Emissary at the Treaty of Hudaibiyah
Now, I will mention the details in relation Hazrat Uthman’s (ra) role as an emissary during the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah and the incident of Bai‘at-e-Rizwan.
The Holy Prophet (sa) saw a dream in which he and his companions were peacefully entering the House of Allah [Ka‘bah] with some having their heads shaven and others having their hair cut short. In light of this dream, in the month of Dhul-Qa‘dah 6 AH, the Holy Prophet (sa) left Medina along with 1,400 companions of his with the intention to perform the Umrah. The Holy Prophet (sa) camped at Hudaibiyah and the Quraish stopped the Holy Prophet (sa) from performing the Umrah. When communication between the two parties began through their emissaries and upon learning of the intense anger and rage of the Quraish, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated that a prominent individual should be sent to Mecca, who was also native of Mecca and was from a venerable tribe of the Quraish.
(Sharh Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 3, pp. 169-170, 222, Amr al-Hudaibiyah, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996)
And so, Hazrat Uthman (ra) was sent for this purpose. I shall relate some of the details Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib (ra) has written regarding this:
“… the Holy Prophet (sa) saw a dream that he was performing the tawaf of the Baitullah along with his companions. At that time, the month of Dhul-Qa‘dah was near, which even in the era of the jahiliyyah [era of ignorance before the advent of Islam] was considered to be amongst those four blessed months wherein all forms of war and conflict was prohibited. On the one hand, the Holy Prophet (sa) saw this dream and on the other, the time was also such that the course of war would come to a halt and peace and safety would prevail throughout the whole of Arabia. Although these were not the days of Hajj and until now, Hajj in Islam had not been officially ordained either, but tawaf could be performed around the Ka‘bah at any time. Therefore, upon seeing this dream, the Holy Prophet (sa) instructed his companions to prepare for Umrah.
“On this occasion, the Holy Prophet (sa) also announced to the companions that since this journey was free from any intentions of violent confrontation – rather, it was merely for the purpose of performing peaceful religious worship – the Muslims should not take their weapons along with them. However, as per the custom of Arabia, swords could be kept in their sheaths in the manner of a wayfarer.
“The Holy Prophet (sa) also encouraged the Bedouin people in the surrounding areas of Medina who were apparently with the Muslims, to participate in the performance of the worship of Umrah. Unfortunately, except for a nominal number of people, these so-called Bedouin Muslims of weak faith, who lived in the close proximity of Medina, held back from setting out with the Holy Prophet (sa). It was their idea that although the Muslims had no other intentions than that of Umrah, the Quraish would stop the Muslims either way and so a state of confrontation would arise. Furthermore, they thought that since this confrontation would erupt close to Mecca and far from Medina, for this reason, no Muslim would be able to return alive.” That is why they became fearful and did not partake in this journey.
“In any case, the Holy Prophet (sa) departed from Medina on a Monday morning in the beginning of Dhul Qa‘dah 6 AH with just over 1,400 companions. During this journey, Hazrat Umm Salama (ra), the honourable wife of the Holy Prophet (sa), rode alongside the Holy Prophet (sa). Numailah bin Abdillah was appointed as the amir of Medina and Abdullah bin Ummi Maktum, who was a blind man, was appointed imam al-Salat.
“When the Holy Prophet (sa) reached Dhul-Hulaifah, which is situated approximately six miles from Medina en-route to Mecca, he ordered everyone to stop. After offering the Zuhr prayer, he instructed that the sacrificial camels, which equalled 70 in number, be marked and that the Companions assume the special attire of the pilgrims known as the ihram. The Holy Prophet (sa) also assumed the ihram himself as well. Then, in order to ensure that the Quraish were not up to mischief, the Holy Prophet (sa) sent ahead a messenger named Busr bin Sufyan from the Khuza‘ah tribe, who lived near Mecca and slowly proceeded towards Mecca.
“Moreover, as further caution, the Holy Prophet (sa) appointed a cavalry of 20 riders under the command of Abbad bin Bishr, to travel ahead of the larger body of Muslims. After a journey of a few days, when the Holy Prophet (sa) neared a place called Usfan, which is situated at approximately two manzils from Mecca” – it is said that one Manzil is approximately nine miles – the messenger of the Holy Prophet (sa) informed him that the Quraish were furious and firmly determined to stop him to the extent that in the expression of their rage and barbarity, they had put on cheetah skins and were fully bent on war, in order to stop the Muslims in all instances. It was also ascertained that the Quraish had sent forth a cavalry unit of a few daring riders under the command of Khalid bin Walid who had not yet become Muslim, and that this cavalry had reached near the Muslims and that Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl was also a part of it. When the Holy Prophet (sa) heard this news, he instructed the companions to divert from the known route to Mecca and proceed from the right in order to prevent conflict. So, the Muslims began to move forward from a very difficult and burdensome route near the coast.
