they wish.
5. Muslims have to return any person who reaches Madinah without the permission of the parents to Makkah; but, anyone from Madinah who reaches Makkah would not be sent back to Madinah.
The disciples of the Prophet pointed out the injustice in the fifth condition. But, the Prophet was confident that no true believer would join the enemy rank, and if anyone does so would influence or inspire unfaithful to adhere Islamic principles. Moreover, those who reach Madinah while going back to Makkah would convey the Message of Islam and the behaviour of Muslims to non-Muslims so that they get motivation to meet the Prophet and his companions.
IMPACT OF THE TREATY
The Treaty of Hudaibiyah was advantageous to Muslims in many ways. The ten years truce would be enough for Muslims to propagate their faith. The permission given for Muslims to Makkah in the following year is a manifest success for Muslims. Everything would have gone smoothly as the Prophet had foreseen it but for the violation of provisions of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah by the Quraish. Majid Khadduri opines: “The Treaty of Hudaibiyah was looked upon as a model for drawing up the draft of arbitration treaty.” (War and Peace in the Law of Islam, P. 235)
The Treaty of Hudaibiyah promoted the Prophet’s strenuous efforts to convey the Message of Allah to the people of Arabia. Till then, the Message was received only in the remote corners of Arabia apart from gathering under the leadership of the Prophet in Makkah or Madinah. After the Hudaibiyah pact there was a perpetual trend in the propagation of Islamic faith. Even though there were occasional harmful acts from the enemy, mass conversion to Islam took place unlike the initial stages when individuals came to the fold of Islam.
Sir Thomas Arnold opines: “The Hudaibiyah treaty made it possible for Muslims to make communications with the people of remote areas who were ignorant of Islam. The treaty helped Muslims to propagate Islam in a peaceful atmosphere and increase the number of believers.” (Preaching of Islam, Malayalam translation, I P H, Calicut, 2000, P.46)
The aggressive nature of attack was reduced after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. But the condition of ten years truce was violated by the Quraish who joined hands with Jewish tribes to attack Muslims. In all the battles that followed like the Battle of Mua’atha (Hijra 8), the Battle of Victory at Makkah (Hijra 8), the Battle of Hunain (Hijra 8), the Battle of Taif (Hijra 8), the Battle of Tabuk (Hijra 9), the Prophet’s ability as a leader was evident.
EMBASSIES TO FOREIGN RULERS
The Prophet sent envoys to various nations, informing them the Message of Allah that ‘There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah’. The first mission was sent to Heraclius. Diyohah Kalbi, the Muslim envoy, handed over the letter to Heraclius. Even though he was convinced he could not take a positive decision as his subjects were unwilling to embrace Islam.
The Prophet made use of the peaceful situation created after Hudaibiyah to send Messengers to various Kings and Emperors, inviting them to Islam. But, the King of Gazzan killed the messenger sent to him by the Prophet. The Prophet was in a very tragic situation and wanted to take revenge. It resulted in the Battle of Mua’atha in which many leaders like Zaid ibn Harith, Ja’afar ibn Abu Thalib, and Abdullah ibn Rawaha became martyrs as expected by the Prophet. Before the war started the Prophet named all three one by one and Khalid ibn Waleed as the fourth. The first three persons were killed in the battle and victory to Muslims came under the leadership of Khalid ibn Waleed. Parwez, Chosroes of Persia was arrogant and tore the letter sent to him. Knowing this, the Prophet predicted disaster for Chosroes. The Prophet said: “Allah will rend and scatter his kingdom into pieces in the same way as he torn my letter.” The Prophet’s words came true when his son murdered him and Persian power scattered.
YEAR OF DEPUTATIONS
Hijra 9 is known as the year of deputations. Many tribes sent their representatives to the Prophet showing their willingness to embrace Islam.
EXPANSION OF ISLAMIC TERRITORY
The number of persons embracing Islam increased after the Hudaibiyah Treaty. The people of Makkah, who had embraced Islam, settled down in Madinah.
Apart from Quraish hostility, Jewish tribes of Arabia were plotting against Muslims. Despite peace treaties between Muslims and Jewish tribes, certain Jewish tribes tried to endanger Muslims whenever they get an opportunity. The violation of an agreement between two parties first came from Qainuqah tribe of Madinah. Banu Nadhir, a Jewish tribe of Madinah, was a fierce tribe and supported the enemies of Muslims. The Prophet realised that they were planning to kill him to defeat Muslim power. In such a situation Banu Nadhir tribe was expelled from Madinah. In the year Hijra 5 (626 C.E.) Jewish tribes made an attack with the help of the Quraish.
Subsequently, all Jewish tribes and the Quraish jointly made an attack on Muslims. However, Muslims displayed a stiff resistance and they were forced to surrender. Banu Mustaliq, another Jewish tribe, who was reluctant to surrender then, was besieged as a result of which they also surrendered.
FOUNDATION OF A NEW STATE
According to the terms of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the Prophet and two thousand companions set out for Makkah to perform Umrah in the 7th year of Hijra. It was a great experience for the people of Arabia, and it even influenced the faith of the people of Makkah. Many people could realise the truth contained in Islam. The misunderstandings spread by the Quraish were revealed to the common man who joined Muslim ranks in groups.
Muslims under the leadership of the Prophet performed Hajj in the year Hijra 9. The Prophet never rested till his demise in the Hijra year 10 (630 C.E.). Socially speaking, Arabs and non-Arabs came to the fold of Islam. Politically, Hajj made it possible for a new vast state formed by the Prophet and later expanded by Caliphs.
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be to him) showed to the world that patience and forbearance are the qualities to be followed by a successful ruler.
Robert Roberts opines: “In the whole history of human race it would be difficult to find a character that possesses such different elements as that of the founder of Islam while admiring his many noble qualities, his uprightness, his simplicity, his unselfishness, and his ability, qualities which undoubtedly accounted more or less for the success of his mission.” (Social laws of the Qur’ān, P.1)