P1-SIR-20 The life and importance of the Prophet ﷺ Paper 1, Question 3
The Treaty of Hudaybiyya, Khaybar, and the letters to rulers
Hudaybiyya appeared unfavourable to some companions but created peace, recognition and space for the message to spread. Khaybar and the letters to rulers show the widening political horizon after the treaty.
6–7 AH / 628–629 CE Narrative and significance Paper 1 · Question 3
Syllabus connection
- P1.T3.b3 The main events of his activities in Madina, his leadership of the community there and his conflicts with the Makkans and others
Learn the material
Learning objectives
Key vocabulary
- Hudaybiyya
- Place near Makka where the treaty was agreed.
- Bay‘at al-Ridwan
- The pledge under the tree after a rumour that ‘Uthman had been killed.
- Suhayl ibn ‘Amr
- Quraysh negotiator who concluded the treaty.
- Khaybar
- Fortified oasis north of Madina.
- truce
- An agreed pause in conflict.
- diplomatic letter
- A formal message sent to a ruler or political authority.
Before you start
Answer from memory before opening the answers.
- Why did the Muslims travel towards Makka?
- Who was sent into Makka as envoy?
- What caused the pledge under the tree?
- How did Qur’an describe the treaty?
Check your answers
- To perform ‘umra, not to begin a battle.
- ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan.
- A rumour that ‘Uthman had been killed.
- As a clear victory.
The lesson
Background and setting
In 6 AH the Prophet ﷺ set out with around fourteen hundred companions in pilgrim dress, intending ‘umra. Quraysh blocked entry, and tense negotiations followed outside Makka.
Main events in sequence
- The Muslims travelled without the normal equipment of an invading army and brought sacrificial animals.
- Quraysh prevented entry and sent or received several envoys.
- ‘Uthman was sent to explain the peaceful intention; a rumour of his death led to Bay‘at al-Ridwan.
- Suhayl ibn ‘Amr negotiated on behalf of Quraysh.
- The written wording was adjusted at Quraysh insistence, including removal of “Messenger of Allah” from the treaty heading for their copy.
- Terms included a truce, return without ‘umra that year, permission to return the next year, freedom for tribes to ally with either side and a disputed return clause concerning individuals leaving Quraysh.
- Some companions found the terms painful, but the Prophet ﷺ accepted them and followed Umm Salama’s practical advice when people hesitated to end the pilgrimage state.
- Sura al-Fath called the agreement a clear victory.
- In the following period Muslims dealt with the hostile fortified oasis of Khaybar; after surrender, arrangements allowed cultivation in return for a share of produce.
- Letters were sent to rulers including Heraclius, Khosrow and the Muqawqis, inviting them to Islam with formal seals and appropriate diplomatic form.
Outcome and consequences
The truce brought political recognition and safer contact between communities, contributing to rapid growth. Khaybar reduced a northern security threat, while the letters expressed a message beyond Arabia.
Examination focus
The best response selects relevant detail, keeps a clear sequence and links each paragraph to the wording of the question.
| Feature | Accurate detail | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Peaceful ‘umra. | State intention before negotiation. |
| Crisis | Rumour about ‘Uthman and pledge under tree. | Explain why loyalty was renewed. |
| Negotiator | Suhayl ibn ‘Amr. | Name the Quraysh representative. |
| Terms | Truce, delayed ‘umra, alliances and return clause. | Give several balanced terms. |
| Strategic outcome | Peace, recognition and wider da‘wa. | Explain why apparent concession became victory. |
Accuracy and interpretation
Do not praise compromise in the abstract. Hudaybiyya involved a legitimate objective, clear red lines and a treaty that the Prophet ﷺ judged to serve a larger good. It does not justify surrendering justice or breaking commitments.
Context and chronology
| Date or phase | Event | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 6 AH / 628 CE | Journey for ‘umra and blockade at Hudaybiyya. | Immediate setting. |
| During negotiations | ‘Uthman’s mission and Bay‘at al-Ridwan. | Moment of possible escalation. |
| Treaty conclusion | Ten-year truce and agreed terms. | Political recognition and de-escalation. |
| 7 AH | Khaybar campaign and settlement. | Northern security and economic arrangements. |
| After Hudaybiyya | Letters to regional rulers. | Universal diplomatic outreach. |
Chronology control
Use dates to anchor the sequence, but do not turn the answer into a list of dates. The event, turning point and consequence must remain clear.
