The Fate of Converts

Muslims had no other way except return to Medina in the hope that they would be able to come to Mecca next year. It was not their tradition to surrender except on the defeat in the war. The strongly believed that God will help their prophet. Many of them had doubt on the logic behind such a treaty seemingly detrimental to the interests of the Muslims. Ultimately, without expressing any displeasure at the decision of Mohammed, they returned to Medina. On the way, Mohammed got the revelation assuring the victory to him. Mohammed read out the verses to his companions and their doubt was vanished. 

Later events clearly proved that the decision of Mohammed was a great political strategy and it decided the future of the entire Arabs. The Meccans instead of considering him as an arch enemy and rebel have now recognized him for the first time as a person who has to be dealt with on equal terms. They also recognized the existence of an Islamic state. Along with that the right of Muslims to visit Kaba and perform their rituals also was recognized by them. The religion of Islam was also recognized as a religion of Arabs. This also protected them from the threat of attacks from South and also helped for the rapid growth of Islam throughout Arabia. It was this treaty which enabled Mohammed to address foreign heads of states and emperors, within two months of the treaty inviting them to the fold of Islam. 

A person named Abu Basher embraced Islam and migrated to Medina without the consent of his guardian. In the light of the treaty it was incumbent on the part of Mohammad to send him back to Mecca. Assar Ibn Aus and Aqnan Ibn Shareek wrote to Mohammed asking him to send Abu Basheer back to Mecca. A letter was sent through a person belonging to Amer tribe. A slave also accompanied him. Mohammed told Abu Basheer that he had entered into a treaty with Meccans at Hubebiya and his religion did not permit him to violate a treaty or commit breach of trust. He also said that God would certainly open a way to Abu Basheer and people who were similarly subjected to oppression. Honouring the treaty Abu Basheer was sent back to Mecca. Abu Basheer replied whether he is leaving him to the mercy of the unbelievers to enable them to subject him to persecution merely because he embraced Islam. Mohammed repeated his words. Abu Basheer was forced to return along with the messenger of the Meccans. 

Justice P K Shamsuddin