The Conquest of Makkah (1)

About the end of seventh year of Hijra, the Quraishites and their allies, Bani Bakr violated the terms of peace concluded at Hudeibiya by attacking Bani Khuzaah who were in alliance with Muslims. Bani Khuzaab of whom a number of men were massacred appealed to the Prophet for help and protection. The Prophet determined to make a stop to the reign of injustice and oppression, which had lasted long at Makkah. He immediately gathered ten thousand men to march against the idolaters. On January 1^st 630, the Prophet began his march. After eight days the Muslims Army stopped and alighted at Marwat el Zahran a day’s journey from Makkah. On the night of his arrival, Abu Sufian, who was delegated by the Quraishites to ask the Prophet to abandon his project, presented himself and besought an interview. On the next day it was granted: “Woe to you, Abu Sufyan, isn't it time that you recognize that I am God's apostle?” He answered, “As to that I still have some doubt.” I (Abbas) said to him, “Submit and testify that there is no God but Allâh and that Muhammad is the apostle of God before you lose your head.” [Ibn Ishaq, Sirat Rasul Allâh, p. 547] Abu Sofian after hesitating for a while pronounced the prescribed formula of belief [1], and adopted Islam. He was then sent back to prepare the city for the Prophet’s approach. With the exception of a slight resistance by certain clans headed by Ikrima and Safwan, in which some Muslims were killed, the Prophet entered Makkah almost unopposed.

The city which had treated him so cruelly, driven him and his faithful band for refuge amongst strangers, the city which had sworn his life and the lives of his devoted adherents, now lay at his mercy. His old persecutors were now completely at his feet. The Prophet entered Makkah on his favourite camel “Al Kaswa,” having Abu Bakr on his right hand, Usaid on his left, and Usama walking behind him. On his way he recited a chapter of the Qu’ran, number 110, known as the chapter of the victory.

The Muslim army entered the city humbly and peacefully. No house was robbed; no man or woman was insulted. The Prophet granted a general amnesty to the entire population of Makkah. Only four criminals, whom justice condemned, were proscribed. He, however, ordered the destruction of all idols and pagan images of worship, upon which the 360 idols which the Ka‘bah contained were thrown down. The Prophet himself destroyed a wooden pigeon from the roof which was regarded as one of the deities of the Quraishites. During the downfall of the images and idols he was heard to cry aloud. “God is great. God is great.” Truth has come and falsehood has vanished; verily falsehood is evanescent.” [Sahih Al-Bukhari 2478, book 46, hadîth 39]. The old idolaters observed thought-fully the destruction of their gods, which were utterly powerless. After the Prophet had abolished these pagan idols and very pagan rite, he delivered a sermon to the assembled people. He dwelt upon the natural brotherhood of man in the words of the Qu’ran: “Verily the true believers are brethren; wherefore make peace among your brethren; and fear God, that you may obtain mercy.”]49:10[