Wed 1447/09/15AH (04-03-2026AD)
By the eighth year after Hijrah, the balance of power in Arabia had shifted. Islam was no longer a small, struggling community. Through patience, strategy, and Allah’s help, the Muslims had become strong and respected. The events of 8 AH (Conquest of Makkah) and 10 AH (Farewell Sermon) mark the completion of the Prophet’s mission and are among the most important and most tested topics in Paper 1 of IGCSE Islamiyat 0493.
These events show the Prophet (pbuh) at the height of power and the end of his mission, making his behaviour and words extremely significant.
The Treaty of Hudaybiyyah (6 AH) had created a 10-year peace agreement between the Muslims and Quraysh. However, Quraysh broke the treaty by supporting an attack on a tribe that was allied with the Muslims.
This was a clear violation of the treaty.
As a result:
The Prophet decided to march towards Makkah.
In 8 AH, the Prophet set out from Madinah with an army of around 10,000 companions.
Key points:
This shows:
When the Muslim army reached Makkah:
The Prophet (pbuh) entered Makkah humbly, with his head lowered, thanking Allah.
This is an important detail – it shows humility, not pride.
This is one of the most heavily tested aspects.
Despite years of:
The Prophet (pbuh):
This is a powerful example of mercy at the height of power.
After entering Makkah:
This marked:
This is often tested to show religious reform.
The Conquest of Makkah is tested because it shows:
Students who explain how the Prophet behaved score higher than those who only describe the event.
In 10 AH, the Prophet (pbuh) performed his final Hajj. Large numbers of Muslims from across Arabia gathered. The Prophet knew that his mission was nearing completion.
During this Hajj, he delivered the Farewell Sermon.
This sermon is treated as:
The summary of Islam’s message
and is extremely important in exams.
The Prophet taught several key principles. These must be known clearly.
He declared that:
No one has the right to harm another unjustly.
He stated that:
This ended:
This is a favourite examiner point.
The Prophet emphasised:
This shows Islam’s concern for women’s rights and dignity.
He announced:
This created a new moral order.
He said:
“I leave among you two things: the Qur’an and my Sunnah. If you hold fast to them, you will never go astray.”
This shows:
This is often directly quoted in exam answers.
The Farewell Sermon is tested because it:
Students should always link it to modern relevance.
After the Farewell Sermon:
Shortly after, the Prophet (pbuh) passed away.
This makes the Farewell Sermon his final advice to the Ummah.
The Conquest of Makkah teaches Muslims:
The Farewell Sermon teaches Muslims:
Together, they show that Islam is a religion of mercy, justice, and dignity.
The Conquest of Makkah and Farewell Sermon are regularly tested in Paper 1, especially:
This is a core exam area.
(a) Describe the events of the Conquest of Makkah (8 AH) and the main teachings of the Farewell Sermon (10 AH). [10]
(b) What do these events teach Muslims about power, leadership and equality? [4]
(a)
In 8 AH, after Quraysh broke the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) marched towards Makkah with around 10,000 companions. The city was taken with very little fighting. The Prophet entered humbly and declared general amnesty, forgiving those who had persecuted him. He did not take revenge. He then destroyed the idols in the Ka‘bah and restored it to the worship of Allah alone.
In 10 AH, during his final pilgrimage, the Prophet delivered the Farewell Sermon. He taught that all people are equal, that life and property are sacred, and that women must be treated with kindness. He ended blood feuds and emphasised following the Qur’an and Sunnah.
(b)
These events teach Muslims to be merciful when in power and to avoid revenge. They show that true leadership is based on humility, justice and forgiveness. They also teach that all people are equal and that Islam promotes human dignity and unity.