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At the plain of Hudaybiyyah, tensions ran high.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his companions had set out with the simple intention of performing the pilgrimage.

Yet, the Quraysh stood in their way, distrustful and unyielding.

They sent Urwah ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi, a respected leader known for his eloquence and diplomatic skills, to negotiate.

Urwah approached the Prophet (ﷺ).

“O Muhammad,” he began, “Have you ever heard of an Arab who destroyed his own tribe?

If conflict arises, do you think these men around you—a mix of different tribes—will stand by you? They are but a motley crew who will abandon you at the first sign of trouble.”

Before the Prophet (ﷺ) could respond, a voice cut through the air.

Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), known for his gentle and patient nature, was now breaking his usual restraint.

In a moment of intense anger, a fit of protective jealousy for the Prophet (ﷺ), Abu Bakr (RA) responded with a harsh curse on Urwah and his idol.

Startled, Urwah turned and demanded, “Who said that?”

“It is Abu Bakr, son of Abu Quhafa,” came the firm reply.

Urwah paused, his expression showing a flash of recognition. “Had it not been for a favor I owe you, I would have responded in kind,” he said, choosing not to escalate due to past goodwill.

Abu Bakr’s (RA) stood firm and stared him down.

Urwah, visibly affected, chose to let the matter pass and resumed his attempt to persuade the Prophet (ﷺ).

As he spoke, Urwah reached out to grasp the Prophet’s (ﷺ) beard—a gesture customary among equals in their culture.

But a metallic clang sounded each time his hand moved forward, and a sword scabbard struck his wrist violently.

“Remove your hand from the Prophet’s (ﷺ) beard before you lose it,” a cold, unyielding voice warned.

Urwah froze, startled by the firmness in the voice and the resolve behind it.

Irritated, he demanded, “Who dares speak to me this way?”

The young man took his helmet off, his eyes locked on Urwah, unwavering and defiant.

“It is I, al-Mughira ibn Shu'ba (RA),” he stated, his tone steady.

Urwah was visibly shocked.

Al-Mughira (RA) was his own grandnephew.

Yet here he stood, willing to attack him, only to protect the Prophet (ﷺ) from insult.

Urwah couldn’t help but notice the profound concern and devotion these men had for Muhammad (ﷺ).

Tribal ties or ancient customs didn’t bind them; something far deeper united them.

As negotiations stalled, Urwah returned to the Quraysh leaders. Gone was the morale of a man confident of his perspective.

His tone was reflective as he addressed his people in his famous speech:

“O my people,” he began, “I have visited the courts of kings. I have seen Caesar in Rome, Kisra in Persia, and the Negus of Abyssinia. But by Allah, I have never seen a leader as revered as Muhammad (ﷺ) is by his companions.”

He continued, “When he speaks, they listen intently. If he commands, they hasten to obey. They lower their voices in his presence out of respect. He doesn’t even spit except that it lands in the hand of one of them. When he performs ablution, they almost fight over the water that drips from him.”

The Quraysh leaders listened, astonished by his account.

Urwah pressed on, “These are not men who will abandon him. They would defend him to the last, even the women among them. If you seek conflict, know they are prepared and do not fear the outcome.”

In just a few hours, Urwah’s perception had shifted dramatically.

He had come believing that Muhammad’s (ﷺ) followers were a disjointed group.

Instead, he witnessed a community bound by something far more substantial—a shared faith and unshakeable devotion to their Prophet (ﷺ).

The psychological impact of this unity was profound.

The Muslims didn’t need to boast of their strength or make threats; their actions spoke volumes.

Their firmness in belief and integrity in conduct left an unforgettable impression on all who encountered them.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) understood that true strength wasn’t just in numbers or weapons but in the hearts of his followers.

By standing firm in their principles and embodying the best of character, the companions not only solidified their community but also commanded the respect—even the awe—of their adversaries.