In terms of politics, the Arab regions neighbouring other nations faced significant weakness and subordination. People living there were either in power or under control – rulers or subjects. The rulers, especially foreigners, enjoyed all the advantages, while the subjects, often slaves, bore all the responsibilities. Essentially, this dynamic led to oppressive autocratic rule, where the rights of the subordinates were ignored. It resulted in ignorance, oppression, injustice, and hardship, leaving the people in darkness and ignorance. The rulers exploited the fertile land, using its resources for their own pleasure and extravagance, while the tribes living nearby moved between Syria and Iraq. Within Arabia itself, tribes were divided, constantly engaged in conflicts based on tribal, racial, and religious differences. They lacked a unified leadership, neither a king to ensure their independence nor a reliable source of support during tough times.

In Arabia, a tribal society existed that gave affiliation to one’s tribe supreme importance. Makkah had a special status, as a result of its religious importance with the Kaaba at its centre. Moreover, it enjoyed economic prosperity due to its organisation of proper international trade and monopoly of business during Pilgrimage. In fact, most of the wealth of Arabia was concentrated in Makkah, and held by a small group of its noblemen. This led to a life of luxury with its associated vices, such as gambling, drinking, loose sexual morality and exploitation of the poor.

Before he became a prophet, Muhammad ﷺ didn't have a specific job when he was young. It's said he looked after sheep for Bani Sa‘d in Makkah. When he was 25 years old, he worked as a merchant for Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and travelled to Syria. Khadijah was a respected and rich businesswoman. She hired men to do business for her and gave them a share of the profits. When she heard about Muhammad's ﷺ honesty, integrity, and good manners, she offered him a better deal than others to do business for her in Syria. Muhammad ﷺ accepted and went to Syria with Khadijah's servant, Maisarah, to trade.

In the years leading up to his Prophethood, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ led a solitary life, spending many nights alone in the cave of Hira'. He sought solitude to worship Allah SWT, even though he didn't have a direct connection to Allah SWT through revelation yet. During this time, he followed the religious practices of Prophet Ibrahim, as he and his people were descendants of Ibrahim. ir

In the early stages of Islam, when Makkah served as the religious centre for the Arabs and the Quraysh held custodianship over the Kaaba and its idols, the preaching of Islam had to begin discreetly. The initial converts to Islam were primarily from the household of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, followed by those closely associated with him, demonstrating an immediate readiness to embrace the truth.

The Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ open proclamation of the message of Islam in Makkah stirred significant opposition and outrage among the Quraysh, the leading tribe of Makkah and custodians of its religious practices. His bold denunciation of idolatry and superstition challenged the deeply ingrained beliefs and traditions of the Makkans, threatening their social, economic, and religious status quo.

Following the Quraysh's consultation of the Jews, and the revelation of Surah Al-Kahf in support, Surah Az-Zumar (Chapter 39 — The Crowds) was also revealed, advocating migration and emphasising the vastness of the earth, urging believers not to feel confined by the forces of tyranny.

Four crucial events unfolded in quick succession, marking a turning point in the struggle between the growing Islamic movement and the staunch opposition of the Quraysh tribe in Makkah. First, the conversions of two influential figures, Hamzah bin ‘Abdul-Muttalib and ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab, bolstered the ranks of the Muslims. These conversions sent shockwaves through Makkah, signalling a shift in the balance of power.

After the deaths of the Prophet's ﷺ uncle and wife, Abu Lahab initially offered protection but later withdrew it. This made life in Makkah nearly impossible for the Prophet ﷺ, prompting him to consider leaving. Interestingly, during the preceding ten years, leaving Makkah hadn't crossed his mind. It was only when he lost political protection and staying became untenable that he contemplated relocating. Thus, he decided to first go to Ta'if.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced a remarkable journey from Makkah to Jerusalem and then through the heavens. This event occurred in the 11th year of his prophethood. He was transported on a miraculous horse named Al-Buraq and accompanied by the angel Gabriel.

During the first ten years of the Prophethood in Makkah, the Message of Islam proved its strength and stability. This was because of two main reasons. First, the Prophet ﷺ, who had exceptional qualities, was leading the mission wisely, with foresight and generosity. He showed that he was determined to see it through successfully, willing to face any dangers or obstacles. Second, the Message itself was so attractive that it drew people towards it irresistibly, despite ignorance, superstition, and prejudices.

