When the Prophet (ﷺ) intended to perform the `Umra he sent a person to the people of Mecca asking their permission to enter Mecca. They stipulated that he would not stay for more than three days and would not enter it except with sheathed arms and would not preach (Islam) to any of them. So `Ali bin Abi- Talib started writing the treaty between them. He wrote, "This is what Muhammad, Apostle of Allah has agreed to." The (Meccans) said, "If we knew that you (Muhammad) are the Messenger of Allah, then we would not have prevented you and would have followed you. But write, 'This is what Muhammad bin `Abdullah has agreed to..' " On that Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "By Allah, I am Muhammad bin `Abdullah, and, by Allah, I am Apostle of 'Allah." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used not to write; so he asked `Ali to erase the expression of Apostle of Allah. On that `Ali said, "By Allah I will never erase it." Allah's Apostle said (to `Ali), "Let me see the paper." When `Ali showed him the paper, the Prophet (ﷺ) erased the expression with his own hand. When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had entered Mecca and three days had elapsed, the Meccans came to `Ali and said, "Let your friend (i.e. the Prophet) quit Mecca." `Ali informed Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about it and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Yes," and then he departed.
Jizyah and Mawaada'ah - Sahih al-Bukhari 3184
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari demonstrates the Prophet's profound wisdom in peacemaking and his willingness to make concessions for the greater good of the Muslim community.
Contextual Analysis
The incident occurred during the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah when the Prophet sought to perform Umrah. The Quraysh's refusal to acknowledge his prophethood in writing reflects their persistent denial despite clear signs.
The Prophet's acceptance of "Muhammad bin Abdullah" instead of "Muhammad, Apostle of Allah" shows the flexibility permitted in diplomacy when it serves higher Islamic objectives.
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars note that the Prophet's erasure of his title was a tactical concession, not a negation of his prophethood. This teaches Muslims the importance of strategic flexibility in negotiations.
Ali's initial refusal to erase the title demonstrates commendable zeal, while the Prophet's action shows superior judgment in prioritizing peace and the eventual spread of Islam.
The three-day limit and other conditions imposed by the Quraysh were ultimately beneficial, as this treaty paved the way for the peaceful conquest of Mecca later.
Legal and Ethical Implications
This hadith establishes the permissibility of making temporary concessions in treaties with non-Muslims when it serves the broader interests of the Muslim community.
It demonstrates that maintaining peaceful relations and avoiding conflict can take precedence over insisting on religious titles or symbols in diplomatic contexts.