Today, 20 Ramadan, marks the historic Conquest of Makkah, an event of unique significance in both Islamic and world civilisational history.
In the eighth year of the Hijri, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) led a force of 10,000 Muslim soldiers to conquer the city on this day. This victory followed years of trials for the early Muslims, who endured immense suffering and were eventually forced to leave their ancestral homes.
The conquest served to strengthen the religion and the Messenger while increasing the honour of the Haram al-Makki.
Through this victory, the holy city and the Kaaba—regarded as the centre of guidance for all humanity—were liberated from the control of polytheists.
This triumph was celebrated by the inhabitants of the heavens and resulted in people entering the fold of Islam in large numbers. The expedition commenced after the first ten days of Ramadan in the eighth Hijri year, with the Prophet (PBUH) appointing Abu Ruhm Kulthum bin Husain as the governor of Madinah in his absence.
The primary cause for the conquest was the Quraysh’s violation of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, specifically their nighttime attack and killing of members of the Banu Khuza’a tribe, who were allied with the Prophet (PBUH). Upon reaching Marr-uz-Zahran, the Prophet (PBUH) ordered his companions to light fires at night, which illuminated the entire region.
While the residents of Makkah feared a potential attack, they had not anticipated the Muslim forces arriving so swiftly. The Prophet (PBUH) entered the city without resistance, surrounded by the Ansar and Muhajirun.
After performing the Tawaf of the Kaaba, the Prophet (PBUH) used a bow to destroy the 360 idols located within the sanctuary. During this act, he recited the Quranic verse: “Truth has come and falsehood has vanished. Surely falsehood is ever bound to vanish” (Surah Bani Isra’il: 8).
Following a prayer inside the Kaaba, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed the gathered members of the Quraysh who were standing in ranks outside. He asked how they expected to be treated, to which they replied that they hoped for kindness. Invoking the words of Prophet Yusuf (AS) to his brothers, the Prophet (PBUH) declared: “Today there is no blame upon you. You are free”.
