We came to Mu'awiya b. Abu Sufyan as a deputation and Abu Huraira was among us. Each of us would prepare food for his companions turn by turn for a day. (Accordingly) when it was my turn I said: Abu Huraira, it is my turn today. So they came to my place. The food was not yet ready, so I said to Abu Huraira: I wish you could narrate to us a tradition from the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) until the food was ready. (Complying with my request) Abu Huraira said: We were with the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) on the day of the Conquest of Mecca. He appointed Khalid b. Walid as commander of the right flank, Zubair as commander of the left flank, and Abu 'Ubaida as commander of the foot-soldiers (who were to advance) to the interior of the valley. He (then) said: Abu Huraira, call the Ansar to me. So I called out to them and they came hurriedly. He said: O ye Assembly of the Ansaar, do you see the ruffians of the Quraish? They said: Yes. He said: See, when you meet them tomorrow, wipe them out. He hinted at this with his hand, placing his right hand on his left and said: You will meet us at as-Safa'. (Abu Huraira continued): Whoever was seen by them that day was put to death. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) ascended the mount of as-Safa'. The Ansar also came there and surrounded the mount. Then came Abu Sufyan and said: Messenger ot Allah, the Quraish have perished. No member of the Quraish tribe will survive this day. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: Who enters the house of Abu Safyin will be safe, who lays down arms will be safe, who locks his door will be safe. (some of) the Ansar said: (After all) the man has been swayed by tenderness towards his family and love for his city. At this, Divine inspiration descended upon the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ). He said: You were saying that the man has been swayed by tenderness towards his family and love for his city. Do you know what my name is? I am Muhammad, the bondman of God and His Messenger. (He repeated this thrice.) I left my native place for the take of Allah and joined you. So I will live with you and die with you. Now the Ansar said: By God, we said (that) only out of our greed for Allah and His Messenger. He said: Allah and His Apostle testify to you and accept your apology.
Contextual Analysis
This narration from Sahih Muslim 1780 c in The Book of Jihad and Expeditions describes events during the Conquest of Mecca, demonstrating the Prophet's strategic military planning and divine guidance in dealing with opposition.
Military Organization & Divine Command
The Prophet's appointment of Khalid ibn Walid, Zubair, and Abu Ubaida shows meticulous military planning. His command to the Ansar to "wipe them out" refers specifically to armed combatants who continued fighting after Mecca's conquest was inevitable.
Scholars emphasize this was not general permission for killing but targeted against those persisting in warfare after victory was apparent.
Divine Intervention & Leadership
When the Ansar expressed concern about Abu Sufyan receiving protection, immediate divine revelation corrected their misunderstanding. The Prophet's declaration "I am Muhammad, the bondman of God" reaffirmed his complete submission to Allah's commands, not personal inclinations.
This incident demonstrates how Allah directly guided military and political decisions during jihad.
Moral & Spiritual Lessons
The Ansar's quick repentance and the Prophet's acceptance of their apology illustrates Islamic principles of sincere repentance and forgiveness. The Prophet's statement "I will live with you and die with you" cemented the eternal bond between Muhajireen and Ansar.
This narration ultimately teaches about divine guidance in warfare, the importance of trusting leadership, and the spiritual dimensions of military expeditions in Islam.