On the day of Hudaibiya, the Prophet (ﷺ), the Prophet (ﷺ) made a peace treaty with the Al-Mushrikun on three conditions:1. The Prophet (ﷺ) would return to them any person from Al-Mushrikun (polytheists, idolaters, pagans).2. Al-Mushrikun pagans would not return any of the Muslims going to them, and 3. The Prophet (ﷺ) and his companions would come to Makkah the following year and would stay there for three days and would enter with their weapons in cases, e.g., swords, arrows, bows, etc.Abu Jandal came hopping, his legs being chained, but the Prophet (ﷺ) returned him to Al-Mushrikun.
Contextual Background
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah occurred in the sixth year after Hijrah when the Prophet (ﷺ) and approximately 1,400 companions journeyed to perform Umrah. The Quraysh prevented their entry, leading to negotiations that resulted in this momentous peace agreement.
Scholarly Commentary on Treaty Conditions
First Condition: The apparent hardship of returning Muslims to Quraysh was actually divine wisdom. This demonstrated the sanctity of covenants in Islam and established the principle that treaties must be honored even when seemingly disadvantageous.
Second Condition: The Quraysh's agreement not to return Muslims demonstrated their recognition of Islamic sovereignty. This condition protected the Muslim community while allowing for peaceful da'wah.
Third Condition: The permission to enter Mecca the following year established the Muslims' right to perform pilgrimage, affirming the spiritual significance of the Ka'bah while maintaining peaceful relations.
The Case of Abu Jandal
Abu Jandal's return, though emotionally difficult, demonstrated the absolute commitment to treaty obligations in Islam. Scholars note this established the precedent that individual hardship does not nullify collective agreements made for the greater benefit of the Muslim community.
Divine Wisdom and Outcomes
This treaty, initially appearing as a setback, proved to be a decisive victory. It allowed Islam to spread peacefully, strengthened the Muslim position, and ultimately led to the peaceful conquest of Mecca. Allah revealed Surah Al-Fath confirming this as a "clear victory."
Legal and Ethical Principles
Islamic jurisprudence derives from this incident the permissibility of temporary peace treaties with non-Muslims, the obligation to fulfill covenants, and the principle that apparent worldly loss may conceal spiritual victory and long-term benefit.