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

Great Moral Victory
The Treaty of Hudaibia was undoubtedly a great moral victory for the Holy Prophet and his followers. There was no actual fighting on this occasion and this treaty put a stop to the hostilities for the stipulated period of ten years. It allowed free intercourse between the Muslims in Medina and the people in Makkah and it opened the way for the propagation of Islam in a peaceful atmosphere. The Holy Prophet faithfully observed the terms of the treaty. Even before it was formally signed, the Quraysh asked for the observance of clause (3) in a very pathetic case; and the Holy Prophet kept his promise. He and his followers sacrificed at Hudaibia the sacrificial animals that they had brought with them for the Umra and went back to Medina without entering Makkah that year for completing the ’Umra; and the Holy Prophet and his followers went to Makkah the following year for performing ’Umra and remained at Makkah for just the three days stipulated in the treaty.6
The truce was indeed a great triumph in more senses than one. Events that followed amply show further how this truce was really a victory to the Muslims, and to the great cause of Islam. According to the, ”Encyclopedia of Britannica”, ”The treaty of Hudaibia gave a breathing space to the two combatants, and of this the Holy Prophet reaped the whole advantage. The truce which lasted for almost two years, brought to the Makkhans an almost unbroken series of humiliations and losses. Contrary to all expectations, the provision made in their favour, by which Muhammad (PBUH) bound himself to send back such of their sons as deserted to him before
’ \\bdui llameed Siddiqui, The Life of Muhammad (PBUH), P 247 ” \\hdul! l.uneed Siddiqui. The Life of Muhammad (PBUH), P 247
Ibid
’ Muhammad Husam Hykal, The Life of Muhammad^PBUN). P 353

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Political and Cultural History of Islam

their majority, turned to their hurt, so that they had to ask Muhammad (P6UH) to have it changed”.1
Before the treaty the Muslims and the non-believers of Makkah had no contacts. After the treaty the Makkhans started to visit Medina for business terms and also due to their family relations with the ”Muhajirin” (the Immigrants). They witnessed the social life of Muslims and were impressed by their morals, righteousness, sincerity and courtesy. The Muslims won their hearts. According to historians the number of new converts in the faith after the truce of Hudaibia and until the Victory of Makkah, is much more than the previous years. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid and Amr bin al A’s embraced Islam during the same period.8
According to Watt ”The treaty was thus favourable to Muhammad’s (PBUH) long-term strategy, but for the moment left him to deal with the disappointment of his followers at apparent failure of the expedition”.9 ”This expedition and treaty mark a new initiative on the part of Holy Prophet”.10
In short, the treaty of Hudaibia is the turning point in the great struggle of Islamic revolution which laid the foundation of later remarkable successes. It is the masterpiece of the Holy Prophet’s tolerance and foresight. It was his wisdom alone which conceived a bright future for Islam in the apparently adverse clause of the treaty.