The Fath (Liberation) of Makkah is a Beautiful Reminder of the Mercy of the Islamic Army in Victory

The Fath (Liberation) of Makkah, 20 Ramadan 8 AH, was a resounding victory for the Muslims. The Muslim army numbering ten thousand set off from Madinah to liberate Makkah. They eventually reached Marr al-Dahran, which was about five kilometers from Makkah, without the knowledge of the Quraysh.

When the Quraysh eventually discovered the army of Muslims, they had reason to fear. Before the Muslims had a state, the Quraysh had defamed, besieged, beaten, tortured and martyred the Muslims. They had conspired to assassinate the Prophet (saw) when they feared that Islam would become powerful beyond their capability. After the Muslims had a state, the Quraysh had fought them on their own in Badr. And the Quraysh gathered others against the Muslims, as a huge Confederation, to fight the Muslims, in the Battle of Khandaq.

However, the Islamic Ummah is the Ummah of the Mercy to all humankind, the Prophet Muhmmad (saw). It has a noble purpose to convey the Dawah of Islam to all of humankind, and facilitate the people so they enter Islam in droves. Thus, the Prophet (saw) proclaimed that, «نَعَمْ مَنْ دَخَلَ دَارَ أَبِي سُفْيَانَ فَهُوَ آمِنٌ، وَمَنْ أَغْلَقَ بَابَهُ فَهُوَ آمِنٌ، وَمَنْ دَخَلَ الْمَسْجِدَ فَهُوَ آمِنٌ»“He who enters Abu Sufyan’s house is safe, and he who locks his door is safe, and he who enters the Masjid is safe.”

Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) ordered that Abu Sufyan be detained in the narrow part of the valley where the mountain projected, so that the whole Muslim army would pass by him and he would see them.

Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) marched and entered Makkah, while remaining on high alert. He (saw) had instructed his commanders to split into four divisions and not to fight or shed any blood unless they were forced to do so. The army entered Makkah meeting no resistance except the division of Khalid ibn al-Walid, who quickly dealt with it.

Then the Messenger of Allah (saw) asked, «يَا مَعْشَرَ قُرَيْشٍ مَا تَرَوْنَ أَنّي فَاعِلٌ بِكُمْ»“O Quraysh, what do you think I am about to do with you?” They replied, خَيْرًا أَخٌ كَرِيمٌ وَابْنُ أَخٍ كَرِيمٍ “Good! You are a noble brother, son of a noble brother.” He (saw) said, «اذْهَبُوا فَأَنْتُمْ الطّلَقَاءُ»“Go about your own way for you are liberated.”

This is the army of Islam, strong in preparation, brave in war and merciful in victory. It is an example that echoed through the centuries of the futahaat (liberations) of the Islamic army.

Consider Salahudin’s entry into Al-Quds in 583 AH, 1187 CE, which marked the city’s liberation. Salahudin displayed mercy by setting reasonable ransoms for the Crusaders. Upon entering Al-Quds, Salahudin ordered the rebuilding of the city to its original state, reversing changes made by the Crusaders. Christians were allowed to stay, pay jizyah, and live under the protection of Islamic Shariah Law. Salahudin rejected suggestions to demolish churches. Salahudin’s compassion extended to the Crusader captives. He released prisoners and demonstrated kindness, even to the families of fallen Crusader knights. Christian sources and historians acknowledged Salahudin’s remarkable tolerance and humanity, contrasting sharply with the atrocities committed by the Crusaders in the past. Eight days after the liberation, Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa was purified, and the first Jumu’ah prayer was held.

What a contrast the army of Muslims, is to the armies of the enemies of Muslims! They gather allies and coalitions to fight the Muslims in destructive wars. Their military forces bomb children and women. Their troops torture men and rape women and children. They demolish the homes, the schools and the masajid. They pillage the resources of the people. They pride themselves when they violate the norms of war, and cannot conceal their joy at their terrible siege against Muslims, such that they are deprived of a morsel of food or a mouthful of water. Yet, they call Islam terrorism and Muslims terrorists!

O Muslims!

Consider the Fath of Makkah in these times of trial. Allah (swt) will grant nasr (victory) against the tyrants, even if it is a while. Persist in your Dawah to Islam, despite the hardships of life. Persist in your efforts to restore the authority of Islam, despite the tyranny of tyrants. Persist in your demand that the armies of Muslims give their Nussrah for the establishment of the Deen, despite their clinging to the ignorance of nationalism and secularism. Persist in the sure knowledge that Allah (swt) supports those who are obedient to him, even if it were after a while. Allah (swt) said,

[يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا إِن تَنصُرُوا اللَّهَ يَنصُرْكُمْ وَيُثَبِّتْ أَقْدَامَكُمْ]

“O you who have believed, if you support Allah, He will support you and make your foothold firm.” [TMQ Surah Muhammad: 7].

Written for the Central Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir by

Musab Umair – Wilayah Pakistan