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to a soft spot in the Quraysh’s own psyche. Actually, during the
early period of Islam, when the Prophet first commenced his
public mission in Makkah, ‘Utba ibn Rabiah once came to meet
the Prophet on behalf of the Quraysh. When he returned to his
people, this is what he had to say to them:
“Leave this fellow to carry on with his work for, God knows, he
is never going to give it up. Do not prevent him from preaching to
the Arabs. If he wins them over, then his honour will be your own.
If they prevail over him, then, thanks to others, you will be free of
him.”
(Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah)
The Prophet’s appeal couched in terms which were consistent
with the Quraysh’s own thinking, brought him supporters for his
peace initiative within the enemy camp.
The Prophet sent the Quraysh this message, and at the same
time took various steps to influence them. For example, when the
Prophet heard that one of the Banu Kinanah was on his way from
Makkah to Hudaybiyyah to ascertain the Muslims’ intention, he
told his followers of the Banu Kinanah’s reverence for sacrificial
camels, and directed them to take these camels with them when
they went out to meet him. They did so, at the same time chanting
the prayer of pilgrimage—“We are here at your service, Lord...”
The Quraysh’s envoy was extremely impressed. On his return
to Makkah, he told the Quraysh that he was quite sure that the
Muslims had come on a pilgrimage and for no other reason, and
should be allowed to carry on.
The very spectacle of 1500 Muslims displaying their faith
in God also made a deep impact on the Quraysh. When one of
their envoys came into the Muslim camp, he found the Muslims
all praying in ranks, lined up behind the Prophet. He was highly
impressed by the organization and discipline of the worshippers.
When he returned to the Quraysh, he told them that the
Muslims worked in unison: when Muhammad made a move, all his
followers did likewise. Another envoy saw that when the Prophet
performed his ablutions, the Muslims rushed to catch the water
he had used in their hands before it could touch the ground. He
