Chapter 9: Hilf al-Fudhool (the treaty to support the oppressed)50

Al-Haafidh al-Baihaqee reported that Jubair Ibn Mut`im reported from his father that `Abdul-Rahmaan Ibn `Awf رضي اهلل عنه said: The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: ❝I was present at Hilf al-Mutayyabeen (the alliance of the perfumed ones) with my paternal uncles [when I was a boy]. 51 I would not wish to break it, even for red camels.❞52 Then al-Baihaqee reported that Abu Hurairah رضي اهلل عنه said: The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: ❝I was not present at any treaty of Quraish except for the treaty of alMutayyabeen, and I would never like to violate this treaty in exchange for the red camels.❞ It was said: The “Mutayyaboon” were: Haashim, Umayyah, Zahrah and Makhzoom. 53 Al-Baihaqee said: This is how (the names) were included in the narration, but I do not know who said it. 50 [TN: “Hilf al-Fudhool” (sing. Fadhl, meaning: the alliance of the Virtuous). The story that led to this treaty says that a man from the tribe of al-Zubaid came as a merchant to Makkah where he sold some commodities to al-`Aas Ibn Waail. After securing the commodity, the latter tried to evade paying for the goods. So the man sought help from the different tribes of Quraish but they paid no heed to his earnest pleas. He then resorted to a mountain top and began, at the top of his voice, to recite verses of complaint giving an account of the injustices he sustained. AlZubair Ibn `Abdul-Muttalib heard of him and made inquiries into the matter. Consequently, the parties to the aforesaid treaty convened their meeting and managed to force al-Zubaidy’s money out of al-`Aas bin Waail. [Ibn Katheer in “al-Bidaayah” (2/291)]] 51 This addition is from Musnad Ahmad (1676) and the chain of this narration is “sahih”. Also reported by AlHaakim in “al-Mustadrak” (2870) and he said it is “sahih” and al-Dhahabee agreed with him. See “sahih alJaami` (3717) of Shaikh al-Albaanee. 52 Al-Baihaqee in “al-Dalaail” (2/38); Shaikh al-Albaanee said: The chain of this narration is “Hasan” and it is further supported by the next narration. There is another chain in support of this narration as reported by al-Bukhaaree in “al-Adab al-Mufrad” (567) from the hadith of `Abdul-Rahmaan Ibn `Awf رضي اهلل عنه, and the chain of this narration is “sahih”. See also “al-Saheehah” (1900). 53 Al-Baihaqee in “al-Dalaail” (2/38) and also reported by Ibn Hibbaan in his “sahih” (4374). See the previous citation. [TN: These names were mentioned by Ibn Hibbaan from the hadith of Abu Hurairah, but its authenticity is doubtful, as mentioned by al-Baihaqee, and Shaikh al-Albaanee also did not authenticate them.]

