Muhammad: Victory and DeathDuring the 89th month after the Hijra, Abu `Ubayda b. al-Jarra and 300
men went out to raid a group of the Juhayna near the sea. The Muslims
could not find them, however, and were so weakened by hunger that they
ate tree leaves (al-Khabt). A giant fish is said to have washed up on the
shore, from which they reportedly ate for 12 days.^160
In the 90th month after the Hijra, Muhammad sent Abu Qatada and 15 men
to raid some of the Ghatafan at al-Ghaba. The Muslims are said to have
surrounded and defeated them. Four women and some children were
captured, and some 200 camels and 1000 sheep were seized.^161162
Qur'an 60Qur'an 60Qur'an 60Qur'an 60 begins with a command for believers not to make friends with
the enemy, and in v. 4 Abraham is referred to as being an example of one
who did not make friends with polytheists, but still prayed for his father.
The vv. 5f give the text of a prayer, and in v. 9 believers are forbidden to
have unbelieving friends. The v. 11 appears to encourage the Medinans to
give those fleeing from Mecca the same gifts which the Meccans give those
who flee to them, and v. 12 gives the women's oath of allegiance.^163 The
command for believers not to make friends with those with whom Allah is
angry is most probably an allusion to the Jews (v. 13). The vv. 1-9 of this
sura are thought to have been composed in 8 AH, but prior to the conquest
of Mecca (al-Fath), and the vv. 10f are thought to have date fro^164 m directly
after Hudaybiya.^165
Also during the 90th month after the Hijra, the Quraysh are said to have
broken the treaty of Hudaybiya by attacking a tribe allied with the Muslims.
The Meccans are reported to have attempted to have their treaty renewed,
but the damage had already been done.^166
In the 91st month after the Hijra, Muhammad and his allies set out for
Mecca with a force of 10,000 men. Since Muhammad had intentionally
chosen an approach which did not reveal his destination, the Meccans are
said to have been caught by surprise. Abu Sufyan met them before the
town, and on the threat of death, accepted Islam. The Muslims entered
Mecca without resorting to the use of force. Muhammad commanded that
six men and four women be executed, but of these, only three of the men
and at least one of the women were actually put to death. One o^167 f
Muhammad's former scribes, Ibn Abu Sarh (who had fled from^168
Muhammad to Medina), was only spared death because of the intercession
of Uthman b.Affan. Only Khalid b. Walid is reported to have