“Following this new route, when the Holy Prophet (sa) neared Hudaibiyah, which is a one-day journey, i.e. only nine miles from Mecca” and the valley of Mecca starts from the pass of Hudaibiyah, “the camel of the Holy Prophet (sa) which was known by the name of Al-Quswa and had accompanied the Holy Prophet (sa) in many ghazwat [battles] suddenly stretched out her feet and sat down. Despite many attempts to stand her up, she would not move. The companions said, ‘Perhaps she is tired,’ but the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Nay, nay, she has not tired, nor is it in her nature to tire and sit in this manner. The truth is that the same Supreme Being Who prevented the elephant of the Ashabul-Fil from proceeding to Mecca, has also stopped this camel as well. Therefore, I swear by God, that I shall accept whatever the Quraish of Mecca ask of me for the respect of the Haram.’
“After this, the Holy Prophet (sa) called out to his camel to stand and by the power of God, this time, it stood up immediately and prepared to move forward. Upon this, the Holy Prophet (sa) took her to the far corner of the valley of Hudaibiyah and settling her near a water well, he dismounted his camel. It is here that upon the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa), the companions set up camp”. Then there is the mention of how the conversation began in order to establish peace between the Muslims and the Quraish.
“When the Holy Prophet (sa) stopped in Hudaibiyah, het set up camp near the water well of Hudaibiyah and when the companions had also set up camp in Hudaibiyah, a renowned chieftain from the Khuza‘ah tribe named Budail bin Warqa, who resided in a nearby region, came to meet the Holy Prophet (sa) with some of his associates and said, ‘The leaders of Mecca are ready for war and they shall never let you enter Mecca.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) responded:
“‘We have not come with the intention of war; rather, we have only come to perform the Umrah. Alas, despite the fact that the fire of war has burnt them to dust, they still do not refrain from fighting. I am even prepared to settle a truce with them so that they may cease war against me, and leave me free for the others’” i.e. “I will not keep any relations with the people of Mecca and instead preach the message of Islam to others”.
“‘If, however, they reject this proposal of mine and insist on keeping the fire of war aflame, then I also swear by His name in Whose hand is my life, that I shall not retreat from this battle until I die in this cause, or God gives me victory. If I am faced with defeat in this battle, then so ends the story, but if God grants me victory and the religion that I have brought is given dominance, then the people of Mecca should not hesitate in believing in me.’
“Budail bin Warqa was greatly moved by this sincere and earnest address. He requested the Holy Prophet (sa), ‘If you grant me some respite, I shall go to Mecca and convey your message, so as to seek reconciliation.’ The Holy Prophet (sa) permitted him to do so and Budail set out to Mecca with a few of his associates.
“When Budail bin Warqa reached Mecca, he gathered the Quraish and said, ‘I have come from that man’”, i.e. Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah (sa), “‘and he has presented to me a proposal. If you permit me, shall I present it to you?’ Upon this, the vehement and irresponsible people among the Quraish began to say, ‘We shall not listen to anything he has to say.’ However, the influential and trusted people among the Quraish said, ‘Yes, inform us of the proposal.’ As such, Budail repeated the proposal of the Holy Prophet (sa).
“Upon this, a man named Urwah bin Mas‘ud, who was a very influential chieftain of the tribe of Thaqif and was present in Mecca at the time stood up. In the ancient Arabian manner, he began to say, ‘O ye people! Am I not like a father unto you?’ They responded in the affirmative. He said, ‘Are all of you not as my sons?’ Again, they responded in the affirmative. Then Urwah said, ‘Do you doubt me in any way?’ The Quraish responded, ‘Not at all!’ He said, ‘Then it is my view that this man’”, i.e. Muhammad (sa), “‘has presented an excellent proposal. You should accept this proposal and I request that you allow me to go to Muhammad (sa) in order to further discuss this proposal.’ The Quraish said, ‘Certainly. Go and discuss this proposal.’” When he arrived in the gathering of the Holy Prophet (sa), he witnessed a truly inspiring scene.
