March towards Mecca

It is written in Al-Tabaqat by Ibn Sa‘d that the Muslim army reached Marr Al-Zahran at Isha [evening]. Marr Al-Zahran is 25 kilometres from Mecca in the direction of Madinah. In other words, it is 25 kilometres from Mecca. According to the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa), the companions lit a fire in 10,000 different places. Though the news of the Muslim army’s departure had not reached the Quraish, nonetheless they were worried on account of having to fight against the Muslims. Although they did not receive news, the Quraish thought that they would now have to fight, and this is why they were fearful. It seems here that it has been incorrectly written here. In fact, they had received news of their departure after they arrived there [Marr Al-Zahran]. When the Muslims set camp there and lit the fire in 10,000 different places, the Quraish sent Abu Sufyan to gather information. They stated that if he were to meet the Holy Prophet (sa) he should enter into a peace treaty. And so, Abu Sufyan bin Harb, Hakeem bin Hizam and Budail bin Waraqah left and when they saw the Muslim army, they became greatly worried. The Holy Prophet (sa) had appointed Hazrat ‘Umar (ra) to oversee those standing guard that night. When Hazrat Abbas (ra) heard the voice of Abu Sufyan, he stated, “O Abu Hanzla!” (This was the title of Abu Sufyan). Upon this, Abu Sufyan responded, “I am here.” He then asked Hazrat Abbas, “What is this behind you?” Hazrat Abbas (ra) replied, “It is the Messenger (sa) of Allah along with 10,000 of his people.” Hazrat Abbas (ra) then granted him refuge and took him and his two companions before the Holy Prophet (sa) and all three accepted Islam.

(Ibn Sa‘d, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Rasul (sa) Allah ‘Aam al-Fath [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2017], pp. 102-103) (Atlas Sirat Nabawisa, p. 396, Maktabat Dar al-Salam)