ERA OF ISLAM

The battle of Ahzab occurred in the 5th year of Hijrah(627 A D )and then in the next year(6 Hijrah-628 AD), the Holy Prophet (PBUH)intended to perform Umra(Pilgrimage) of Ka'ba. There was a convention in Arabia since olden days that all kinds of war would remain stopped for three months during the Hajj period so that people from every part of the country could perform Hajj and Umra peacefully. Under this understanding, the Prophet (PBUH) also wanted to go to Mecca. He was accompanied by his fourteen hundred companions. But when he reached Hulaibya, a few miles away from the city of Mecca, he was informed that the Quraish were preparing for war, and they would not let the Prophet (PBUH)and his followers perform Umra. This made the Prophet (PBUH) anxious, and he sent the message of peace to the Quraish. He tried to assure them that the Muslims had no intention of any collision but they wanted only to perform Umra peacefully. This, however, could not satisfy the Quraish and they remained adamant not to allow the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and his followers to enter the city of Mecca even with the intention of performing Umra. There were discussion and arguments between the Muslims and the infidels which led to a treaty known as"The Treaty of Hudaibya". According to this treaty, it was agreed upon that the Prophet ((PBUH) and his followers should go back that year without performing Umra. But they would be allowed to enter Mecca and perform Umra in the next year. Moreover, there were some other conditions in the treaty that were apparently not in favour of the Muslims yet (PBUH)accepted them only for the sake of peace and to avoid war. After the treaty was signed the Holy Prophet (PBUH), together with his companions went back to Madina.

          Although it was thought by some that the Muslims had been hard through the treaty of adjudged it as the Distinct Victory’ in the Holy Quran. And in fact, it was proved so later on. Before this treaty, the Muslims and the infidels would remain separate and, would not have the opportunity to mix with one another. But after the treaty, they began to mix freely and the infidels got chances to see and study the lofty conducts and actions of the Muslims. Many of them were deeply impressed to see the high qualities and virtues of the Muslims, and so they began to accept Islam. The treaty remained intact for two years and it is recorded that within this period such large number of people accepted Islam that had done never before. Among them who accepted Islam during this period were also Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) and Hazrat Amr bin Aas (RA), the two famous and great Generals of Islam. The two generals are counted among the best generals the world ever produced. They proved to be the most superior commanders of the Islamic army. Their services to Islam are unforgettable. Their conquests for Islam were far and wide.

          As it is known, Islam is not for a particular nation or land but it is a Universal Faith or Religion for the whole world and for all times to come. So when Islam gained ground in Madina and some other parts. Of Arabia, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) thought it necessary to send the message of Islam to other parts of the world also. He sent letters to the rulers of Persia, Rome (Syria), Egypt and Habash inviting their attention towards Islam and to accept it. Najjashi, the King of Habash accepted Islam as soon as he received the message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).The Roman Emperor Heraclius and Maqooqis, the Roman Governor of Egypt, though, did not respond to the message agreeably yet they treated politely to the Prophet's messengers. Some of the historians opine that Heraclius had secretly accepted Islam but he could not dare to declare his belief publicly because of the dominating majority of the Christians. Chosroes Parvez of Persia, however, was proved to be very proud and antagonist. He, not only refused to accept Islam but also torn up the letter of the Holy Prophet ((PBUH) into pieces. When the Holy Prophet ((PBUH) was informed of this, he remarked, "His kingdom too shall be torn into pieces." History gives evidence that these words of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) exactly came true.