ABU SUFYAN returned to Mecca and told the people about the...

ABU SUFYAN returned to Mecca and told the people about the Muslims' army which was impossible for anyone to fight. He conveyed to them the words of the Prophet regarding their safety. The people took refuge in their homes and closed their doors. They heard the Muslims shout: "ALLAHU AKBAR!" "Allah is the Greatest!". They entered the holy city of Mecca with the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) riding his white mule, surrounded by Muslims from every side. They went round the KA'BA as in HAJJ rituals.

The people of Mecca watched and little by little left their homes and gathered near the sacred House. They saw the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) and Imam Ali (as) break the idols and crush them into pieces. All the images were removed and smashed. The Prophet then stood near the KA'BA'S gate. He praised Allah and recited some QUR'ANIC verses, then he addressed the people of Mecca.

He said: "What do you expect me to do to you now?" In a feeble voice, choked with tears, they said, "As a brother and son of noble brother would do". They confessed how cruel they were to him and how badly they had treated him. However, they hoped for his forgiveness and kindness. He (P.B.U.H.) said, "You treated me badly, accused me of lies and insanity. You chased me out of my home town and house.

You waged wars against me…" The infidels and the idolaters were overwhelmed by fear and could not utter a ward. They believed it was the due time for the Prophet to seek revenge against them, and that they would suffer the same torture the early Muslims had suffered at their hands. However, the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) never thought of revenge nor of torture. He alone was looking up to a promising future for Islam and the Muslims. He added, "Regarding myself, I shall forget the past and forgive you.

Go now, you are all free". None of the infidels expected to hear the big news and sense such kindness. They were now assured of their safety. Most of them embraced Islam immediately. The Prophet (P.B.U.H.) stayed in holy Mecca for a few days to arrange its affairs. He appointed one of the believers to administer the community. He then left the holy city with his followers, returning to AL-MEDINA.

CONFRONTATION BETWEEN THE MUSLIMS AND THE ROMANS Following Mecca's invasion, Islam became a major force to reckon with; oppression came to an end. Islam spread throughout the country, and the Muslims achieved victory in many battles such as HUNAIN and Yemen.