Hudaybiyyah: The Treaty That Changed Islamic History

Hudaybiyyah sits just outside Makkah, on the route toward Jeddah, and holds one of the most pivotal stories in early Islamic history. It was here that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ negotiated a peace treaty with the Quraysh, and nearby, under a tree, his companions made a pledge that would later be described in the Qur’an as a moment of divine pleasure. This guide covers that history and how to plan a visit.

Hudaybiyyah: Quick Answer

Hudaybiyyah, sometimes spelled Al-Hudaybiyah, is a location just outside Makkah, on the route toward Jeddah, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Quraysh signed a peace treaty in the sixth year after the Hijrah. Nearby, at Masjid al-Shajarah (the Tree Mosque), his companions pledged their loyalty to him in an event known as Bay’at al-Ridwan.

Unlike Masjid Aisha or Masjid Jirana, Hudaybiyyah is not a miqat point. It holds historical and religious significance as the site of these two connected events, rather than a role in beginning Ihram.

The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah: History and Significance

In the sixth year after the Hijrah, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ set out from Madinah with his companions intending to perform Umrah, but the Quraysh blocked their entry into Makkah. At Hudaybiyyah, both sides negotiated a treaty, agreeing to a ten-year truce and terms that, on the surface, appeared to favor the Quraysh.

The Qur’an later described this treaty as a “clear victory,” since it opened a period of peace that allowed Islam to spread more freely than it could during open conflict, a turning point that became clear only in hindsight.

Want the full story of the negotiations and why the Qur’an calls it a “clear victory”? See our dedicated History of the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah guide

Bay'at al-Ridwan and Masjid al-Shajarah

While the treaty negotiations were underway, a rumor spread that a companion sent to Makkah had been killed. In response, the Prophet’s ﷺ companions gathered under a tree at Hudaybiyyah and pledged their loyalty to him, even if it meant fighting to the end. This pledge, Bay’at al-Ridwan, is referenced directly in the Qur’an as an event that earned Allah’s pleasure with those who took part.

Masjid al-Shajarah, the Tree Mosque, marks the area associated with this pledge, though the original tree itself is not confirmed to still exist at the site today.

Want the full account of the pledge and the companions who took it? See our dedicated Bay’at al-Ridwan & Masjid al-Shajarah guide

Hudaybiyyah vs Masjid Aisha vs Masjid Jirana

Pilgrims sometimes assume Hudaybiyyah functions as a miqat, similar to Masjid Aisha or Masjid Jirana, since all three sit outside central Makkah. They serve different purposes: Hudaybiyyah is a historical site commemorating the treaty and Bay’at al-Ridwan, while Masjid Aisha (the closest miqat to Makkah) and Masjid Jirana (farther, toward Ta’if) are both used for entering Ihram before Umrah. See our full Hudaybiyyah vs Masjid Aisha vs Masjid Jirana comparison for more detail on how each site fits into your Umrah plans.

Planning Your Visit

Understand this is a historical stop, not a practical Ihram point. Plan your miqat separately at Masjid Aisha or Masjid Jirana.
Check current visiting status before you go. What remains at the site and how it's presented to visitors can change.
Allow time for reflection. This is a site best appreciated with some understanding of the story behind it, not rushed through.
Combine it with other Ziyarat stops if you're already travelling outside central Makkah that day.

For directions and GPS coordinates, see our Location & Directions guide. For current access and what remains at the site, see our Visiting Rules & Current Status guide.

Important Things to Know Before Visiting

This is a historical and reflective stop, not tied to a specific ritual you need to perform.
The original tree is not confirmed to remain. Manage expectations about what you'll physically see at the site.
Confirm current access and visiting information before your trip, since conditions can change.
Pair the visit with some background reading or a guide to get the most out of it, since the significance lies in the story more than the physical site itself.

Religious & Historical Context

Religious significance

Both the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah and Bay’at al-Ridwan are referenced directly in the Qur’an, giving this site a well-documented religious basis distinct from many other historical locations around Makkah.

Historical significance

The treaty is widely regarded as a turning point in early Islamic history, one that reshaped the political landscape of the region and allowed Islam to spread more widely in the years that followed.

Visitor information

This guide focuses on practical visiting details. For deeper scholarly explanation of the treaty’s terms or the Seerah context, pilgrims should refer to a qualified source.

Lessons from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah

Many scholars and writers point to Hudaybiyyah as an example of patience and strategic wisdom, agreeing to terms that appeared unfavorable in the moment but led to a stronger long-term outcome. For pilgrims today, it remains a widely referenced example of trusting a difficult decision rather than reacting to short-term appearances.

For a fuller reflection on these lessons, see our Lessons from the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hudaybiyyah?

Hudaybiyyah is a location just outside Makkah, on the route toward Jeddah, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ negotiated a peace treaty with the Quraysh in the sixth year after the Hijrah.

What was the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah about?

It was a ten-year truce between the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Quraysh, with terms that appeared to favor the Quraysh at the time but ultimately allowed Islam to spread more widely, later described in the Qur’an as a “clear victory.”

What is Bay'at al-Ridwan?

Bay’at al-Ridwan was a pledge of loyalty the Prophet’s ﷺ companions made to him under a tree at Hudaybiyyah, referenced in the Qur’an as an event that earned Allah’s pleasure.

Is Masjid al-Shajarah still standing today?

The mosque marking the area associated with the pledge exists, though the original tree itself is not confirmed to still be present. Check our Visiting Rules & Current Status guide for the latest information.

Is Hudaybiyyah a miqat for Umrah?

No. Hudaybiyyah is a historical site, not a designated miqat. Pilgrims should use Masjid Aisha or Masjid Jirana for entering Ihram.

How far is Hudaybiyyah from Masjid al-Haram?

It sits outside central Makkah, on the route toward Jeddah. Our Location & Directions guide has full distance details.

Why is the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah called a "clear victory"?

Though its terms initially seemed to favor the Quraysh, the treaty brought a period of peace that allowed Islam to spread more freely, an outcome the Qur’an describes as a clear victory in hindsight.

Is Hudaybiyyah open to visitors?

Access and what’s presented to visitors can change over time. Check our Visiting Rules & Current Status guide for current details before your trip.

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