After the Second ‘Aqabah Pledge and the establishment of a small Muslim state in a vast desert filled with disbelief and ignorance, the Prophet ﷺ gave permission for Muslims to migrate to Madinah, the budding Muslim state. Migration to Madinah meant sacrificing wealth and safety for uncertain futures.

The migration to Madinah was not merely an escape from persecution but also a strategic move to establish a new society based on Islamic principles and values. It was incumbent upon every capable Muslim to contribute to the building of this new homeland, securing it and ensuring its stability. As the leader and the spiritual guide, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was responsible for resolving all matters in this new community.

Amidst escalating tensions and threats from the Quraishites, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ faced a challenging situation where the safety and existence of the Muslim community were at stake. The Quraishites, frustrated by the Prophet's ﷺ escape to Madinah and jealous of the growing power of the Muslims, conspired with local adversaries to launch a military campaign against them.

Between the Battle of Badr and the Battle of Uhud, there was a period marked by heightened tensions and potential threats to the Muslim community. The victory at Badr was a significant milestone for the Muslims, but it also stirred up intense resentment and hostility among various factions.

After suffering defeat at the Battle of Badr, the Quraysh of Makkah were consumed by a desire for revenge and restoration of their wounded pride. They forbade mourning for their fallen and refused to ransom their captives from the battle, fearing it would reveal their vulnerability. Determined to crush Islam once and for all, prominent figures like ‘Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl (the son of Abu Jahal, the Pharaoh of our Prophet's ﷺ time), Safwan bin Omaiyah, Abu Sufyan bin Harb, and ‘Abdullah bin Abi Rabi‘a spearheaded efforts to prepare for a decisive war against the Muslims.

On the evening of that Saturday, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ returned to Madinah after the Battle of Uhud. As soon as he arrived home, he handed his sword to his daughter Fatimah and requested her to wash off the blood, acknowledging the assistance it provided him during the battle. 'Ali bin Abi Talib also handed his sword to Fatimah, expressing the same sentiment. The Prophet ﷺ praised the courage of Sahl bin Haneef and Abu Dujana, comparing their bravery to that of 'Ali.

After a year of relative peace, the Jews, still bitter over their exile to Khaibar, plotted against the Muslims. Twenty Jewish chiefs, along with some from Bani Nadir, went to Makkah and instigated the Quraysh and Ghatfan tribes to form a confederacy (different groups coming together for a single activity) against the Muslims. They succeeded in gathering a massive army of ten thousand fighters from various tribes, ready to attack Madinah.

After the victory in the Battle of Khandaq, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ returned home and went to the house of his wife Ummi Salama. As he put down his sword, Angel Gabriel appeared to him, informing him that the angels had not put down their weapons yet, and a new contingent had arrived. Gabriel conveyed Allah's SWT command for the Prophet ﷺ to go to the Banu Qurayza, as he was heading there to shake the earth for them. Recall Banu Qurayzah were a group among the Jews, who had a fortress in the southeast of Madinah.

The following incidents happened in between the Battle of Khandaq and the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah; although they are less significant politically, there are interesting lessons throughout.

After the victory at Badr, the Islamic movement grew stronger day by day. By the time of the Battle of the Trench, it had become so formidable that even the united forces of the enemy, numbering about ten thousand, failed to crush it and had to lift the siege of Madinah after one month. This marked the end of the aggressive war the disbelievers had been waging for several years. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself declared that the Quraysh would no longer be able to attack Madinah, signalling a shift towards the offensive for the Muslims.

In the sixth year of Hijri, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw a dream while he was still in Madinah, envisioning himself and his followers entering the sacred sanctuary in Makkah in security and performing the ceremonies of 'Umrah (the lesser pilgrimage). This dream brought immense joy to the believers as it signalled the realisation of their long-held desire to participate in pilgrimage after six years of exile.

After the signing of the Hudaibiyah Treaty, a new phase of Islamic action began for the Muslims. Quraysh, a staunch enemy of Islam, withdrew from the war and opted for a peaceful settlement with the Muslims. This marked the breakdown of the third support of the tripartite enemy consisting of Quraysh, Ghatfan, and the Jews. With Quraysh's withdrawal from hostilities, the aggressive sentiments of other pagan tribes towards Islam diminished significantly.

