The Remembrance of the Bearer of Glad Tidings and the Warner صلى الله عليه وسلم - Episode 23: A Spotlight on the Conquest of Mecca
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Indeed the conquest of Mecca was the greatest victory and the manifest honor and the lavish glory by which Allah honored His righteous religion, his noble Messenger, and by wish He سبحانه وتعالى made his soldiers and honest party victorious.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Banu Bakr joined Quraysh, and Khuza'ah joined the Prophet peace be upon him.
Sheikh Khaled Al-Musleh: Yet the peace treaty didn't last for long, for soon Banu Bakr, the alliance of Quraysh betrayed the truce. They killed a man from Khuza'ah who are the prophet's alliance.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: During this raid, Quraish helped Banu Bakr with men and arms
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: ‘Amr bin Saalim, the chief of Banu Khuza'ah, set out to the Messenger in Medina. He stood before the prophet while the latter صلى الله عليه وسلمwas amongst his companions.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Reciting some stanzas "Quraysh verily betrayed you
They have killed us while praying and prostrating
Claiming that no one shall help me
Although it's them who are servile and less in numbers"
The prophet then responded: "O 'Amr bin Salim, rejoice at the glad tidings that you shall be victorious"
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Now, Quraysh realized that their treacherous act was discovered. They have betrayed the pact they pledged to the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم so they thought of sending Abu Sufyaan to Medina to the prophet.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: As he reached Medina, he directly headed for the house of his daughter Umm Habiba (the Prophet's wife) and the mother of the believers (may Allah be pleased with her)
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: But as he went to sit on the Messenger's mattress, she folded it up immediately. "My daughter," said he, "I hardly knew if you think the mattress is too good for me or that I am too good for it"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: She replied, "It is the Messenger of Allah's mattress, and you are an impure polytheist." Angry he then responded “By Allah, evil befell you after you left me"
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: She (may Allah be pleased with her) asked the prophet's permission if she could be hospitable to her father and should she offer him drinks or not? The prophet replied positively "Be hospitable to your father"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Abu Sufyan hurriedly went to see the prophet
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He approached the prophet and asked for a renewal of the truce and reconciliation but the prophet turned away from him without a word.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: then he went to Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq. He asked him to talk on his behalf to the prophet, but Abu Bakr refused
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He then approached 'Umar; "Unbelievable! I would never intercede for you with the Prophet; if I could I'd have fought you; even with sticks"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Then he headed to 'Ali bin Abi Taleb who responded to his requests "The prophet has already made up his mind regarding this matter"
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: At this moment, the despair and helplessness have enveloped Abu Sufyan, "O Abu Al-Hassan, indeed things have badly developed. Give me your advice. What should I do? 'Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) then said:,"Regrettably, I can think of nothing that can be of any avail to you"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: And afterwards he told him "You're the chief of Bani Kenanah; stay for the night and then head back by the morning"
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon, "Do you think this is of avail to me?" 'Ali said, "No; By Allah I think it of no avail, but it's the only thing I could think of"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: He then stood up and head back to Mecca.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Accordingly, the attempts of Abu Sufyan were of no avail.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet decided to proceed to conquer Mecca. He was keen on keeping it confidential. He kept it a secret from most of the closest companions to him.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet started immediately the preparations of a new conquest, the conquest of Mecca which was a great victory for the true religion by Allah's will.
(They resolved to beg for forgiveness
Only when they realized adamancy was to be regrettable
Panic humiliated them and if they had been foolhardy
Their union would have been broke up severely
As most of them faced death; horrified, they accepted
the truce; indeed war is the way to peace)
Sheikh Ali Paqees: The prophet prepared an enormous army to conquer Mecca. He صلى الله عليه وسلم led them himself and went forth towards Mecca. He صلى الله عليه وسلم invoked Allah saying, "O Allah, impair their hearing and their eyesight so that they only see us and hear of us all of a sudden.”
