|
Once Islam was established, and Medina became a stronghold for Rasulullah (SAW), it was time to bring his hometown, Mecca, within the fold of the Islamic Empire. However, Rasulullah (SAW) wished no blood be shed upon its holy soil.
Rasulullah (SAW) sent Abu Bakr, to convey the Surat ul Baraat to those citizens of Mecca who had violated the truce of Hudaibiyyah. Rasulullah (SAW) intended to declare to the kuffar of Mecca that the ten-year amnesty was now revoked and that he would attack.
Jibraeel informed him that either Rasulullah (SAW) himself, or one who was unto him must be the bearer of this message. Immediately, Rasulullah (SAW) sent Amir ul mumineen (SA) to intercept Abu Bakr and deliver the surat. Amir ul mumineen (SA) relates that upon reaching Mecca, the people glared at him with hatred and venom, yet it did not deter him from conveying the Surat ul Bara'at.
Rasulullah (SAW) made preparations to conquer Mecca, gathering an army of ten thousand muslimeen. He prayed to Allah that the spies of Quraish be blinded to his maneuvers.
Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (RA), Rasulullah's (SAW) uncle and a devoted follower, was enroute from Mecca to Medina when he came across the immense Muslim army. He feared that the entire populace of Mecca would be decimated. Meanwhile, Abu Sufyan and his accomplices were outside of Mecca, spying on the operations of the Muslim army.
Abbas (RA) approached Abu Sufyan and informed him of Rasulullah's (SAW) intentions. Abu Sufyan anxiously sought his advice as to what could be done. Abbas, who was riding on Rasulullah's (SAW) mount, seated Abu Sufyan behind him and smuggled him into Rasulullah's (SAW) camp.
Rasulullah (SAW) instructed Abbas to bring Abu Sufyan to him the next day. The following day, Rasulullah (SAW) ordered Abu Sufyan to embrace Islam. Abu Sufyan hesitated saying if he knew a deity other than Allah, that deity would serve him well that day. Abbas (RA) exclaimed, "Embrace Islam immediately or yours shall be the first neck upon which the sword shall fall!" Under this threat, Abu Sufyan reluctantly recited the Kalema tus Shahadat. Abbas then instructed Abu Sufyan to proclaim that Mohammed was the prophet of Allah. Once again Abu Sufyan resisted but finally gave in saying if you say it is so, then it is so.
Abbas (RA) humbly suggested to Rasulullah (SAW) to give Abu Sufyan some sort of honor, as he was very vain. Rasulullah (SAW) ordered him, "Go into Mecca and proclaim, "Those who take refuge in Masjid al Haram shall be safe, those who shut the doors of their houses are safe, and those who enter the house of Abu Sufyan are safe." Abu Sufyan bloating with pride exclaimed: "My home! My home!"
Rasulullah (SAW) instructed Abbas to lead Abu Sufyan to a high spot from where he could watch the majesty of Rasulullah's (SAW) army as it marched towards Mecca. As each battalion passed by, Abu Sufyan would ask who they were. When he saw Rasulullah (SAW) in his battalion covered in gleaming armor from head to toe, holding aloft green banners, Abu Sufyan asked in awe "And who are these?"
Abbas (RA) responded with pride," This is Rasulullah (SAW) amongst the Muhajireen and Ansaar!"
Filled with jealousy Abu Sufyan commented, "The kingdom of your brother's son has become great indeed!"
Abbas (RA) rebuked, "Do not speak thus, for he is the Prophet of Allah!"
Abbas (RA) then urged Abu Sufyan to hurry to Mecca to warn the people. Upon entering Mecca, Abu Sufyan proclaimed loudly, "Be warned! Mohammad is approaching with a great army. All those who enter my house are safe!"
His wife Hind, angrily pulled at his moustache and shouted, "Beat this piece of fat for he has lost his mind!"
Abu Sufyan insisted, "You have never seen an army such as this, and Mohammad has declared that those who enter my house shall be safe."
The people called out: "how many can fit in your house?"
Abu Sufyan added, "Oh yes, he has also said that those who enter Masjid al Haraam will be safe."
"How can we leave our women and children alone?" the people demanded.
"He has also said that those who shut the doors of their houses will be safe" said Abu Sufyan.
The people retreated to their homes, and Rasulullah (SAW) entered Mecca victorious. He ordered that there was to be no killing, except of those few who had been identified.
Ali (SA) found two of them in the house of his sister Umme Hani. He drew his sword to carry out Rasulullah's (SAW) orders, but Umme Hani firmly stopped him. Ali (SA) exclaimed, "I have been instructed to slay these two men, even if they are beneath the curtains of the Kaaba." Yet his sister stayed his hand, saying, "I have given them amnesty."
When Ali (SA) reported this incident to Rasulullah (SAW) he smiled and said, "If Umme Hani has given them amnesty, I shall give them amnesty. If all men were the progeny of Abu Talib (SA), the world would abound with strong people!"
Fath-e-Mecca was the last great battle of Islam, for with its conquest the greater part of the Arabian Peninsular came into the hands of Rasulullah (SAW).
|
