Q. & A. 711 to 1707 with solved Papers css 1971 to date

MUSLIMS’ PREPARATIONS FOR HAJJ
The Holy Prophet had intentionally travelled to Makkah in the sacred month for Hajj to prove his truthfulness and good intention apart from carrying no weapons. But the Quraysh wanted to exploit the situation and tried to instigate the Muslims by stopping their entry into Makkah and by dispatching small groups of armed men to annoy, harm and instigate the peaceful, unarmed Muslim pilgrims.
BAIT-E-RIZWAN
The emissaries of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) sent to Quraysh for negotiations were manhandled. When Hazrat Usman was sent as an emissary by the Holy Prophet, he was detained and a rumour circulated about his murder. The Quraysh thought that unarmed Muslims were an easy prey for them. They knew that in case, the instigated Muslims attacked the Quraysh they would be morally exposed in their announcement of a pilgrimage trip and thus would be condemned by Arab tribes. Ih that case, the Quraysh anticipated a slaughter of the unarmed Muslims. The wisdom, foresight and endurance of the Holy Prophet foiled the evil designs of the Quraysh. He defeated all attempts of instigation by first arresting small groups of the Quraysh sent for the purpose and then releasing them after showing them the discipline of the Islamic camp. When the rumour about Hazrat Usman’s murder got currency, the Holy Prophet asked the Muslims for a pledge of allegiance to fight until death in the service of Islam. It is known as Bait-e-Rizwan in the history of Islam.2 The companions of the Holy Prophet showed great resolve and fervour in offering the pledge to fight till death. The Quraysh were scared when they learnt about it. Psychologically they were not prepared to fight the Muslims. They were afraid to face the Muslims alone without the support of allies after the battle of Clans. They were upset by the news of a death pledge by the ardent followers of the Holy Prophet. They feared a total failure of their design and a • humiliating defeat at the hands of unarmed Muslims. Taking all these
1 Syed Asad Gilani, Methodology of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Islamic Revolution, P 194.
2 Syed Asad Oilani. Methodolog> of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Islamic Revolution, P. 195

134
Political and Cultural History of Islam

considerations into account, the Quraysh readily agreed to negotiations for a peace treaty Though the Quraysh insisted on the inclusion of certain unfavourable clauses for the Muslims, the Holy Prophet agreed to those under Divine injunction. Ultimately, the treaty of Hudaibia was signed. As far as the Muslims were concerned, they visibly detested this treaty on account of its humiliating terms. As a matter of fact, this treaty was the result of Holy Prophet’s political foresight and Divine guidance. Disappointment and dejection of the Muslims over this treaty knew no bounds. But there was some consolation when verses of the Holy Quran described the treaty as a ”Clear Victory.”
This treaty opened fresh channels for the Muslims to
propagate Islam. It created an opportunity for alliance with various
tribes and to make many of those neutral. Muslims were also
’ provided a chance to punish the Jews. It is imperative to study the
,”’ clauses of this magnificent historical treaty in order to understand the
””” cause of grief to Muslims. A detail analysis of this treaty can reveal
”,the hidden benefits for Muslims in the apparently unfavourable terms
,”• of this treaty. Only then is one in a position to appreciate the political
wisdom and far-sightedness of the Holy Prophet-
(1) i»tr There will be no war between the parties for ten years. There r O will be no harmful activity or open offensive against each

• >\i other.

Any person from Quraysh joining the Muslims without permission shall be returned to Quraysh. But any Muslim ’^ going to Quraysh on his own shall not be returned.
(3) „„ j(i Arab tribes will be free to join this treaty as allies of any of ,, t the two parties.
(4) -P The Holy Prophet and his followers will go back this year w and shall visit Makkah next year to perform Umra and shall
HI i ><;*/, stay there for three days. They will not carry any weapons A ’• f.’ except swords. Quraysh will vacate Makkah for three days in ’ order to avoid any clash.
Muslims were especially aggrieved over clause 2. But the Holy Prophet explained that he did not need anyone who had denounced Islam and left him, but anyone from Quraysh who wanted

• T embrace Islam would be shown a way by Allah.

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The Treaty ofHudaibia 135
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