The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: A Military Retreat or Prophetic Strategy An Analytical Review

صلحِ حدیبیہ: عسکری پسپائی یا نبوی ﷺ حکمتِ عملی ایک تجزیاتی جائزہ

Abstract

إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًۭا مُّبِينًۭا[i]

“Indeed, we have granted you a clear victory.”

The Prophet Muhammad PBUH peace mission was to establish just and peaceful society, and prevent violence and conflict. He promoted peace through diplomacy, patience, foresight. The Prophet's mission was to guide the community and change the political, social and religious practices by the pagan Arabs. Quran Says:

لَقَدْ كَانَ لَكُمْ فِي رَسُولِ اللَّهِ أُسْوَةٌ حَسَنَةٌ لِّمَن كَانَ يَرْجُو اللَّهَ وَالْيَوْمَ الْآخِرَ وَذَكَرَ اللَّهَ كَثِيرًۭا[ii]

“There has certainly been for you in the Messenger of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers Allah often.” Quran says:

 وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَـٰكَ إِلَّا رَحْمَةًۭ لِّلْعَـٰلَمِينَ[iii]

"And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds."

The Treaty of Hudaibiya land mark of piece, and brilliant stroke of strategic diplomacy. At first glance some terms seemed unfavorable to Muslims they had to turn back without Umrah and return fugitives. But these concessions served bigger goals. The ten-year truce gave breathing space for peaceful dawah. During this period Muslim community grew dramatically in numbers and influence. The treaty shifted from confrontation to dialogue allowing Islam to spread freely. Prophet Muhammad PBUH preached Islam as religion of peace promoting harmony through patience and wisdom. The Quran repeatedly call for peace and justice. Allah Says:

فَاصْبِرْ إِنَّ وَعْدَ اللَّهِ حَقٌّۭ[iv]

"So be patient. Indeed, the promise of Allah is truth."

In the end this apparent setback set the stage for peaceful conquest of Mecca. Far from weakness Hudaibiya was masterclass in wise leadership turning tension into opportunity through Islamic principles of patience foresight and diplomacy.