Book: Dalail an-Nubuwwah by Bayhaqi

Chapter of the Context of the Story of Al-Hudaybiyah and the Evidences Emerging from it

Reported to us Abu Amr Muhammad ibn Abdullah al-Adib, who said: Reported to us Abu Bakr Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Isma'ili, who said: Informed us Al-Hasan ibn Sufyan, who said: Muhammad ibn Yahya narrated to us, who was informed by Abdur Razzaq regarding what he narrated about the battles, he said: Ma'mar said, narrated by Al-Zuhri, who said: Informed us Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr. He said: Also informed us Abu Bakr al-Isma'ili, who said: Informed us Abu Ahmad ibn Ziyad, who said: Informed us Ibn Abi Umar, who said: Informed us Abdur Razzaq, who said: Narrated to us Ma'mar from Al-Zuhri, from Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr. This is the narration of Muhammad ibn Yahya from Al-Miswar ibn Makhrama, while Marwan ibn Al-Hakam acknowledged the authenticity of each of their narrations. He said: The Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, set out during the time of Al-Hudaybiyah with around one thousand of his companions. When they reached Dhul-Hulayfah, the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, tied his sacrificial animal, shaved his head, and entered into the state of Ihram for Umrah. He dispatched a scout from the Khuzayah tribe ahead of him to inform him about the Quraysh. The Messenger of Allah continued, shaving his head until he realized it was a sacrificial animal.

Prophet Muhammad's Encounter on the Way to Mecca

When the Prophet, peace be upon him, was near Ghadeer al-Ash'at and close to Usfan, Uyaynah al-Khuzai came to him and said: "I have left Ka'b ibn Lu'ayy and 'Amir ibn Lu'ayy, who have gathered the Ahhabish for you in large numbers, ready to fight against you or be fought by you." Abu Ahmad ibn Ziyad added: "They are ready to be fought by you." Both of them said, "All of them are barring you from entering Mecca." The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Point the way to me. Do you think I should turn towards those who helped them so they may receive their share? If they sit back, they will be helpless and defeated. If they flee, their throats will be cut by Allah. Or do you think I should go to the Ka'bah, and whoever prevents us from it, we shall fight them?"

Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, replied: "Allah and His Messenger know best. We have come as pilgrims, not to fight with anyone. But whoever stands between us and the Ka'bah, we shall fight them."

The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Proceed then." Al-Zuhri mentioned in his narration: They proceeded until they reached a certain point on the road. The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, "Khalid bin Walid is advancing with a group of Quraysh riders. Take the right side." By Allah, Khalid did not notice them until he reached the edge of the army. He then hurried, running as a warner to Quraysh. The Prophet, peace be upon him, proceeded until he reached Thaniyyah where the blessings descend upon them.

Prophet Muhammad's Guidance on Consultation and Decision Making

In a well-known incident, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was consulting with his companions when he decided to leave a certain place. The people urged him to stay, but he insisted on leaving. This shows the Prophet's decisiveness and confidence in his decisions.

Consultation with Companions

Abu Huraira remarked that he had never seen anyone seek the advice of his companions more than the Prophet did. This highlights the importance of seeking counsel and considering different viewpoints in decision-making.

Unwavering Decision-Making

On another occasion, as Prophet Muhammad was traveling with his companions, he made a decision regarding a route to take based on information about Khalid ibn al-Walid. Even when questioned about his choice by the people, the Prophet stood by his decision confidently, demonstrating his firm resolve and trust in his judgment. This incident also emphasizes the Prophet's commitment to upholding the sanctity of God's commands, as he refused to compromise on matters of principle.

Throughout these episodes, Prophet Muhammad exemplifies strong leadership qualities such as consultation with others, swift decision-making based on available information, and unwavering commitment to values and principles.

Complaints to the Prophet (peace be upon him)

Initially, people complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about thirst during a campaign. The Prophet then took an arrow from Kinanah, and as he shot it, water gushed out. This continued until they had their fill. Amidst this, Budayl ibn Warqa' al-Khuza'i arrived with a group from Khuza'ah. These were people the Prophet had advised among the people of Tihamah. The Prophet clarified that they had not come for fighting but as pilgrims while Quraysh had oppressed and harmed them. Should Quraysh agree, the Prophet was willing to extend peace, but if not, then war was inevitable.