After the Treaty of Al-Hudaibiyah neutralised the major adversaries of Islam, including the Quraysh and the Bedouin tribes of Najd, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw an opportunity to address the ongoing hostilities with the Jews of Khaybar and the remaining Najd tribes. Khaybar, known for its fortified strongholds and history of hostility towards Muslims, posed a significant threat to peace and security in the region. Despite repeated attempts at peaceful resolution, the Jews of Khaybar remained defiant, necessitating a military campaign to prevent further aggression.

The Prophet's ﷺ decision to perform 'Umrah in the seventh year A.H. signalled a significant step towards reconciliation and peace with the Quraishites of Makkah. Leading a group of 2000 men, along with women, children, and sacrificial animals, the Muslims embarked on the journey with the Prophet ﷺ leading them.

The Battle of Mu'tah was the fiercest battle during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, serving as a precursor to later Muslim conquests in the Christian lands. It occurred in Jumada Al-Ūla 8 A.H. (September 629 A.D.) near the village of Mu'tah, situated on the borders of geographical Syria.

The conquest of Makkah holds a unique and revered place in Islamic history, described by Ibn Al-Qaiyim as the greatest honour bestowed by Allah SWT upon His religion, His Messenger ﷺ, the soldiers, and the sincere followers of Islam. This momentous event marked the liberation of the Sacred House of Allah SWT, the Kaaba, towards which all believers direct their prayers. It was a monumental occasion celebrated both in the heavens and on earth, signalling the dawn of a new era for Islam.

The final part of the Messenger's ﷺ life shows the results of his call to Islam. It came after many years of struggles, battles, and hardships for the sake of Allah SWT. The conquest of Makkah was a significant achievement for Muslims during this time. It changed the course of events and transformed the lives of the Arabs. Before the conquest, the Quraysh tribe held a powerful position among the Arabs. Their submission marked the end of paganism in the Arabian Peninsula.

The Ta'if Campaign served as a continuation of the Hunain Battle, as the majority of the defeated troops from the Hawazin and Thaqif tribes sought refuge in Ta'if under the leadership of Malik bin 'Awf An-Nasri. Following the conclusion of the Hunain Invasion, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gathered the spoils at Al-Ji'ranah in Shawwal of the eighth year after Hijrah.

Although not chronological in our sequence of events, we will now pause to overview the household of our Prophet ﷺ.

The invasion and conquest of Makkah marked a decisive turning point in the spread of Islam and the acceptance of Muhammad's ﷺ mission by the Arab tribes. It shattered the doubts held by many regarding the legitimacy of his prophethood and the truth of Islam. Instead of hindering the progress of Islam, the conquest of Makkah led to a surge in the number of people embracing the faith. This was evident in the large number of delegations that came to pledge allegiance to Muhammad ﷺ and in the vast crowds participating in the Hajjatul-Wadâ (Farewell Pilgrimage - later).

Although we're discussing this now in the 9th year, it's important to note that delegations to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ didn't just happen during this year after the Battle of Tabuk. They likely started around the Battle of Ahzab in the 5th year and continued until the very last month of the Prophet's ﷺ life. The 9th year is called the "year of delegations" because this is when the frequency of these delegations reached its peak. However, most people are not familiar with these tribes, so there's no need to go over each one in detail. Standard books on the Prophet's ﷺ life don't list all the delegations, and details are limited in some cases. The examples mentioned here represent only a small number of the delegations.

Maria, the mother of Ibrahim, was originally from Egypt and was gifted to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ by Jurayj ibn Mina, the ruler appointed by Rome. Despite not being a king, Jurayj held significant authority as a patriarch. When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ sent him a letter in 8AH, Jurayj responded with lavish gifts, including gold, fine garments, a donkey named Duldul, honey, and two women, one of whom was Maria. While such practices may seem problematic today, they were not uncommon in the societal norms of that time.

In it are clear signs and the standing-place of Abraham. Whoever enters it should be safe. Pilgrimage to this House is an obligation by Allah upon whoever is able among the people. And whoever disbelieves, then surely Allah is not in need of ˹any of His˺ creation. [3:97]

The symptoms of the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ farewell became evident as the Call to Islam reached its completion and the new faith began to dominate the whole region. These signs could be observed through his statements and actions: