The terms of the agreement and the obligation to return without performing ‘Umra re-
duced the Muslims to the most profound depression. It seemed incredible to them how the
Messenger of God (r) had agreed to those biased stipulations.
So dismayed were they that ‘Umar went as far as speaking his mind out. He went to Abu
Bakr and asked him, “Had the Prophet (r) not told us that we would travel to the house of
God and go round it?”
“Yes”, replied Abu Bakr looking calmly at the sorrowful face of his friend, “But did he tell
you that you would go to the House of God and go around it this very year?” (Al-Bukhaari).
Having concluded the treaty, the Prophet (r) sacrificed the animals and had his head
shaved. The Muslims sat dejected for they were feeling beaten and crushed at not being
able to visit Makkah and circumambulate the Ka'bah at such a time, but when they saw the
Prophet (r) performing the rites, they rushed to follow him in sacrificing the animals and
shaving their heads. (Zad al-Ma’ad, Vol. I, p. 383).
IGNOMINIOUS PEACE OR SIGNAL OF VICTORY
The Prophet (r) then broke camp to return to Madina. He was still on his way back to Ma-
dinah when God confirmed that the truce of al-Hudaybiyah was not a setback but rather a
signal of victory.
“Lo! We have given thee (O Muhammed) a signal victory, “That Allah may forgive thee
of Your sin that which is past and that which is to come, and may perfect His favor un-
to thee, and may guide thee on a right path, “And that Allah may help thee with strong
help.” [Qur'an 48:1-3]‘Umar asked the Prophet (r), “Is it a victory, O Prophet of God?”
The Prophet (r) replied, “Yes” (Muslim)FAILURE OR SUCCESS
Not long after the Prophet (r) had arrived in Madina, Abu Basir ‘Utba b. Usaid broke away
from the Quraysh and escaped to him. He was followed by two emissaries of the Quraysh to
bring him back. They reminded the Prophet (r) of the treaty given by him and he promptly
handed over Abu Basir to them.
However, on his way back to Makkah, Abu Basir managed to escape from his guards and
fled to the seacoast. Later on, Abu Jandal and some seventy Muslims persecuted by the
Makkans also succeeded to escape from Makkah on their own and joined Abu Basir at the
seashore where they established themselves along the road taken by the Quraysh for their
trade with Syria. The group of Abu Basir ‘Utbah now sought out the caravans of the Qu-