Budayl's Mission to Quraysh

To convey this, Budayl headed to Quraysh and presented the Prophet's message. However, the group's ignorant members didn't see the need to discuss further. One person of wisdom among them requested to hear the message, and upon listening to it, he conveyed the Prophet's words to the rest. This led Urwah ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi to question his people about their stance regarding the Prophet, emphasizing their obligations as family members and descendants.

Translation of Classical Arabic Text

Context:

In this passage, a dialogue takes place between a group of people and the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. The Prophet, along with his companions, encounters a man named Urwah who questions the Prophet's decision-making abilities. Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet's closest companions, intervenes in defense of the Prophet.

Translation:

He said, "Do you not know that I gathered the people of Ukaz, and when they refused, I came to you with my family, children, and those who obey me." They replied, "Yes." He said, "This is indeed a proposal of guidance that has been presented to you, so accept it, and leave me to come to him." They said, "Come." So, he went to him and began speaking to the Prophet, peace be upon him, resembling some of the words of Budeyl. Urwah commented on this, "O Muhammad! What if you uproot your people? Have you heard of any Arab who destroyed his lineage before you? If you do this, by Allah, I see faces and youth among the people ready to flee and desert you." Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said to him, "Suck on the clitoris of Al-Lat! We are deserting you and leaving you." He said, "Who is that?" Abu Bakr replied, "I swear by Him in whose hand is my soul, if you had a protector that I could rely on, I would answer you." He continued speaking to the Prophet, peace be upon him, and each time he spoke, he held onto his beard. Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah stood over the Prophet with a drawn sword, wearing a face shield. Every time Urwah leaned towards the Prophet's beard, Mugheerah struck his hand with the sword and said, "Keep your hand away from the beard of the Messenger of Allah." Urwah raised his head and asked, "Who is this?" They replied, "Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah." Urwah said, "Betrayal? Are you accusing me of treachery? Am I seeking to betray you?"

Story of Al-Mughira

In the pre-Islamic era, Al-Mughira accompanied a group of people, killed them, and usurped their wealth. Later, he embraced Islam. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "As for Islam, I accept it, but as for the wealth, I had no share in it." Al-Mughira would closely watch the Prophet's companions. Whenever the Prophet had some hair loss, it would fall on the hands of one of them who would apply it on his face and body. They would hasten to fulfill the Prophet's command, eagerly participate in ablution, lower their voices when speaking to him, and avoid looking directly at him out of respect.

Al-Mughira returned to his companions and expressed his amazement at the companions' reverence for Prophet Muhammad, saying that he had visited kings such as Caesar, Khosrow, and Negus, but had never seen a king being respected by his people like the companions of Prophet Muhammad respected him. Al-Mughira further observed how the companions showed great reverence for the Prophet's words and actions.

One of his companions, known as Mikraz ibn Hafs, requested to meet the Prophet. Despite the Prophet describing Mikraz as sinful, he was allowed to meet him. After observing the companions' high regard for the Prophet, Mikraz remarked that such devoted followers should not be prevented from visiting the sacred mosque. Therefore, he returned to his companions and advised against blocking the believers from visiting the mosque.

Another man, Mikraz, who was known for his sins, requested to meet the Prophet as well. Although the Prophet deemed him wicked, upon observing how the companions revered the Prophet, Mikraz expressed his belief that such devoted followers should be allowed to visit the sacred mosque.

The Prophet's Encounter with Suhail ibn Amr

While the Prophet, peace be upon him, was addressing his companions, Suhail ibn Amr approached. Ma'mar narrated that Ayub informed him, through Ikrimah, that when Suhail arrived, the Prophet said, "Your affairs have become easy for you."

Al-Zuhri reported that Suhail requested to have a document drawn between them and the Prophet. The Prophet then instructed the scribe to write: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful." Suhail hesitated on the mention of "the Most Merciful," to which the Muslims insisted it be included. The Prophet then confirmed, "Write: 'In Your name, O Allah.'" Suhail attempted to change the name of the Prophet, but the Prophet reaffirmed, "I am the Messenger of Allah even if you deny it. Write: 'Muhammad ibn Abdullah.'"

Key Points

• The Prophet emphasized including the name of Allah at the beginning of the document.
• Suhail initially expressed doubt but complied with the Prophet's instructions.
• The Muslims stood firm on the Prophet's designation and the inclusion of specific phrases.
• The Prophet's assertion of his prophethood and the importance of following his guidance.

