Unending Negotiations

Mohammed thought of sending another delegate to negotiate with Qurayyah. He called Umar Ibn Khazad for conveying his message to the leaders of Meccans. Umar said that the Meccans are likely to pounce upon him and suggested the name of Uthman Ibn Asfan. Thereupon Mohammed called him and sent him to Abu Sufian and other leaders of Meccans. Uthman proceeded to Mecca for negotiation. On the way he met Al Abab Ibn Saud who promised his protection. Uthman approached the leaders of Mecca and handed over the Message of Mohammed. They suggested him to circumbulate the Kabba if he so wished. He told them that he would never do it until Mohammed could do it. He also told them that the Muslims had come only with the intention of performing the pilgrimage and they had brought with them the sacrificial animals and if they are refused permission they would return in peace. The Meccans answered that they had already taken a decision not to allow Mohammed and his companions to enter Mecca this year. The negotiations took fairly long time and the Muslim camp began to suspect that Uthman was treacherously put to death. On the other hand the Meccans appreciated the sincerity and frankness of Uthman and seriously got engaged in discussing on reorganizing their relations with Mohammed.

Mohammed assured his companions that he would not allow them to go without challenging the enemy. They assembled under a large tree in the middle of the valley and covenanted to fight to the last. However, the news reached them that Uthman had not been murdered. He returned safe. Uthman reported to Mohammed that the Meccans have no more doubt that the Muslims had come for anything other than performing the religious duty of pilgrimage and they also are under the realization that they could not prevent any other from performing their pilgrimage or Umra during the holy month. However, they have mobilized the army under the leadership of Khalid Ibn Walid to prevent Mohammed and the Muslims from entering. The Meccans thought that after all if Mohammed and his companions are allowed to enter Mecca it will be interpreted as a great humiliation to them and they were not prepared to change their decision.