“Urwah presented himself before the Holy Prophet (sa) and began to have a discussion with him. The Holy Prophet (sa) reiterated the same address which he had previously given to Budail bin Warqa. In principle, Urwah was at accord with the viewpoint of the Holy Prophet (sa), but he wanted to fulfil his duty as an ambassador of the Quraish and in order to secure as many rights as possible in favour of the Quraish. Thus, concluding his discussions with the Holy Prophet (sa), Urwah returned to the Quraish. As soon as he reached them, he said to the Quraish, ‘O ye people! I have travelled far and wide, I have been to the royal courts of many a king and have been presented before Caesar and Chosroes and the Negus as a representative, but by God, the manner in which I have seen the companions of Muhammad (sa) honour him, I have seen nowhere else.’ Then he related the entire experience which he had witnessed in the assembly of the Holy Prophet (sa) and at the end, said, ‘Once again, I suggest that the proposal of Muhammad (sa) is a just one. We should accept it.’
“Upon hearing this talk of Urwah, a chieftain of the Bani Kinanah named Hulais bin Alqamah, said to the Quraish, ‘If you please, I shall go to Muhammad (sa).’ They said, ‘Certainly, go.’ So, this man came to Hudaibiyah and when the Holy Prophet (sa) noticed him coming from afar, he said to the companions, ‘This man who comes towards us, belongs to such a tribe as are pleased with scenes of sacrifice. Quickly gather and bring forth your sacrificial animals, so that he may see why we have come.’ Therefore, the companions brought their animals of sacrifice and loudly chanting takbir, gathered them before him. When he saw this sight, he began to say, ‘Glory be to Allah! Glory be to Allah! These people are pilgrims! They cannot be barred from performing tawaf of the Baitullah!’ As such, he quickly returned to the Quraish and began to say, ‘I have seen that the Muslims have placed garlands of sacrifice around the necks of their animals and they have been marked for sacrifice. It is not at all appropriate to stop them from performing tawaf of the Ka‘bah.
“At that time, a severe state of dissent was erupting amongst the Quraish and there became two parties of the Quraish. One party was adamant in sending back the Muslims and was firmly bent upon fighting. The second party, however, considering this against their ancient religious customs, was afraid to oppose them and were desirous of an honourable agreement. For this reason, the decision was left pending. Upon this instance, another Arab chieftain named Mikraz bin Hafs, said to the Quraish, ‘Let me go, I shall conclude an agreement.’ Consequently, the Quraish said, ‘Alright, why don’t you also attempt and see.’ Hence, he went to the Holy Prophet (sa). When the Holy Prophet (sa) saw him from afar, he said, ‘May God show His grace, for he is indeed a vicious man.’
“In any case, Mikraz came to the Holy Prophet (sa) and began to talk. However, he was still speaking when a renowned chieftain of the Quraish named Suhail bin Amr, came before the Holy Prophet (sa). Perhaps in their anxiety, the Quraish had sent him without waiting for the return of Mikraz. Upon noticing the arrival of Suhail, the Holy Prophet (sa) said, ‘Here comes Suhail. If God wills, now the matter shall become easy for us.’” Nevertheless, the discussions continued. On this occasion, the following incident also took place:
“When the ambassadors from the Quraish began to come one after another, the Holy Prophet (sa) felt that a wise person on his behalf should also go to the Quraish, who would be able to present the viewpoint of the Muslims sympathetically and with wisdom. A man named Khirash bin Umaiyyah, who was from the Khuza‘ah tribe, i.e., the same tribe from which the first ambassador of the Quraish Budail bin Warqa came, was selected for this purpose. For this mission, the Holy Prophet (sa) granted Khirash his own camel for transport. Khirash went to the Quraish, but since this was still the early stages of negotiations and the young men from the Quraish were extremely enraged, a fanatical young man from among the Quraish, Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl, attacked and wounded the camel of Khirash. By Arab custom, this meant that they were forcefully stopping his movements. Additionally, this overzealous group from among the Quraish desired to attack Khirash as well, but the elders intervened and saved his life. He then returned to the Muslim camp.
“The Quraish of Mecca did not suffice at this; rather, in the blindness of their rage, they also intended that now as the Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions were so close to Mecca and so very far from Medina, an attack should be launched against him so that he may be harmed as much as possible. For this purpose, they dispatched a party of about 40 to 50 men towards Hudaibiyah and in the veil of negotiations, these people were instructed to circle the Muslim camp and whenever possible, continue injuring the Muslims. As a matter of fact, from some narrations, it is even ascertained that these people were 80 in number and on this occasion, they even conspired to assassinate the Holy Prophet (sa). However, the Muslims remained vigilant in their place. As such, the secret of this conspiracy of the Quraish was discovered and all of those concerned were arrested.
