Beyond the sacred boundaries of the Haram, approximately 24 km northwest of the Holy Mosque in Mecca, lies a site now recognized as Shumaysi. Here, the Pledge of Ridwan, marking the agreement of the Hudaybiyyah Treaty, took place six years after the Hijrah (migration). The Muhajirun (emigrants) harbored a deep longing for their homeland, with their families remaining in Mecca, and an eager anticipation for a visit to the Kaaba. In accordance with verse 28 of Surah Al-Fath, prior to embarking on the journey, the Prophet received a revelation, assuring him and his companions a safe entry into Mecca to perform Umrah. In the 6th year after Hijrah, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and around 1,400 companions reached the well of Hudaybiyyah (also known as Shumaysi) for the purpose of performing Umrah. However, the Quraysh dispatched cavalry to impede their entry into Mecca. Initially attempting negotiations, the Prophet (SAW) sent a group of his companions, and when this proved unsuccessful, Uthman ibn Affan was sent as a negotiator. Uthman was detained, leading to rumors of his martyrdom. In response, the Prophet summoned his companions to pledge their allegiance (bay’ah) under the tree of Ridwan, vowing to steadfastly uphold the truth. This pledge is famously known as the “Pledge of Ridwan” and finds mention in the Quran. The tree beneath which the pledge was made is referred to as “the tree of Ridwan.” Upon learning of the Muslims’ resolute determination, the Quraysh opted for peace. Uthman returned unharmed, and a peace agreement was proposed by the Quraysh, resulting in the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah. Although initially seeming unfavorable to the Muslims, it unfolded as a victory in the long term. Sacrifices were made, and the Muslims returned without performing Umrah. The Prophet’s vision materialized on the 7th of Dhul-Qadah (March 629) the following year when Umrah was performed, known as “Umrat al-Qada.” The site of the peace treaty, where the Pledge of Ridwan was taken, is believed to be east of Shumaysi, near a graveyard approximately 1 km away. Some scholars propose that the term “Taht ash-Shajarah” (under the tree) in the Quran signifies the area beneath the trees near the mentioned graveyard. A monument designates the boundary of the Haram around 2.5 km east of Shumaysi.
