Hudaybiyyah peace document was written from Muslims’ side by:

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, signed in the 6th year of Hijrah (628 CE), stands as a masterclass in strategic diplomacy and patience. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and approximately 1,400 companions set out from Madinah toward Makkah to perform Umrah, they were stopped at a place called Hudaybiyyah by the Quraysh. After several days of tension and negotiations, a peace agreement was reached. The Prophet ﷺ chose Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib (RA), known for his eloquence and literacy, to serve as the official scribe for the Muslim side to record the terms of this monumental truce.

The Incident of the Drafting

The writing of the document itself was marked by a famous historical moment that tested the emotional resolve of the companions. As Hazrat Ali (RA) began to write the opening lines, he followed the usual Islamic tradition by writing "Bismillah-ir-Rahman-ir-Rahim" (In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful). However, the representative of the Quraysh, Suhayl ibn Amr, objected, stating that the Meccans did not recognize that phrasing and insisted on the traditional Meccan opening, "Bismika Allahumma" (In Your name, O Allah).

The Prophet ﷺ, prioritizing peace over formality, instructed Hazrat Ali (RA) to make the change. A more intense moment followed when Hazrat Ali wrote the phrase "This is what Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, has agreed upon." Suhayl objected again, arguing that if they acknowledged him as the Messenger of Allah, there would have been no reason for the conflict in the first place. He demanded that the phrase be changed to "Muhammad, son of Abdullah."

Hazrat Ali’s Devotion

Historical accounts highlight the deep love Hazrat Ali (RA) had for the Prophet ﷺ during this exchange. When asked to erase the title "Messenger of Allah," Hazrat Ali found it physically and emotionally impossible to strike out those words with his own hand. Seeing his companion's hesitation out of pure devotion, the Prophet ﷺ asked Hazrat Ali to point to where the words were written. The Prophet ﷺ then erased the title himself to ensure the peace process continued. This act demonstrated that for the sake of long-term stability and the safety of the Ummah, one must sometimes make symbolic concessions.

The Terms and Impact of the Document

The document written by Hazrat Ali (RA) contained several clauses that initially seemed unfavorable to the Muslims, such as the requirement to return to Madinah without performing Umrah that year and a ten-year cessation of hostilities. However, the Quran later referred to this treaty as "Al-Fath al-Mubin" (The Manifest Victory).

The peace provided by the treaty allowed the Muslims to interact freely with other Arabian tribes, leading to a massive increase in the number of people entering Islam. The security provided by the document also allowed the Prophet ﷺ to send letters to various world leaders, including the Roman and Persian Emperors, inviting them to the faith.

A Lasting Legacy of Diplomacy

The role of Hazrat Ali (RA) as the scribe is not just a footnote; it highlights the importance of having a trusted, literate, and wise representative in high-stakes negotiations. His presence ensured that the document was legally sound and accurately reflected the Prophet's ﷺ intentions. This treaty eventually paved the way for the bloodless Conquest of Makkah two years later, proving that the pen and the parchment of Hudaybiyyah were as powerful as any sword in the expansion of the Islamic state.