Islam Emerging

There are differences of opinion among historians about the duration of the treaty. Majority of the historians say that it was for two years. It was provided in the treaty that if any person changes to Mohammed from Mecca without the permission of his/her guardian, he/she should be sent back to Mecca. It was also stated that if any person leaves Mohammed and went to Mecca, the Meccans were not obliged to send him/her to Medina. The treaty further provided that if any Arab tribe wanted to have alliance with Mohammed they could do so. Likewise, the Quareshi were also free to enter into alliance with other Arab tribes and that year the Muslims should return to Medina without entering Mecca and in the succeeding year they could enter Mecca and spend three days. So stated that the Muslims could not arm but bring only the sword that they normally take.

As soon as the treaty was signed the tribe of Khusa entered into alliance with Mohammed and Banu Bakr tried to enter into an alliance with Meccans. At that time Abu Jandal, the son of Suhail who acted as the negotiator, reached there to join the ranks of Muslims. Suhail got wild and beat Abu Jandal and caught hold of his hair and dragged him to Meccan camp. Abu Jandal started beating and asked the Muslims whether they were sending any man to the Meccans so as to become a victim of their torture and persecution. Witnessing the scene, the Muslims became very much agitated, with regard to the terms of the treaty which were one sided and biased. Mohammed turned to Abu Jandal and said, ”Patient Abu Jandal, wait for some time; God will open a way for liberation of yourself and others who were oppressed by the Meccans. We have entered into a treaty with Meccans. We have mutually taken oath that we shall not violate the terms of the treaty.” Abu Jandal returned to Qureshi honouring the terms of the treaty. Mohammed stayed there for some time annoyed at the feeling of displeasure expressed by his companions with regard to the terms of the treaty. However, the treaty maintained peace to both the parties. Contd.

Justice P K Shamsuddin