The Majestic Quran

voices are hushed in his presence... He has offered you a goodly concession; therefore, accept from him. [M. Lings] Usman ibn Affan was sent as an envoy to seek the Quraysh’s permission to perform the Umrah. He told them they were unarmed and not willing to fight. However, they refused to listen and held him captive. During this tense period of negotiation, a rumour spread that he was martyred. When the Prophet r heard this, he announced the Muslims would not leave until they had avenged the blood of Usman. Sitting under a green acacia tree full of fresh spring foliage, the Prophet r took a pledge of loyalty from everyone present. They pledged to die for the blood of Usman. A few days later the rumour proved to be false, and Usman safely returned to the Muslim camp. Soon the Quraysh realised their mistake, and sent their envoy to conclude the negotiation with a peace treaty. The salient features of this were: The two parties will not engage in any kind of warfare for the next ten years The Muslims must return this year, and will be allowed to come back next year for three days to perform the Umrah. The Muslims were furious with these conditions. However, the Prophet r signed the treaty. He ordered the disciples to rise and sacrifice their animals, and to shave their heads. After this, many set off to return to Madinah. This chapter was revealed during this journey, and announcing the expedition was a great victory. Mohammed Asad summed up the benefits of this victory: The truce of Hudaibiyah proved to be beneficial for to the future of Islam; for the first time in six years peaceful contacts were established ... Thus the way was open to the penetration