'Ali b. Abu Talib penned the treaty between the Prophet (ﷺ) and the polytheists on the Day of Hudaibiya. He wrote: This is what Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, has settled. They (the polytheists) said: Do not write words" the Messenger of Allah". If we knew that you were the Messenger of Allah, we would not fight against you. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to 'Ali: Strike out these words. He (Ali) said: I am not going to strike them out. So the Prophet (ﷺ) struck them out with his own hand. The narrator said that the conditions upon which the two sides had agreed included that the Muslims would enter Mecca (next year) and would stay there for three days, and that they would not enter bearing arms except in their sheaths or bolsters.
The Book of Jihad and Expeditions - Sahih Muslim 1783a
This narration from Sahih Muslim recounts the pivotal Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, demonstrating profound lessons in Islamic diplomacy and strategic patience.
Scholarly Commentary on the Treaty Terms
The polytheists' objection to the title "Messenger of Allah" reflects their persistent denial of Muhammad's prophethood. The Prophet's willingness to remove this designation exemplifies the principle of making permissible concessions in negotiations when they don't compromise fundamental beliefs.
This act demonstrates that while the truth of his messengership was incontrovertible to Muslims, practical diplomacy sometimes requires flexibility in form while maintaining substance.
The Wisdom in Concessions
Classical scholars note that the Prophet's action teaches that when greater benefits (maslaha) can be achieved through minor concessions in matters of wording or form, such flexibility is not only permitted but recommended.
The three-day Mecca visitation clause, though appearing restrictive, actually established the precedent for Muslim return to the sacred city and paved the way for the eventual peaceful conquest.
Spiritual Lessons
This incident illustrates that true strength lies not in rigid insistence on formalities but in strategic wisdom. The treaty, though seemingly unfavorable initially, ultimately proved to be a clear victory (fat-h mubeen) as mentioned in the Quran.
The companions' initial disappointment transformed into recognition of divine wisdom, teaching believers to trust in Allah's plan even when immediate circumstances appear challenging.