Conquest of Makkah
The Muslims were strictly observing the terms of the treaty of Hudaibiya when in the year 8 A.H. the Quraish of Makkah broke the agreement. The Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) sent a messenger to the Quraish laying down certain conditions for the renewal of peace. He also said that if these conditions were not acceptable then the treaty of Hudaibiya would stand dissolved. The Quraish chose not to renew the treaty.
The Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) thought that there was no other alternative but to fight against the Quraish. He, therefore, ordered, preparations for war. The Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) with the Muslim army marched toward Makkah on the 10th of Ramazan 8 A.H. By the time he reached Makkah the army numbered ten thousand. The Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) divided his army into four groups and gave instructions to them that they were not to fight unless they were attacked, in that case, they would defend themselves. The Quraish who had never seen such a huge, well-armed and disciplined army before, offered no resistance and submitted.
Before entering Makkah, the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) announced a general pardon, except for a few bitter enemies of Islam. It was announced that the people should have no fear as no one would be killed or injured. He also announced that anyone who laid down his arms, anyone who took refuge in the house of Abu Sufyan, and anyone who closed the door of his house would be safe. All those promises were fulfilled and the Holy Prophet’s(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) entry into Makkah was peaceful.
After performing tawaf, the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) went inside the Ka’abah. He ordered the destruction of the three hundred and sixty idols which had been placed in the Ka’abah by the unbelievers. While the idols were being removed, the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) recited the following verse of the Quran:
And say:
truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Surely falsehood is bound to vanish. (17:81)
When the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) came out of the Ka’abah, there was a huge crowd of the Quraish waiting for him. Among them were the Prophet’s(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) worst enemies who had persecuted him and his followers for over twenty years. They were wondering how the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) would treat them. The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) set forth the finest example of forgiveness and mercy when he quoted this ayat from the Quran to them,
There will be no reproach against you this day; go you are free.” (12:92)
The conquest of Makkah opened a new chapter in the history of Islam. It settled the struggle for supremacy and the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) was raised to an important position over the peninsula. The Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) stayed in Makkah for fifteen days. He devoted his time to explaining the teachings of Islam. During this period, people of Makkah and the neighbouring Arab tribes came to him and embraced Islam. After appointing a governor for Makkah, the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) returned to Madinah.