People, places and events
| Person, group or place | Role in this lesson |
|---|---|
| Suhayl ibn ‘Amr | Quraysh negotiator. |
| ‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan | Envoy to Makka. |
| Umm Salama | Gave practical advice after the treaty. |
| ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib | Wrote the agreement in the traditional account. |
| Heraclius, Khosrow and Muqawqis | Rulers who received letters with different responses. |
Qur'an and Hadith evidence
Use Qur’an and Hadith evidence briefly and purposefully. The evidence should illuminate the event or character point rather than replace historical knowledge.
إِنَّا فَتَحْنَا لَكَ فَتْحًا مُّبِينًا
We have granted you a clear victory.
The Qur’an interprets the treaty strategically, not only emotionally.
لَّقَدْ رَضِىَ ٱللَّهُ عَنِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِذْ يُبَايِعُونَكَ تَحْتَ ٱلشَّجَرَةِ
Allah was pleased with the believers when they pledged to you under the tree.
The pledge showed resolve during uncertainty.
Short, accurate references are enough. Do not invent a quotation when you are uncertain of the wording.
Significance
- The treaty recognised the Muslims as a negotiating political community.
- Temporary restraint prevented unnecessary bloodshed in the sanctuary.
- Peace increased contact, allowing more people to hear Islam without wartime pressure.
- Umm Salama’s counsel shows that effective leadership listens to women’s insight.
- The letters demonstrate the universal scope of the message and the use of respectful diplomacy.
Significance in practice
Build AO2 through example → principle → present-day application.
| Prophetic example | Principle | Present-day application |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluate long-term outcomes | A painful short-term term may prevent greater harm. | Leaders should assess evidence and consequences, not only public emotion. |
| Honour treaty wording | Credibility depends on keeping agreements. | States and organisations should not exploit technical loopholes dishonestly. |
| Listen to practical counsel | Wisdom may come from outside formal command structures. | Leaders should create channels for candid advice from women and overlooked members. |
| Diplomacy with clarity | Respectful form need not dilute belief. | Muslims can communicate convictions courteously to institutions and governments. |
Connections with other topics
| Connected topic | How the connection helps |
|---|---|
| P1-SIR-19 Trench | Failure of the confederacy created space for negotiation. |
| P1-SIR-21 conquest of Makka | Treaty breach later became the immediate cause of the conquest. |
| P1-SIR-25 diplomacy | Hudaybiyya is the central state-relations example. |
| P1-COM Umm Salama and ‘Uthman | Their contributions appear in the first community module. |
Common misconceptions
Students often think Hudaybiyya was an immediate military defeat.
In fact The Muslims returned without ‘umra, but the treaty produced recognition, peace and growth.
Students often think The Prophet ﷺ broke the agreement when companions disliked it.
In fact He honoured the treaty despite emotional difficulty.
Students often think Only male military advisers influenced the outcome.
In fact Umm Salama’s practical counsel was important after the signing.
Students often think The letters were threats ordering rulers to surrender armies.
In fact They were formal invitations communicating the message.
What the examiner wants
AO1: what you must know
For a high-level AO1 response, select detailed material that answers the precise focus and organise it coherently.
- Know the brief background before the main event.
- The Muslims travelled without the normal equipment of an invading army and brought sacrificial animals.
- Quraysh prevented entry and sent or received several envoys.
- ‘Uthman was sent to explain the peaceful intention; a rumour of his death led to Bay‘at al-Ridwan.
- Suhayl ibn ‘Amr negotiated on behalf of Quraysh.
- The written wording was adjusted at Quraysh insistence, including removal of “Messenger of Allah” from the treaty heading for their copy.
- Terms included a truce, return without ‘umra that year, permission to return the next year, freedom for tribes to ally with either side and a disputed return clause concerning individuals leaving Quraysh.
