The conquest of Makka and the Farewell Sermon

Last time

Before we start: last time, in Brotherhood, dealings with the Quraysh and letters to rulers, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

The return and the farewell

Within two years of Hudaybiyya, the Prophet, peace be upon him, returned to Makka with ten thousand men and shed almost no blood. A year later he stood on the plain of Arafah and spoke to thirty thousand pilgrims for the last time. These two events are the climax of the biography, and each gives a clear lesson in mercy and in equality.

Why the conquest happened

The Quraysh broke the terms of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya by attacking Banu Khuza'ah, who had allied with the Muslims. They realised how serious it was, and sent Abu Sufyan to make sure the treaty was intact. He was unsuccessful. The Prophet made preparations and set out with 10 000 soldiers, in 8 AH, 630.

Entering Makka

The army stopped outside Makka, and there Abu Sufyan became Muslim. His house was made a place of safety. He returned to warn the Quraysh not to resist. Most put down their arms. A few, Safwan, Ikrimah and Suhayl, swore to block the army. The army entered in four groups. The group led by Khalid ibn Walid met resistance, and there were some deaths. The Prophet gave safety to anyone who sheltered in Abu Sufyan's house, in the Ka'ba, or in their own homes.

In the Ka'ba

The Prophet knocked down the 360 idols in the Ka'ba, reciting: 'The truth has come, and falsehood has vanished away; surely falsehood is ever certain to vanish.' Other verses linked to the event are 17.81 and 34.49. He asked the Makkans how he should treat them. They said he was a noble brother and nephew. He said: 'No reproach on you this day, go your way, for you are freed ones.' The keys to the Ka'ba were given to Uthman bin Talha, and Bilal climbed the Ka'ba to give the adhan. All but nine people were forgiven, including Wahshi and Hind.