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم left Medina heading to Mecca at the head of an army of 10,000 of his companions (may Allah be pleased with them)
Sheikh Khaled Al-Musleh: On 11th of Ramadan, 8th year A.H., the prophet along with the helpers and emigrants (Al-ansar and Al-Muhajiroon) headed to the sacred house which Allah has made an establishment for mankind and sanctuary.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet appointed Abu Ruhm al-Ghaffari as a governor of Medina while he صلى الله عليه وسلم is away.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: In Al-Juhfah, the prophet met his uncle Al-‘Abbas bin ‘Abd Al-Muttalib and his children who were emigrating from Mecca.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Then the prophet resumed his march. As he reached Al-Abwaa he met his cousin Abu Sufyan bin Al-Harith and his other cousin (from his aunt side) 'Abdullah bin Omaiyyah. Take notice that this Abu Sufyan isn't the one who is called Abu Sufyan bin Harb whose news were previously mentioned.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Both cousins have abused the prophet before while he صلى الله عليه وسلم was in Mecca. Now they emigrated, yearning to embrace Islam. As the prophet saw Abu Sufyan and Ibn Abi Rabee'a, he shunned away from them.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Um Salamah then addressed the prophet, "O prophet of Allah, you should not be the cause of misery of your cousins"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: So Abu Sufyan approached 'Ali bin Abi Talib; 'Ali told him "I suggest you approach him from the front while reciting what Yusuf's brothers said to Yusuf himself as it was mentioned in Quran:
{قَالُوا تَاللَّهِ لَقَدْ آثَرَكَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْنَا وَإِنْ كُنَّا لَخَاطِئِينَ} [ يوسف: 91]
Interpretation of the meaining: "By Allah' they said, 'God has indeed preferred thee above us, and certainly we have been sinful.'" [Joesph: 91]
For the prophet wouldn't be pleased to be less generous in responding.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Oh! Observe how the prophet's companions knew him so well and learnt how to reach his heart and realized his softened manners صلى الله عليه وسلم, his great courtesy and politeness and superb generosity, even more his mercy upon Muslims
Sheikh Ali Paqees: And so did Abu Sufyan. He approached the prophet from the front and said to him, "By Allah' they said, 'God has indeed preferred thee above us, and certainly we have been sinful.'" and right to 'Ali suggestion the prophet responded:
{قَالَ لَا تَثْرِيبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الْيَوْمَ يَغْفِرُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ وَهُوَ أَرْحَمُ الرَّاحِمِينَ} [يوسف: 92]
Interpretation of the meaning: "'No reproach this day shall be on you; God will forgive you; He is the most merciful of the merciful." [Joseph: 92]
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Abu sufyan then recited stanzas regarding the prophet:
I swear on your life; shall I hold the banner
Muhammad's horses (combatants) shall defeat Al-Lat's horses.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Like the passenger at night; the sky has become pitch-black
But my time came to respond to the righteous guidance
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He has guided me; called me unto Allah
He who I chased out in every possible way
Sheikh Ali Paqees: The prophet sadly hit Abu Sufyan chest repeating "Indeed you've chased me in every way" and the prophet leading the army went on their march.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet proceeded until he arrived at Marr Ath-Thahraan which is known by Valley of Fatimah. At night he صلى الله عليه وسلم encamped there and ordered the army to light fires
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Then 'Abbas bin 'Abdul-Muttalib, the prophet's uncle went out and rode the she-mule of the prophet, seeking the news of Mecca and its people and exploring the place for any spies. When he heard a voice, he quietly listened till he recognized he was none but Abu Sufyan bin Harb along with Hakeem bin Hizam and Budayl bin Warqaa’
Sheikh Khaled Al-Musleh: They had scouted for news for they feared a sudden attack from the tribe of Khuza'ah even more from the prophet's side صلى الله عليه وسلم. They saw large numbers of fires. Abu sufyan then inquired, "What are these fires all about? I never saw such huge numbers of it except in 'Arafa (the pilgrim)"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Budail then said, "May be it is Khuza'ah flared by war". Yet Abu Sufyan said, "Can't be! Khuza'ah are less in numbers and humble in means than what is before us."