“The Muslims were very displeased at this action of the people of Mecca, which they committed in the Sacred Months and in the sacred proximity of the Haram at that, but the Holy Prophet (sa) forgave them and did not allow for it to become an obstacle in the negotiations. The Holy Quran has also mentioned this action of the people of Mecca. It states:
وَ هُوَ الَّذِيۡ كَفَّ اَيۡدِيَهُمۡ عَنۡكُمۡ وَ اَيۡدِيَكُمۡ عَنۡهُمۡ بِبَطۡنِ مَكَّةَ مِنۡۢ بَعۡدِ اَنۡ اَظۡفَرَكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِمۡ ؕ وَ كَانَ اللّٰهُ بِمَا تَعۡمَللُوۡنَ بَصِيۡرًا
‘It was God, Who by His special grace, withheld the hands of the infidels from you in the valley of Mecca and protected you; And when you became dominant and subjugated them, withheld your hands from them.’ (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.25)”
In any case, in light of the circumstances and the background to the event, when we observe the Holy Prophet (sa) continuously displaying utmost patience and steadfastness and his efforts to establish peace, indeed we find that his example of patience and seeking to establish peace is unparalleled. The Holy Prophet (sa) sought to establish peace continuously at every occasion.
[Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib further writes:]
“The Holy Prophet (sa) saw this mischief of the Quraish and also heard of the state of anger and rage prevalent among the people of Mecca, from Khirash bin Umaiyyah. Therefore, in order to cool the Quraish and bring them aright, the Holy Prophet (sa) intended to send a prominent individual to Mecca who was from among themselves and was from a venerable tribe of the Quraish.” Despite all this, the Holy Prophet (sa) did not give up [his efforts for peace], he took the risk of sending another ambassador.
“Therefore, the Holy Prophet (sa) said to Hazrat Umar (ra) bin Al-Khattab that, ‘It would be best that you go to Mecca and fulfil the responsibility of an ambassador on behalf of the Muslims.’ Hazrat Umar (ra) said, ‘O Messenger (sa) of Allah, you know that the people of Mecca are increasing in their enmity towards me and at this time, there is no prominent person from my tribe present in Mecca who possesses influence over the people of Mecca. For this reason, it is my view that in order to ease the road to success, Uthman (ra) bin Affan be chosen to offer this service, whose tribe, the Banu Umaiyyah, are presently very powerful. Furthermore, the people of Mecca cannot dare to act wickedly against Uthman and there are greater prospects of success.’
“The Holy Prophet (sa) was pleased by this proposal and instructed Hazrat Uthman (ra) to go to Mecca and inform the Quraish of the peaceful designs of the Muslims and their intent to perform Umrah. The Holy Prophet (sa) also gave Hazrat Uthman (ra) a personal letter which was addressed to the chieftains of the Quraish. In this letter, the Holy Prophet (sa) had expounded the purpose of his journey and assured the Quraish that their purpose was merely the observance of a worship and that they would peacefully perform the Umrah and return thereafter. The Holy Prophet (sa) also said to Hazrat Uthman (ra), ‘Try to meet the weaker Muslims in Mecca as well and lift their spirits and tell them to show a little more patience, for God is soon to open the door of success upon us.’
“Hazrat Uthman (ra) went to Mecca with this message and after meeting Abu Sufyan, who was the Chieftain of Mecca at that time as well as a near relative, Hazrat Uthman (ra) was presented before a public gathering. In this meeting, Hazrat Uthman (ra) presented a letter sent by the Holy Prophet (sa) and this letter was also read individually by the chieftains of the Quraish. However, despite this, all the people stubbornly clung to the view that either way, the Muslims could not enter Mecca that year. Upon the insistence of Hazrat Uthman (ra), they said, ‘If you are exceedingly desirous, then we can give you special permission to perform the tawaf of the Ka‘bah, but no more.’ Hazrat Uthman (ra) said, ‘How is this possible, that the Messenger of Allah is stopped outside of Mecca and I do the tawaf of the Ka‘bah?’ But the Quraish did not accept anything and eventually disheartened, Hazrat Uthman (ra) prepared to return.
“Upon this instance, the wicked people of Mecca, perhaps with the thought that in this manner they should be able to secure more beneficial conditions for themselves in negotiations, detained Hazrat Uthman (ra) and his companions in Mecca. Upon this, rumour spread amongst the Muslims that the people of Mecca had martyred Hazrat Uthman (ra).”