ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Fourteen Infallibles The Invasion of Mecca In the 8th year of HIJRA, war started between the Muslims and the Roman army, hence the battle of MU'TA. The Muslims were defeated and had to retreat. When QURAYSH heard of that defeat, their sick mentality motivated them to violate the peace treaty. They thought the Muslims were no longer strong, and that it would be easy to defeat them. They attacked an Arab tribe that was an ally of the Muslims.

They killed some of its members and captured others. Those who managed to escape informed the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) who was greatly vexed at the violation of the treaty. He promised to teach the idolaters a lesson in morals. QURAYSH was worried and tried to make up for its wrong deed. The QURAYSHIS sent their envoy to the Prophet to apologize, but their efforts were in vain.

When time was suitable for the Prophet's (P.B.U.H.) plans, he mobilized his forces and ordered the people to keep their intention secret so that no news of the invasion would reach QURAYSH. It was an important mission: to achieve victory and to deprive the enemy of its weapons. Many would embrace Islam as soon as they were aware of its sublime teachings. It was necessary to achieve that without shedding any blood.

On the 10th of the month of Ramadan of that year, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) ordered his army to set out towards Mecca. They reached a place near it and set up their camp. They were ordered to burn fires near their tents. ABU SUFYAN and some of his companions saw the fires and were stunned at the many burning spots. He was at a loss as to what to do when the Prophet's uncle AL-ABBAS came by and saw him. He said to him, "Are you amazed at these fires?

It is Mohammed's Army waiting to enter Mecca in the morning. No one can stop it". ABU SUFYAN trembled in fear on hearing those words. He said to AL-ABBAS, "Take me to the Prophet, please". AL-ABBAS took him to the Prophet's tent and he had no other choice but to profess his faith in Allah and to pretend to become a Muslim only out of fear of the Muslims' army. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) considered ABA SUFYAN'S "conversion" to Islam as a benefit to avoid the shedding of blood.

He allowed him to announce in Mecca, on behalf of the Prophet, that whoever entered the sacred Mosque, or his (Prophet's) own house, or ABI SUFYAN'S house and closed his door, would be safe.