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet صلى الله عليه وسلمappointed ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab the leadership of the guards
Sheikh Khaled al-Musleh: After Al'Abbas listened to their conversation, he started one with both.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: He addressed Abu Sufyan "By Allah, if the Messenger seizes you, he will strike your neck"
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: "So ride behind me on this she-mule until I take you to the prophet, and ask him to grant you security"
Sheikh Khaled Al-musleh: Abu Sufyan wasn't a nobody. He was the leader of the polytheists army who fought the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for long past year. Hence, the prophet's companions knew the man very well and entering the Muslims' camp without any security is a risky act. Therefore, Al-'Abbas asked him to ride behind him on the she-mule of the prophet.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: "While I was on my way to the prophet, every time I passed by a fire, people would ask who I was. When they saw the she-mule of the prophet with me mounted on it, they would say that it was the she-mule of the Messenger ridden by his uncle"
Sheikh Khaled Al-musleh: till he passed by a tent of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He asked who I was. He stood up and approached us. As soon as he saw Abu Sufyan behind me he said, “Abu Sufyan! The enemy of Allah! Praise be to Allah who enabled us to seize you without a covenant.”
Sheikh Khaled al-Musleh: 'Umar was hot on their heels. Realizing this, Al-'Abbas hurriedly entered into the prophet's tent and said "O' Messenger of Allah, this is Abu Sufyan here." The prophet prevented his companions from harassing the man.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: On the morrow, they met the prophet who invited Abu Sufyan unto Islam but the latter hesitated till al-'abbas reminded him of what awaits him and Quraysh. Hence Abu Sufyan embraced Islam that day after a long hesitation.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Al-'Abbas addressed the prophet “O Messenger of Allah! Abu Sufyan has a liking for bragging. If you could give him some special privileges." The prophet positively responded
Sheikh Khaled Al-Musleh: He صلى الله عليه وسلم said "Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan is safe"
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: "and whoever locks himself in his house is safe, and anyone who enters the sacred house is safe as well."
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: As Al-'Abbas and Abu Sufyan stood up to take their leave, the prophet wanted to let Abu Sufyan realize how powerful is the Muslims' army. How many in numbers and weapons are they. Shall it have an impact on his heart, he would deliver it to the polytheists of Mecca. Thus, they would dread opposing the marching army.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet ordered Al-'Abbas to detain Abu Sufyan at a commanding gorge that could afford a full view of the Allah's soldiers parading on its way towards Mecca. As the tribes passed them one after the other, holding the prophet's banners, as every one of them passes, Abu sufyan would Ask al-'Abbas, "Who are they?"
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: "I'd answer him, Sulaym passed and then Muzaynah, to which he would respond what matters have we with Muzaynah!" till all the tribes passed and not one passed did he not ask about it.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Then the Messenger passed in his green battalion including the Muhajiroon and Ansaar (the emigrants and helpers), who were clad in armor and nothing but the pupils of their eyes showed. Amazed;Abu Sufyan wondered "O 'Abbas who are they?"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Al-'Abbas said, "They are the prophet's companions, the emigrants and supporters."
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Abu Sufyaan said that no army could stand up to them at any rate. He then said, “Abu Al-Fadhl, by Allah, the sovereignty of your nephew is now great.”
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: I said to him, “O Abu Sufyaan, it is the prophethood.” He said, “Yes, it is so."
Sheikh Ali Paqees: The prophet's army was very close to enter Mecca when Abu Sufyaan hurriedly entered Mecca and shouted, “Whoever enters the house of Abu Sufyan will be safe. Whoever confines himself to his house will be safe, and who enters the Sacred Mosque will be safe"
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Dispersed in different directions, some into their houses, others into the Holy Sanctuary
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: His wife, Hind bint 'Utbah got indignant and tugged at his moustache cursing him "Indeed you're the worst lead ever," She repeated it twice.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet on his part was quite modest, humble and calm, feeling the blessings of his Lord and very thankful as he reached a place called Zee Tuwa
Sheikh Ali Paqees: The prophet bent his head down low to show humility to Allah The Almighty Who honored him with the Conquest of Mecca to the extent that his chin was about to touch the middle part of the saddle of his riding animal.
Sheikh Khaled Al-Musleh: He صلى الله عليه وسلم who was driven out of Mecca and for long those people desired to spill his blood, yet he entered Mecca in the most modest, humblest of ways. Indeed it was a lesson to be learnt.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: He wasn't arrogant or haughty, never bragged. This victorious stance was a stance of submission and thankfulness to his Lord and profound humility to the Almighty One.
