When the truce of Hudaibiya took place?

The correct answer is that the Truce of Hudaibiya took place in 6th Hijri.This event occurred specifically in the month of Dhu al-Qi'dah. It was a moment that reshaped the political landscape of the Arabian Peninsula, moving the relationship between the Muslims of Madinah and the Quraysh of Makkah from a state of constant conflict to a period of formal, legal truce.

The Journey to Hudaibiya

The context of the 6th Hijri is essential for understanding this event. By this time, the Muslims had already faced major battles, including Badr, Uhud, and the Battle of the Trench (Khandaq). In the 6th year after the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) saw a vision in which he was performing the pilgrimage (Umrah). Following this spiritual sign, he set out for Makkah with approximately 1,400 companions.

Crucially, the Muslims traveled unarmed, carrying only the swords allowed for travelers in that era, signaling that their intent was purely religious and peaceful. However, the Quraysh, fearing a loss of prestige, blocked their path at a place called Hudaibiya, located on the outskirts of Makkah.

The Negotiation Process

The historical significance of Hudaibiya lies in the negotiations that followed the standoff. Several emissaries were sent back and forth, including Hazrat Uthman (RA), whose long delay in returning led to the famous Bay'ah al-Ridwan (Pledge of Satisfaction), where the companions swore to stand by the Prophet (SAW) until the end.

Sensing the resolve of the Muslims, the Quraysh sent Suhayl ibn Amr to finalize a treaty. The document was written with specific terms that, at first glance, appeared unfavorable to the Muslims. These terms included:

A ten-year ceasefire between the two parties.

The Muslims would return to Madinah that year and only return for pilgrimage the following year.

Anyone from the Quraysh joining the Muslims without permission must be returned, whereas any Muslim returning to the Quraysh would not be sent back.

The Strategic "Clear Victory"

While many companions were initially saddened by the terms of the 6th Hijri treaty, history proves its immense success. The Quranic chapter, Surah Al-Fath (The Victory), was revealed shortly after, declaring the treaty a "clear victory."

The peace provided by the truce allowed for the "Great Daw'ah" period. During the two years of peace that followed the 6th Hijri, more people entered the fold of Islam than in all the previous years combined. Famous figures such as Khalid bin Walid and Amr ibn al-Aas accepted Islam during this period of calm.

Furthermore, the treaty officially recognized the Muslims as a sovereign political entity for the first time. The Quraysh, who had previously sought only to destroy the Muslims, were now forced to sign a legal contract with them as equals. This diplomatic breakthrough in 6th Hijri eventually paved the way for the peaceful Conquest of Makkah just two years later, when the Quraysh themselves violated the terms of this very truce.