The strategic Dimensions of the Occupation of Mecca

Abstract

The decision of the Messenger(P.B.U.H) to occupy Mecca was a proof of the Muslims' ability to achieve victory as well as a reassurance that the Muslims had not been weakened .On Ramadan, of the 8th year of Hijra, the Messenger(P.B.U.H) decided to take a decisive action against Quraish after it breached Al-Hudaibiyya Treaty .Thus he gave orders to his companions to prepare for war , without pointing out the destination the Muslims intend to go for the sake of secrecy . On the 10th of Ramadan , the Messenger of God (P.B.U.H) led a great army out of Medina . The number of the army was incomparable in Al-Hijaz ; it reached ten thousand men . The Muslims entered Mecca from four directions and the Messenger ordered them to fight only those who fought against them. Thus ,no fighting took place between the Muslims and Quraish as was planned by the Messenger(P.B.U.H). After the prophet entered Mecca and people felt safe, he came out and circumambulate the Kaaba. He had a bow by which he destroyed the idols. The Meccans rushed to declare their Islam before the Prophet for he announced his forgiveness despite the ability of the Muslim Army to punish them. The occupation of Mecca resulted in strategic dimensions which formed one avenue of enriching contemporary Military ideology. These dimensions were: the Muslims' achievement of victory without fighting and the Meccans conversion to Islam , both of which were achieved through keeping things under secrecy during preparation time as well as the psychological war against Quraish and the curfew imposed on the disbelievers in Mecca . These were accompanied by the use of the inhibition principle and the exhibition of might during the Muslims army parade when entering Mecca from four directions and the army high spirits .

Keywords

Mecca