Ch 3: Spread of Islam
Spread of Islam:
Forced to
recognize that they could not eliminate Islam- the divine message, or defeat the
Muslims, the pagans of Mecca
concluded the Treaty of Hudaybiyah with the Muslims.
They agreed on maintaining peace and on observing neutrality in their conflicts
with third parties. Effectively, the treaty recognized Muslims as a new force in
Arabia and acknowledged their freedom to move unmolested
throughout the region. During the months of tranquility that followed, Muslims
sent preachers to all directions; many people and tribes in
Arabia converted to Islam. In 630 AD (8 AH) Meccan allies breached the treaty when they massacred a
group of traveling Muslims. Following the attack, great numbers of Muslims get
gathered in the Madinah. Then, this army marched
towards Mecca . The numbers and
dedication of Muslims astounded the leaders of the city. The prophet and his
followers decided not to fight.
Entering
Mecca , Muhammad gave amnesty to all
people who did not want to fight, and so stayed inside their homes. Except for
few minor incidents, the opening of
Mecca was one of the most
astonishingly bloodless military victories in the world history.
The people of Mecca ,
who had relentlessly oppressed Muhammad and his followers for more than two
decades, feared retribution. However, they were treated with the greatest
magnanimity. In a grand public gathering at the town center, Muhammad asked
them, “What do you think I will do with you?”, “You are kind, and the son of a
kind brother,” their leaders answered. “Go, you are free!” Muhammad replied. The
Muslims understood these words to mean total forgiveness. No home was pillaged;
no property was confiscated.
Over the years, the pagan Meccans
converted to Islam. The Prophet removed all the idols in and around the Ka`bah. The cubic monument at the center of the city is
believed to have been built by Abraham and his son Ishmael. Ever since, the Muslim call to prayer has been heard five times a
day in this ancient sanctuary.
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