Under the tree: The Companions who pledged their loyalty to the Prophet
In the sixth year after the Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set out from Madinah with his companions to perform Umrah in Makkah. They travelled as pilgrims, not as an army, but Quraysh refused to allow them into the city.
The Muslims stopped at Hudaybiyyah, on the outskirts of Makkah, while negotiations continued. The Prophet sent Uthman ibn Affan to speak to the Quraysh leaders. When Uthman failed to return promptly, rumours spread that he had been killed.
The Prophet called upon his companions to pledge their loyalty and readiness to stand firm if fighting broke out. They gathered beneath a tree and gave what became known as Bay’at al-Ridwan, the Pledge of Divine Pleasure.
Among those associated with the events at Hudaybiyyah were some of Islam’s best-known companions, as well as others whose eyewitness accounts have preserved important details of that day.
- Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (c. 573–634 CE)
At Hudaybiyyah, Abu Bakr played an important role in calming those who were troubled by the proposed peace agreement. When Umar ibn al-Khattab questioned why the Muslims should accept terms that appeared unfavourable, Abu Bakr reminded him that the Prophet was Allah’s Messenger and would not act against His guidance.
- Umar ibn al-Khattab (c. 584–644 CE)
Umar was among those present at Hudaybiyyah. According to Jabir ibn Abdullah, Umar held the Prophet’s hand while the companions pledged allegiance beneath the tree.
Yet Umar found the terms of the subsequent treaty difficult to accept. He questioned the Prophet and later Abu Bakr, wondering why the Muslims should agree to what appeared to be a humiliating compromise.
Umar later regretted his reaction and spoke of performing good deeds in repentance.
- Uthman ibn Affan (c. 576–656 CE)
Uthman occupies a special place in the story of Bay’at al-Ridwan because he was not physically present when the companions gathered beneath the tree.
The Prophet had sent him into Makkah to negotiate with Quraysh. When rumours circulated that he had been killed, the companions were called to pledge their allegiance.
The Prophet placed one of his hands over the other and made the pledge on Uthman’s behalf.
- Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 600–661 CE)
At Hudaybiyyah, Ali served as the scribe who wrote down the terms of the peace agreement between the Muslims and Quraysh.
When the Quraysh representative objected to the words Muhammad, Messenger of Allah in the document, the Prophet instructed Ali to remove the title.
Ali was reluctant to erase the words, which he firmly believed to be true. The Prophet eventually removed them himself.
- Talha ibn Ubaydullah (c. 594–656 CE)
Talha was among the earliest Muslims and belonged to the Banu Taym clan of Quraysh, the same clan as Abu Bakr.
- Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (594–656 CE)
Zubayr was a cousin of the Prophet and one of the earliest converts to Islam. His mother, Safiyyah bint Abdul Muttalib, was the Prophet’s paternal aunt.
- Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (c. 595–674 CE)
Sa’d was among the earliest converts to Islam and one of the Prophet’s most trusted companions.
- Abdur Rahman ibn Awf (c. 581–654 CE)
Abdur Rahman ibn Awf was among the earliest Muslims and one of the most successful merchants in Madinah.
- Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (c. 583–639 CE)
Abu Ubaydah was among the early converts to Islam. He was known for his modest lifestyle, honesty and dependable character.
The Prophet gave him the distinction of being called Amin hadhihi al-ummah, the trustworthy one of this Muslim community.
- Salim, Mawla Abi Hudhayfah (d. 633 CE)
Salim was a freedman associated with the household of Abu Hudhayfah ibn Utbah, one of the early Muslims.
Salim became particularly respected for his knowledge and recitation of the Qur’an.
- Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari (c. 607–697 CE)
Jabir ibn Abdullah was a young companion from the Khazraj tribe of Madinah. His father, Abdullah ibn Amr ibn Haram, was killed during the Battle of Uhud.
- Salamah ibn al-Akwa (d. c. 693 CE)
According to a narration in Sahih Muslim, Salamah pledged allegiance to the Prophet near the beginning of the gathering.
Later, the Prophet asked whether he had taken the pledge. When Salamah confirmed that he had, the Prophet invited him to pledge again.
Salamah therefore took the pledge twice.
- Ma’qil ibn Yasar al-Muzani (d. c. 680s CE)
Ma’qil reported that he stood near the Prophet while the companions were pledging allegiance beneath the tree.
He held up a branch to keep it away from the Prophet as the gathering continued.
