The Prophet (ﷺ) entered Mecca. There were three hundred and sixty idols around the Ka'ba. He began to thrust them with the stick that was in his hand saying:" Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Lo! falsehood was destined to vanish" (xvii. 8). Truth has arrived, and falsehood can neither create anything from the beginning nor can It restore to life
The Book of Jihad and Expeditions - Sahih Muslim 1781a
This narration from Sahih Muslim describes the Prophet Muhammad's (ﷺ) triumphant entry into Mecca and his purification of the Ka'ba from polytheistic idols. The Prophet's actions demonstrate the fundamental Islamic principle of tawhid (monotheism) and the eradication of shirk (associating partners with Allah).
Historical Context and Significance
The conquest of Mecca marked a pivotal moment in Islamic history, occurring in the 8th year after Hijrah. The 360 idols around the Ka'ba represented the years of the pre-Islamic calendar and various tribal deities worshipped by the Quraysh and other Arabian tribes.
The Prophet's methodical destruction of these idols while reciting Quranic verses symbolizes the complete victory of Islamic monotheism over Arabian paganism. His use of a stick rather than a sword indicates that the idols held no real power and could be easily dismantled.
Quranic Connection and Theological Meaning
The verse recited by the Prophet (ﷺ) - "Truth has come and falsehood has vanished" (Surah Al-Isra 17:8) - perfectly captures the moment's significance. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir explain that "truth" refers to Islam and tawhid, while "falsehood" signifies shirk and idolatry.
The concluding statement "falsehood can neither create anything from the beginning nor can it restore to life" emphasizes Allah's exclusive attributes of creation and giving life, which idols and false gods fundamentally lack.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Al-Nawawi, in his commentary on Sahih Muslim, highlights that this event established the Ka'ba as a pure monotheistic sanctuary forever. Scholars note that the Prophet's calm and methodical approach demonstrates that this was not an act of vengeance but rather a religious purification.
Classical commentators emphasize that the destruction of idols serves as a perpetual reminder that Islam completely rejects any form of intermediary between the Creator and His creation, establishing direct worship of Allah alone.