The Compensatory Umrah (Umrat al-Qada')
عمرة القضاء
Summary
In fulfilment of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet and 2,000 Muslims entered Makkah in Dhul-Qi'dah of 7 AH to perform Umrah. This was the first time the Muslims returned to Makkah since the Hijrah. They stayed for three days as stipulated by the treaty, performing the rites of Umrah while the Quraysh withdrew to the surrounding hills.
Details
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, signed the previous year, included a clause that the Muslims could return the following year to perform Umrah and remain in Makkah for three days. The Prophet set out with approximately 2,000 Companions, carrying no weapons of war except sheathed swords, as agreed upon. They drove sacrificial animals before them and entered the state of ihram. When they reached the outskirts of Makkah, the Quraysh vacated the city and watched from the heights of the surrounding mountains. The Prophet entered Makkah mounted on his camel al-Qaswa', with the Muslims chanting the talbiyah. He performed tawaf around the Ka'bah, and Bilal climbed atop the Ka'bah to give the adhan — an act that deeply affected the watching Quraysh. The Prophet performed sa'i between Safa and Marwah and completed the rites of Umrah. During this visit, the Prophet married Maymunah bint al-Harith. After three days, the Quraysh sent envoys demanding the Muslims depart as the agreed period had elapsed. The Prophet complied with the terms of the treaty and departed. This Umrah had a profound impact on the Quraysh, as many witnessed the discipline, devotion, and dignity of the Muslim community, and several notable figures embraced Islam in its aftermath, including Khalid ibn al-Walid and Amr ibn al-As, who were inspired by what they had observed.