The Context

During the discussion, Suhail conveyed his concern about the Muslims' loyalty and expressed a request regarding a specific individual. Additionally, the account provides historical context surrounding battles and animosities between tribes, illustrating the complexities of early Islamic history.

Conversion of Umar ibn Al-Khattab to Islam

Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may God be pleased with him, narrates his conversion to Islam:

Encounter with the Prophet Muhammad

Umar recalls a moment when he questioned the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, about the truth of Islam and their mission:

• Umar asks the Prophet if he is truly a Prophet of God and if they are on the side of truth against falsehood.
• He questions why they do not give importance to worldly gains in their religion.
• The Prophet confirms his prophethood and unwavering commitment to God, assuring Umar of divine support.

Conversion and Commitment

Upon seeking further clarification from Abu Bakr, Umar becomes convinced of the truth of Islam:

• After affirming that the Prophet is indeed the true Messenger of God, Umar reiterates their stance on truth and falsehood.
• He inquires about the lack of emphasis on material gains in their faith.
• Abu Bakr reinforces the prophethood of Muhammad and their allegiance to the truth, urging Umar to remain steadfast in faith until death.

Umar's Dedication

Umar expresses his dedication by performing certain actions signifying his acceptance of Islam:

• After engaging in matters concerning the Quran, the Prophet commands the believers to stand up and perform the ritual of sacrifice and shaving the head.
• Umar demonstrates his commitment by complying with the Prophet's orders, highlighting his sincerity towards the faith.

It is through this journey of questioning, understanding, and commitment that Umar ibn Al-Khattab embraced Islam wholeheartedly.

Story of Loyalty and Bravery

In the early Islamic era, a man swore to perform a daring act after bearing witness to the courage of others. When no one else volunteered, he fulfilled his pledge, at great personal cost. He narrated his encounter to Umm Salamah, who advised him to maintain silence until he had sacrificed his body and called upon a barber to shave him. The man followed her counsel diligently, sparking a chain of actions where others joined in performing similar acts of loyalty and selflessness.

Further Trials and Testimony

During his travels, the man encountered two believing women, leading to a revelation advocating for their protection and respect. Upon his return to the city, he engaged in a physical altercation that caught the attention of Abu Basir, a Muslim from the Quraysh tribe. Despite the encounter, the Prophet Muhammad acknowledged the man's fearlessness and valor.

Arrival at Seif al-Bahr

Upon hearing this, he knew that they would respond to him, so he set out until he reached Seif al-Bahr (a place). Among them was Abu Jandal ibn Suhayl who followed Abu Basir, and no man from Quraysh accepted Islam without joining Abu Basir, until a group formed around him.

Quraysh's Interception

They did not allow any caravan of Quraysh heading to Syria to pass without intercepting and killing them, seizing their belongings. Quraysh then sent a plea to the Prophet, invoking the ties of kinship and God, as those who approached him from them were granted safety. The Prophet sent them the verse: "And it is He who withheld their hands from you and your hands from them until He reached the valley of ignorance." The valley of ignorance referred to the fact that they did not accept the Prophet of Allah or acknowledge the term "Bismillah." Thus, a conflict arose between them and the House (of Islam).

Authentication and Source

This narration is documented in Sahih Bukhari, narrated by Abdullah ibn Muhammad, from Abdur Razzaq. The full account can be elaborated in separate sections for clarity and understanding, with the help of Allah for correctness.

The Virtue of Seeking Forgiveness

It was narrated that Qurrah reported from Abu al-Zubayr, from Jabir, from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "Whoever ascends Thaniyyat al-Murar, he will be forgiven as the Children of Israel were forgiven. The first to ascend it was the cavalry of Banu al-Khazraj, the people followed thereafter. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: 'All of you are forgiven except for the owner of the red camel.'" We said, 'Come, Messenger of Allah, ask forgiveness for yourself.' He replied: 'No, for me to find my lost she-camel is more beloved to me than for your companion to ask forgiveness, and here he is searching for a lost camel.'

Reported by Muslim in Sahih from Ubayd Allah ibn Ma'adh.

Thaniyyat al-Murar: The original meaning is a path between two mountains; al-Hazmi said it is the descent of al-Hudaybiyah.

Owner of the red camel: Refers to al-Jud ibn Qays, the hypocrite.

Reported by Muslim from Ubayd Allah ibn Ma'adh in the Book of Hypocrites, Hadith 12, p. 2144.