HUDAYBIYAH, PACT OF AL-

(628), compromise that was reached between Muhammad and Meccan leaders, in which Mecca gave political and religious recognition to the growing community of Muslims in Medina. Muhammad had been approaching Mecca with approximately 1,400 followers in order to perform the 'umrah (pilgrimage) as directed in a dream. The Meccans, however, humiliated by their inability to besiege Medina (March 627), would not allow Muhammad entry into their city. Instead, a Meccan delegation met the Muslims at their stopping place, Al-Hudaybiyah, situated about 9 miles (14.5 km) outside Mecca, to negotiate a treaty, thereby acknowledging the equality of the Muslims as bargaining partners. A 10-year truce was declared. Muhammad then agreed to abandon his 'umrah, on the condition that he be allowed to enter Mecca the following year, at which time the city would be emptied for three days to allow the Muslims to perform their rites. In addition, provision was made for the return of any Meccan who might flee to Medina without permission from his guardian (although a similar provision for Muslims going to Mecca was not stipulated). Finally, the various tribes could ally themselves with either the Meccans or the Muslims, as they wished.