(He bent his head صلى الله عليه وسلم down to the Master of Kingdom Who granted him victory; Exalted is He. It was the victory of the merciful ones not that of the oppressive tyrants)
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: At Zee Tuwa, the prophet distributed the roles among his leading companions. He deputed Khalid bin Al-Waleed on the right flank and commanded him to enter Mecca through its lower avenues till he meets the prophet at Al-Safa. Had anyone resisted him, he should fight them. Az-Zubayr was handed another banner and ordered to storm Mecca from the upper side holding up the Messenger's banner till he implants it at Al-Juhoon. He dispatched Abu ‘Ubaydah to the ground soldiers and to march through the bottom of the valley till he meets the prophet there.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The leading companions headed exactly as the prophet instructed.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Prophet's banner was planted at AlHijoon. At Al-Fath Masjid (Mosque), a tent was pitched for him صلى الله عليه وسلم. The prophet entered it and after a while he exited it along with the emigrants (muhajiroon) and the supporters (Al-Ansar). They were on both his sides in front of him and behind him too.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet walked as an honored believer then he entered into the sacred Masjid (Mosque). He headed straight to the black stone and touched it صلى الله عليه وسلم
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: Then he صلى الله عليه وسلم circumambulated Al-Ka'bah 7 times while he held a bow in his hands as there were 360 idols' statues. The prophet knocked them down with his bow. He thrust those deities with his stick till they all fell down. All the while he صلى الله عليه وسلم recited verses of Quran:
{وَقُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَزَهَقَ الْبَاطِلُ إِنَّ الْبَاطِلَ كَانَ زَهُوقًا} [الإسراء: 81]
{قُلْ جَاءَ الْحَقُّ وَمَا يُبْدِئُ الْبَاطِلُ وَمَا يُعِيدُ} [سبأ: 49]
Interpretation of the meaning:
"say: 'The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away; surely falsehood is ever certain to vanish.'" [Israa: 81]
"Say. 'Truth has come; falsehood originates not, nor brings again." [Sabaa: 49]
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The statues was falling down on their backs and faces till they were all in pieces before the prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم
(Here's the so called honorable 'Uzza is falling down and no one will defend those idols anymore amongst the residents of the valleys)
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Allah is the greatest! Few years ago the prophet was banished from Mecca
Sheikh Ali Paqees: It was only yesterday they banished him صلى الله عليه وسلم. They put the dirt and camels' intestines over his back!
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: It was only few years ago when they thwart stones at him صلى الله عليه وسلم till his heels bled.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: In the near past, they made him bleed; they seized him by the neck; spit at his face; and banished him and his companions; they tormented his companions even more.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: and today, he صلى الله عليه وسلم enters Mecca, honored and victorious, having every ability and the upper hand over them all. All necks were at his command to be spared or chopped off. He entered Mecca along his companions, the muhajiroon, emigrants those whom they banished from their own country and stole their fortunes, lashed their backs in Mecca before all the polytheists. Here's the day come that Allah promised them victory at.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet saw images inside of Al-Ka'bah. He صلى الله عليه وسلم called for 'Uthman bin Talha and took al-Ka'bah's keys from him
Sheikh Ali Paqees: As the prophet entered, he saw an image that was falsely said to be of Ibraaheem and Ismaa‘eel (Abraham and Ishmael), holding divining arrows in their hands.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet then said “May Allah kill them! They knew that they [Ibraaheem and Ismaa‘eel] had never sought decision through divining" then he erased those images off the Ka'bah's walls.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: the Messenger advanced towards the Ka‘bah with Usaamah bin Zayd, and Bilaal bin Rabaah; and closed Al-Ka'bar's door behind them
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: The prophet stood facing the wall which faced Al-Ka'ba's door, as he stood with two pillars on his left, one pillar on his right and three pillars behind him. The Ka‘bah stood on six pillars at that time.”
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet cried for 'Uthman bin Talha, "Where's 'Uthman bin Talha?" The latter came to the prophet. The prophet said to him, "Here's your key 'Uthman. Today is a day of kindness and faithfulness. Take it forever, and no one shall take it from you except an oppressor." Indeed no one is more truthful than the prophet!
