Conquest of Mecca — Fath Makkah

The Background: Breaking of the Treaty

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH) had established a 10-year truce between Muslims and Quraysh. However, the Banu Bakr tribe (allies of Quraysh) attacked the Banu Khuza'ah (allies of the Muslims) with support from some Qurayshi leaders. This violated the treaty.

The Prophet ﷺ began preparations for a major expedition, keeping the destination secret. He supplicated: "O Allah, prevent the spies of Quraysh from knowing our plan until we surprise them in their land."

The March — 10,000 Companions

The Muslim army set out in Ramadan 8 AH — the largest force Islam had ever assembled: 10,000 companions. This was a far cry from the 313 at Badr or the 700 at Uhud.

As they approached Mecca, Abu Sufyan ibn Harb — the chief of Quraysh — came out to investigate and was captured by the Muslim outriders. He was brought before the Prophet ﷺ.

The Prophet ﷺ invited him to Islam. Abu Sufyan accepted Islam and was given a gesture of honor: "Whoever enters Abu Sufyan's house is safe. Whoever locks his door is safe. Whoever enters the Masjid is safe."

Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (the Prophet's ﷺ uncle) then took Abu Sufyan to a high point to watch the Muslim army march by — tribe after tribe — so that the futility of resistance would be clear.

Entry into Mecca

The Muslim army entered Mecca in four columns. The Prophet ﷺ instructed: "Do not fight unless someone fights you first."

There was minimal resistance — only a small skirmish with Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl's group, which was quickly subdued.

The Prophet ﷺ entered Mecca with his head bowed in humility, reciting Surah Al-Fath. He entered the Masjid al-Haram, did tawaf (circumambulation) of the Ka'bah on his camel, and then called for the keys.

The idols were destroyed. There were 360 idols around the Ka'bah. The Prophet ﷺ pointed at each one with his staff and recited:

*"Truth has come, and falsehood has departed. Indeed, falsehood is bound to depart."* (Al-Isra: 81)

Each idol fell as he pointed at it.

The General Amnesty

The Quraysh gathered, fearing retribution for years of persecution, torture, and killing of Muslims. The Prophet ﷺ asked:

"O Quraysh — what do you think I will do with you?"

They said: "Good — a noble brother, son of a noble brother."

He said: "Go — you are free." (Idhabu fa antum al-tulaqaa')

This was one of the most remarkable acts of clemency in human history. Men and women who had tortured, killed, boycotted, and expelled the Muslims — all were pardoned.

Even Hind bint Utbah — who had ordered the mutilation of Hamzah RA's body at Uhud and eaten his liver — was forgiven when she came and accepted Islam.

Wahshi ibn Harb — who had killed Hamzah RA — was pardoned, though the Prophet ﷺ asked him never to let him see his face again, as the sight of him reminded him of his beloved uncle.