- Some companions found the terms painful, but the Prophet ﷺ accepted them and followed Umm Salama’s practical advice when people hesitated to end the pilgrimage state.
- Sura al-Fath called the agreement a clear victory.
- In the following period Muslims dealt with the hostile fortified oasis of Khaybar; after surrender, arrangements allowed cultivation in return for a share of produce.
- Letters were sent to rulers including Heraclius, Khosrow and the Muqawqis, inviting them to Islam with formal seals and appropriate diplomatic form.
- The truce brought political recognition and safer contact between communities, contributing to rapid growth. Khaybar reduced a northern security threat, while the letters expressed a message beyond Arabia.
- Keep names, sequence and consequences accurate.
The five-part battle answer
Examiners state plainly that battle questions need these five elements. Cover all five and you will not lose marks for omission.
- Date
- When it happened, and where it sits in the sequence. 6 AH / 628 CE at Hudaybiyya; Khaybar in 7 AH.
- Commanders
- Who led each side, and who else was significant. Muhammad ﷺ and Quraysh represented by Suhayl ibn ‘Amr.
- Cause
- Why the battle happened — the immediate trigger and the background. Muslim journey for ‘umra blocked by Quraysh.
- Events
- What actually happened, in order, with the turning points. Envoys, rumour, pledge, negotiation, treaty terms, compliance, later Khaybar and letters.
- Outcome
- Who prevailed, the losses, and what changed as a result. Truce, recognition, wider spread and expanding diplomacy.
AO1 control
Do not narrate everything you know about the Prophet’s life. Select the events that directly answer the question and develop them accurately.
AO2: what you must understand
AO2 must move beyond praise. Identify a principle, explain how the example establishes it, and show its effect on a Muslim or community today.
- The treaty recognised the Muslims as a negotiating political community.
- Temporary restraint prevented unnecessary bloodshed in the sanctuary.
- Peace increased contact, allowing more people to hear Islam without wartime pressure.
- Umm Salama’s counsel shows that effective leadership listens to women’s insight.
- The letters demonstrate the universal scope of the message and the use of respectful diplomacy.
AO2 control
A present-day example earns value only when the mechanism is explained: what Muslims learn, why it matters and how it changes conduct.
Worked examination example
Weaker response
This event was important because the Prophet ﷺ showed good character and Muslims should copy him.
The point is generic, unsupported and could be attached to almost any event.
Stronger response
The Prophet ﷺ did not let pride turn a difficult negotiation into bloodshed. He distinguished wording and temporary concession from the larger objectives of safety, access and future growth. Muslim leaders should therefore define essentials, listen to counsel, explain the strategy and honour what they sign rather than seeking popularity through escalation.
The response identifies a precise example, derives a principle and explains its practical effect.
Practise
Guided practice
- Write a one-sentence background for The Treaty of Hudaybiyya, Khaybar, and the letters to rulers.
- Select four events or features and arrange them in the most logical order.
- Add one sentence explaining the consequence or significance of each selected point.
Before you write, answer these
- Brief background
- Event or feature 1
- Event or feature 2
- Turning point
- Outcome and significance
The examination gives roughly a third of a page for a 4-mark answer. Aim for a short, dense paragraph — no introduction needed. Your work saves automatically in this browser.
Independent practice
- Write a balanced 10-mark account without notes.
- Write one developed 4-mark significance paragraph using example → principle → effect.
- Check every name, date and causal link against the lesson.
The examination gives roughly a third of a page for a 4-mark answer. Aim for a short, dense paragraph — no introduction needed. Your work saves automatically in this browser.
Check your understanding
Answer each question, then check it. Every option is explained — including the ones that are wrong — so read the feedback even when you were right.
Write a full answer
Exam-style practice question
This is original examination-style practice based on the syllabus topic and current assessment structure.
Exam-style practice question
(a) Explain the events and terms of Hudaybiyya and why the agreement became a turning point. [10] AO1
(b) What can Muslim leaders learn from the Prophet’s ﷺ handling of an apparently unfavourable treaty? [4] AO2
Written by this course to match the style and demand of the examination. It is not a Cambridge question.