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Al-Ka'bah's keys were returned to 'Uthman bin Talha as well as supplying the pilgrims with food and water. The prophet then asked Bilaal to climb Al-ka'bah.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: and announce the Athaan (call) for prayer
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Bilaal who they used to drag on the hottest sand,today he ascends the Old Sacred House to call the world unto the righteous call: glorifying Allah سبحانه وتعالى, calling unto the statement of monotheism. There' no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: O history record. Indeed Allah has spoken none but the truth and the final triumph is for the pious. Come on Bilal let the world hear the call of the prayer.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: Then the prophet performed his prayer inside the sacred house. He glorified his Lord in every corner;,professing his beliefs that no god but the One سبحانه وتعالى then he opened Al-Ka'bah door and came out to Quraysh who were awaiting him, fearing what he may do with them, now that he was victorious.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet addressed them "O people of Quraysh, what do you think I'll do with you?"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: They replied, “You will deal with us with generosity! You are a noble brother and the son of a noble brother.”
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The prophet then said, "I speak to you in the same words as Yusuf (the son of Jacob) spoke unto his brothers: He said [what it means], "No reproach on you today"
Sheikh Ali Paqees: "Go your way, for you are freed" O Allah! How generous, lenient and forbearing of the prophet! How merciful! When you have been merciful; you are as merciful as a father or a mother
For only those whom are merciful in life
And if you take or give a pledge
Always a faithful and constant one
What victorious it was! A real ceremony
And for Mecca it was purification
What a Conquest! It was a debt,
A penalty the polytheists owed it.
What conquest that from it emerged every victory
That was granted to the conquerors and virtuous ones
Sheikh Ali Paqees: On the following day, the prophet stood among his companions and the people of Quraysh, addressing them. He said, "O people..."
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: "Surely Allah the Almighty made Mecca inviolable on the day He created the heavens and the earth. By virtue of the sacredness bestowed on it by Allah, it is sacred until the Day of Judgment."
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: "So it is impermissible for anyone who believes in Allah and the Last Day to shed anyone’s blood or to cut trees therein."
Sheikh Ali Paqees: "If anyone argued that the Messenger of Allah fought in it [Mecca], tell them that Allah The Almighty permitted His Messenger, but not them. It was made violable for me only for a few hours of that day and it is once again as sacred as it was yesterday. So let those who are listening to me now convey the message to those who are absent." And so the sacredness of Mecca was valid again by the prophet's words.
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: This great event, as Allah granted his prophet such victory, the greatest conquest, for here's the prophet back to Mecca a victorious man.
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The Helpers (al-ansar) feared that the prophet shall leave them now as he came back to his lovable born place: Mecca.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: They said amongst themselves, "Don't you think that, as Allah had given his messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم victory over his native city, he might choose to stay here and leave you"
Sheikh Zaid al-Qoroon: All the while the prophet was on the mountain of Al-Safa, raising both his hands, supplicating his Lord
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: So they spoke openly to him about their fears and their eager desire that he shall return with them, so the prophet told them
Sheikh Ali Paqees: "I shall live and die with you, and amongst you"
Sheikh Abdullateaf Al-Ghamdi: The conquest of Mecca was the greatest one ever the Muslims made in those years for it turned the situation to great extents that people entered the religion of Allah in multitudes.
Sheikh Ali Paqees: Indeed it was the end for the tragedian story that the prophet's companions suffered on the hands of Quraysh. It separated between those who embraced Islam on its early days and those who embraced it after the conquest of Mecca:
{...لَا يَسْتَوِي مِنْكُمْ مَنْ أَنْفَقَ مِنْ قَبْلِ الْفَتْحِ وَقَاتَلَ أُولَئِكَ أَعْظَمُ دَرَجَةً مِنَ الَّذِينَ أَنْفَقُوا مِنْ بَعْدُ وَقَاتَلُوا وَكُلًّا وَعَدَ اللَّهُ الْحُسْنَى ...} [الحديد: 10]
Interpretation of the meaining: "...Those among you who spent and fought before the conquest of Mecca are not equal to others; they are greater in rank than those who spent and fought after the conquest; and Allah has promised Paradise to all of them..." [al-Hadeed: 10]
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