Chief of the Prophets — Page 171
Chapter Eight 171 could not take him to Madīnah according to the conditions of the treaty. Muḥammad sa explained to him that the treaty was still being scribed, and should not apply to him, but Suhail disagreed and beating Abū Jandal, took him back to Makkah. The Muslims felt humiliated at the terms of the treaty. It was particularly unbearable for ‘Umar bin al-Khaṭṭāb ra. He went to Muḥammad sa and complained, “O Messenger of Allah, are you not a true prophet?” Muḥammad sa replied, “Certainly. ” ‘Umar ra said, “Are we not on the right side and our enemy on the wrong side?” Muḥammad sa said, “Yes, certainly it is so. ” ‘Umar ra said, “Then why are we tolerating this disgrace for our true religion?” Muḥammad sa said, “Listen ‘Umar, I am the Messenger of Allah and know Allah’s will and I am following His guidance, and He is the One who is my Helper. ” ‘Umar ra said, “Did you not say that we would perform Ḥajj ?” Muḥammad sa said, “I certainly said that, but I did not say that we would do it this year. ” In a little while, when ‘Umar ra calmed down, he deeply regretted and grieved over this incident, and to expiate for his reaction he offered supplementary prayers, fasted, gave alms and freed slaves. Most Muslims still thought that Muḥammad sa accepted these conditions under duress; and for this reason they hesitated when after the signing of the treaty, Muḥammad sa asked them to offer sacrifices at Ḥudaibiyyah. 1 Seeing their hesitation, Muḥammad sa went to his wife Ummi Salamah ra for advice. Ummi Salamah ra said, “O Messenger of Allah, your companions are not disobedient, but they are heartbroken by the conditions of this treaty. My suggestion is that first you offer your own sacrifice, and then watch how the Companions offer sacrifices in your footsteps. ” So once Muḥammad sa offered his sacrifice, the Companions immediately followed in his footsteps and offered sacrifices. 1 Sacrifice of animals is usually offered at the time of Ḥajj. [Publisher]