Plan your answer
Before you write, answer these
- What brief context is needed?
- Which four to six points provide the strongest coverage?
- Where is the turning point or contrast?
- What consequence closes part (a)?
- Which specific example will drive each AO2 paragraph?
Out of scope here: Plan from the exact question. A memorised life story or general character paragraph will not automatically answer the focus set.
The examination gives roughly a third of a page for a 4-mark answer. Aim for a short, dense paragraph — no introduction needed. Your work saves automatically in this browser.
Indicative answer
Show an indicative answer Write yours first — you will learn more
Part (a)
In 6 AH/628 CE the Prophet ﷺ travelled with about fourteen hundred companions for ‘umra, but Quraysh blocked them at Hudaybiyya. ‘Uthman was sent to Makka, and a rumour of his death led to the pledge under the tree. Suhayl ibn ‘Amr negotiated a truce. The Muslims would return that year, come for ‘umra the next year, and tribes could ally with either side; a return clause also caused concern. Although some companions were distressed, the Prophet ﷺ accepted the terms. Peace and recognition allowed Islam to spread, so Sura al-Fath called it a clear victory.
Part (b)
The Prophet ﷺ did not let pride turn a difficult negotiation into bloodshed. He distinguished wording and temporary concession from the larger objectives of safety, access and future growth. Muslim leaders should therefore define essentials, listen to counsel, explain the strategy and honour what they sign rather than seeking popularity through escalation.
Other answers are equally valid
- Marks are awarded for what is correct. Nothing is deducted for errors or omissions.
- Credit is given for valid answers that go beyond the syllabus and the mark scheme.
- It is entirely possible to reach the highest level using different information or a different argument from the one shown here.
- Answers are judged against the levels of response, not against a checklist of required points.
Marking guidance reference
What the strongest answers do here: Read the response as a whole. Balance, accuracy, development and direct relevance determine the level.
| Level | Marks | What the examiner is looking for |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 8–10 |
|
| 3 | 5–7 |
|
| 2 | 3–4 |
|
| 1 | 1–2 |
|
| 0 | 0 |
|
What moves an answer up: The clearest difference between Level 3 and Level 4 is comprehensiveness, development, and quotation. Level 3 "may quote"; Level 4 is "likely to quote".
| Level | Marks | What the examiner is looking for |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 3–4 |
|
| 1 | 1–2 |
|
| 0 | 0 |
|
What moves an answer up: The whole AO2 distinction is discussion versus description. A factually excellent but purely descriptive paragraph cannot reach Level 2.
Note that AO2 has two levels, not four. Some older textbooks and revision guides still show a four-level scale for part (b); that scale is out of date.
Self-assessment checklist reference
Judge your answer as a whole against the levels above, not by counting points. An answer can reach the top band using different material from the indicative answer.
Consolidate
Lesson summary
- In 6 AH the Prophet ﷺ set out with around fourteen hundred companions in pilgrim dress, intending ‘umra. Quraysh blocked entry, and tense negotiations followed outside Makka.
- The Muslims travelled without the normal equipment of an invading army and brought sacrificial animals.
- Quraysh prevented entry and sent or received several envoys.
- ‘Uthman was sent to explain the peaceful intention; a rumour of his death led to Bay‘at al-Ridwan.
- The truce brought political recognition and safer contact between communities, contributing to rapid growth. Khaybar reduced a northern security threat, while the letters expressed a message beyond Arabia.
- The treaty recognised the Muslims as a negotiating political community.
Retrieval flashcards
Further revision task reference
- Create a five-point timeline from memory.
- Make a two-column grid: event/action and significance.
- Answer the lesson’s 4-mark question again using a different present-day example.
Before you write, answer these
- Five-point timeline
- Three precise details
- Two significance links
- One misconception to avoid
The examination gives roughly a third of a page for a 4-mark answer. Aim for a short, dense paragraph — no introduction needed. Your work saves automatically in this browser.
Your progress is saved in this browser only. Use My progress to export it if you change device.
Why this would reach the top band
The answer is indicative, not a script to memorise. Equivalent accurate detail and well-reasoned applications may also be credited.