The Fires Before the Conquest
The dramatic events that opened the gates of Mecca
In this detailed sermon, Dr. Khaled Al-Houli narrates the emotional return of the Prophet ﷺ to the city that expelled him. We move beyond the general history to witness the intense, personal moments that defined the conquest: a family reunion, a psychological masterstroke, and a race between justice and mercy in the Prophet’s camp.
Years ago, the Prophet ﷺ left Mecca. He looked back at his home with tears and said, “By Allah, you are the most beloved land to Allah… had your people not expelled me, I would not have left.” Now, the divine promise is fulfilled.
The Cousins Return
Before the army reached Mecca, a significant emotional event occurred. The Prophet’s uncle, Al-Abbas, had already joined them. But then, two men approached the camp. They were Abu Sufyan bin Al-Harith (the Prophet’s cousin and foster brother) and Abdullah bin Umayyah (his aunt’s son).
These were men who had hurt the Prophet ﷺ deeply with their poetry and insults for years. When they asked to enter, the Prophet ﷺ turned his face away in refusal. He said he had no need for them.
“O Messenger of Allah, let not your cousin and your aunt’s son be the most miserable of people because of you.”
Ali told Abu Sufyan: “Go to the Prophet’s face and say to him what Yusuf’s brothers said to Yusuf: ‘By Allah, certainly Allah has preferred you over us, and indeed, we have been sinners.'”
Abu Sufyan followed this advice. The Prophet ﷺ, who could not bear to be less generous than Prophet Yusuf, replied instantly: “No blame will there be upon you today. Allah will forgive you; and He is the most merciful of the merciful.” This marked the first victory, which was a victory of the heart.
The Strategy of 10,000 Fires
The army encamped at Marr az-Zahran, just outside Mecca. The Prophet ﷺ commanded every soldier to light a fire. The goal was psychological. He wanted to show such overwhelming force that Quraysh would surrender without fighting. This would save blood in the Sacred City.
Abu Sufyan bin Harb (the leader of Quraysh) came out in the dark to scout. He saw the horizon burning with 10,000 fires and trembled. He said, “I have never seen a camp or an army like this.”
At that moment, Al-Abbas was riding the Prophet’s white mule. He was searching for someone to convey a message to Mecca to surrender before they were destroyed. He heard a voice in the dark.
“Abu Sufyan?”
“Abu al-Fadl?”
“Woe to you! This is the Messenger of Allah with the people. Morning will bring doom to Quraysh!”
“My father and mother be sacrificed for you, what is the solution?”
“Ride behind me on this mule. I will take you to the Messenger of Allah to grant you safety.”
The Race in the Camp
This is one of the most dramatic scenes in the Seerah. Al-Abbas put the arch-enemy of Islam, Abu Sufyan, on the back of the Prophet’s own mule. They rode through the Muslim camp. The soldiers, seeing the white mule of the Prophet, let them pass. They said, “It is the Messenger of Allah’s mule, and his uncle is upon it.”
But then they passed the fire of Umar ibn Al-Khattab.
Umar’s Reaction
Umar looked up and recognized the enemy. He shouted: “Abu Sufyan? The enemy of Allah! Praise be to Allah who has brought you here without a treaty or covenant!”
Umar immediately ran toward the Prophet’s tent to ask permission to strike his neck. Al-Abbas kicked the mule to race him. It was a physical race between the mule and Umar running on foot. Because the mule belonged to the Prophet, it was fast. Al-Abbas arrived just moments before Umar.
The Debate in the Tent
Al-Abbas entered the tent followed closely by a breathless Umar. The debate that ensued highlights the balance of justice and mercy in Islam.
“O Messenger of Allah, this is the enemy of Allah. Let me strike his neck!”
“O Messenger of Allah, I have granted him protection!”
Umar persisted. He listed Abu Sufyan’s crimes. Al-Abbas became protective and said to Umar: “Wait, O Umar. By Allah, if he were from your clan (Banu Adi), you would not have said this. But because he is from Banu Abd Manaf (the Prophet’s clan), you speak.”
Umar replied beautifully: “Wait, O Abbas! By Allah, your Islam the day you converted was more beloved to me than the Islam of my own father (Al-Khattab) had he converted. This is because I know your Islam delighted the Messenger of Allah.”
The Prophet’s Decision
The Prophet ﷺ commanded Al-Abbas: “Take him to your tent, and bring him to me in the morning.”
This was profound wisdom. He gave Abu Sufyan a night to sleep amidst the Muslim army, to hear the Quran, to see the discipline, and to realize that the era of polytheism was over. He wanted a heart that surrendered, not just a body that surrendered.
Glossary of Terms
Key names and terms mentioned in this sermon:
The Prophet’s cousin who converted just before the conquest. Not to be confused with the Quraysh leader.
The leader of the Quraysh army and arch-enemy of Islam who eventually surrendered Mecca.
A valley near Mecca where the Muslim army camped before entering the city.
The Prophet’s uncle who played a key role in mediating the surrender of Mecca.
The biography and life events of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Closing Supplication
O Allah, honor Islam and the Muslims. O Allah, humiliate polytheism and the polytheists. Make our lands safe and secure, and all the lands of the Muslims.