Mischief by the Infidels of Makkah

At this point, the mention of a related but important occurrence is necessary. When ambassadors from the Quraish began to come one after another, the Holy Prophet(sa) felt that a wise person on his behalf should also go to the Quraish, who would be able to present the viewpoint of the Muslims sympathetically and with wisdom. A man named Khirāsh bin Umaiyyah, who was from the Khuzā‘ah tribe, i.e., the same tribe from which the first ambassador of the Quraish Budail bin Warqā came, was selected for this purpose. For this mission, the Holy Prophet(sa) granted Khirāsh his own camel for transport. Khirāsh went to the Quraish, but since this was still the early stages of negotiations and the young men from the Quraish were extremely enraged, a fanatical young man from among the Quraish, ‘Ikrimah bin Abī Jahl, attacked and wounded the camel of Khirāsh. By Arab custom, this meant that they were forcefully stopping his movements. Additionally, this extremist group from among the Quraish desired to attack Khirāsh as well, but the elders intervened and saved his life. He then returned to his camp.1

The Quraish of Makkah did not suffice at this, rather in the blindness of their rage they also intended that now as the Holy Prophet(sa) and his companions were so close to Makkah and so very far from Madīnah, an attack should be launched against him, so that he may be harmed as much as possible. For this purpose, they dispatched a party of about 40 to 50 men towards Ḥudaibiyyah and in the veil of negotiations, these people were instructed to circle the Muslim camp and whenever possible, continue injuring the Muslims.2 As a matter of fact, from some narrations it is even ascertained that these people were 80 in number and on this occasion, they even conspired to assassinate the Holy Prophet(sa).3 However, the Muslims remained vigilant in their place. As such, the secret of this conspiracy of the Quraish was discovered and all of those concerned were arrested.4 The Muslims were very displeased at this action of the people of Makkah, which they committed in the Ashhur-e-Ḥuram and in the sacred proximity of the Ḥaram at that, but the Holy Prophet(sa) forgave them and did not allow for it to become an obstacle in the negotiations.5The Holy Qur’ān has also mentioned this action of the people of Makkah. It states:

“It was God, Who by His special grace, withheld the hands of the infidels from you in the valley of Makkah and protected you; And when you became dominant and subjugated them, withheld your hands from them.”6