Hazrat Umar Farooq — Page 13
the year 628 A. D (6 A. H), when fifteen hundred Muslims, headed by the Holy Prophet, set out on their journey towards Makkah. A mounted guard of twenty men went some distance ahead to warn the Muslims in case of an enemy attack. The Holy Prophet stayed at a place called Dhul Haleefah, six miles from Madinah. This was the first stage on the road to Makkah. The news of the Holy Prophet’s approach soon reached Makkah. The Makkans were greatly perturbed. They took up arms and were soon on the road to Madinah to take on the Muslims in battle, in order to stop them from entering Makkah. The Muslims had nearly reached Osfan, the second stage, when the Holy Prophet was informed that further advance on the high road was impossible without confronting the enemy as the enemy were camping at a place called Dhu Towa. In order to avoid confrontation the Holy Prophet took an alternative route and reached a place called Hudaibiyah, only nine miles from Makkah and camped there. When the Makkans learnt that the Muslims had reached Hudaibiyah and were camping there, they quickly drew back and headed towards that direction to defend the city of Makkah. They sent delegates to find out the real intentions of the Muslims. Budail bin Warqa, a chief of the Khuza ‘ ah tribe, was the first to arrive. The Holy Prophet explained to Budail that they had come with the intention to perform the circuits of the Ka ‘ bah and had no intention of fighting. Budail went back to Makkah and gave his report to Makkans. But the Makkans were not prepared to allow them to enter Makkah. Then came Urwah, another chief and the Holy Prophet told him exactly what he told Budail. He went back. The Makkans listened to him but were firm in their resolve not to let the Muslims to do the pilgrimage. They said, “The Muslims must go back this year. Next year they may come and perform the circuits of the Ka ‘ bah. ” The Makkans then sent Halees, a chief of Bani Kananah. Thus the negotiations went on between the Makkans and the Muslims. In the meantime the Holy Prophet felt that some intelligent person from among the respectable family of Quraish, should be sent to the Makkans in order to put forward the Muslim point of view to them. He desired Umar to go but Hadhrat Umar excused himself on account of the personal enmity of the Quraish tribe towards him and also on the ground that he had no influential relative in the city, who could protect him from danger. Hadhrat Umar very respectfully suggested to the Holy Prophet that Hadhrat Usmaan should be sent instead because he belonged to one of the most powerful families in Makkah. Hadhrat Usmaan agreed to this proposal. The Holy Prophet, therefore, provided him with a written statement addressed to the leaders of the Quraish in which he explained the purpose of his visit and assured the Quraish that Muslims only intended to perform the pilgrimage and having offered their sacrifices, would return to Madinah. Hadhrat Usmaan’s talks with the chiefs of Makkah became prolonged. A rumour spread that the Makkans have murdered him. Hearing this the Holy Prophet assembled his Companions and said, “I have heard that the Makkans have murdered Usmaan. If this is true we have to enter Makkah whatever the consequences. ” He continued, “Those who promise solemnly that if they have to go further, they will not turn back except as victors, should come forward and take an oath on my hand. ” Everyone rushed forward to take the pledge. This is called the ‘Covenant of the Pleasure of God. ’ The Holy Prophet sat in the shade of an acacia tree, and all his followers declared their resolve to fight to the bitter end for the cause of Islam. 13