It is claimed by some of the historians that he ﷺ was, in fact, referring to “Hilf alFudhool” (sing. Fadhl, meaning: the alliance of the Virtuous) because he ﷺ was not there (i.e. not even born) at the time of “Hilf al-Mutayyabeen”. I (Ibn Katheer) say: There is no doubt about this because they formed the alliance (of alMutayyabeen) after the death of Qusayy (who was the ruler of Makkah), and when they (the people) fell into quarrel thereafter. Qusayy had entrusted his son `Abd al-Daar with the responsibilities of supplying water to the pilgrims and feeding them, and appointing the standard-bearer of the Quraish, and holding councils in the house (which was known as Daar al-Nadwa), but Banoo `Abd Manaaf opposed this; (Banoo `Abd al-Daar and Banoo `Abd Manaaf subsequently quarreled over the honor of fulfilling these responsibilities). Each side received support from the other tribes of Quraish who agreed to form a coalition in support of their particular group. Then Banoo `Abd Manaaf brought a bowl in which there was perfume, so their supporters dipped their hands in it and took the oath of allegiance. When they dispersed, they rubbed their hands on the corners of the House (the Ka`bah). And hence, they were known as “Mutayyabeen” (the perfumed ones), and this happened a long time ago. This has already been mentioned earlier (in the book). 54 Therefore, the alliance (of al-Mutayyabeen) mentioned in the narrations refer to “Hilf alFudhool” (the alliance of the Virtuous) which took place in the house of `Abdullaah Ibn Jud`aan 55, and was reported by al-Humaidee and Ibn Is-haaq. 56 54 [TN: See the original “Seerah al-Nabawiyyah” (1/101) by Ibn Katheer] 55 [TN: He is `Abdullaah Ibn Jud`aan about whom `Aaishah رضي اهلل عنها reported: I said: Messenger of Allaah ﷺ! Ibn Jud`aan established ties of relationship, fed the poor. Would that be of any avail to him? He ﷺ said: ❝It would be of no avail to him as he did not ever say: ‘O my Lord, pardon my sins on the Day of Resurrection’.❞ [sahih Muslim (214-365)]] 56 “al-Seerah” of Ibn Is-haaq (1/141-142) [TN: The complete narration is: ❝I had witnessed the pact of justice in the house of `Abdullaah Ibn Jud`aan that was more beloved to me than a herd of red camels. Even now if I were invited to attend it in the period of Islaam, I would respond.❞ In “Fiqh al-Seerah (1/75)”, Shaikh al-Albaanee said: This is reported by Ibn Hishaam in his “al-Seerah” (1/134), and from this route al-Baihaqee reported in “al-Sunan al-Kubraa” (13080) that Muhammad Ibn Zaid Ibn al-Muhaajiri Ibn Qunfudhee al-Taimee said that Talhah Ibn `Abdullaah Ibn `Awf al-Zuhree said that the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: [and he mentioned the above narration]. I (al-Albaanee) say: The chain of this narration (till Talhah) is “sahih” except that it is “Mursal” (i.e. the link between Talhah and the Prophet ﷺ is missing).

“Hilf al-Fudhool” was the noblest and honored treaty among the `Arabs. 57 Ibn Is-haaq reported that Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem Ibn al-Haarith al-Taimee said that he was with al-Hussain Ibn `Alee رضي اهلل عنهما and Waleed Ibn `Utbah Ibn Abee Sufyaan. During those days Waleed was the Ameer (ruler) of Madeenah, his uncle, Mu`aawiyah Ibn Abee Sufyaan رضي اهلل عنهما, had made him the Ameer. There was a disagreement between the two regarding some wealth from Dhul-Marwah. 58 As if Waleed wanted to take away the rights of al-Hussain forcefully. Al-Hussain رضي اهلل عنه said to him: I swear by Allaah that you deal with me fairly and give me my rights, or else I will take my sword and will stand in the Masjid of the Messenger of Allaah ﷺ and will call for Hilf alFudhool. He (Muhammad Ibn Ibraaheem) added: When al-Hussain spoke with Waleed, `Abdullaah Ibn al-Zubair – who was present with Waleed at that time – said: I swear by Allaah that if he (al-Hussain) does that, I too will take my sword and will stand in his support till you give him his rights or that we all die. He (Muhammad) added: when this news reached al-Miswar Ibn Makhramah (Ibn Noufal al-Zuhree), he said: I too will do the same. When `Abdul-Rahmaan Ibn `Uthmaan (Ibn `Ubaidullaah al-Taimee) heard it, he also said the same. It is has a supporting chain which strengthens it: ❝I had witnessed a pact of justice in the house of `Abdullaah Ibn Jud`aan which, if I were invited to it now in the period of Islaam, I would respond. Make such alliances in order to return rights to their people, that no oppressor should have power over the oppressed.❞ This was mentioned by Ibn Katheer in “al-Bidaayah” (2/291) that al-Humaidee reported (in his Musnad) from Sufyaan Ibn `Uyaynah from `Abdullaah from Muhammad and `Abdul-Rahmaan - the two sons of Abu Bakr – said that the Prophet ﷺ said: [and he mentioned the above narration], but this narration is also “Mursal”. Imaam Ahmad also reported this narration with a “sahih” chain in his Musnad (1655, 1676) [see the first hadith in this chapter] from the hadith of `Abdul-Rahmaan Ibn `Awf رضي اهلل عنه but without the addition: “if I were called to it now in the time of Islaam, I would respond”.] 57 I (al-Albaanee) say: This is further evident from the Prophet’s ﷺ statement: ❝I would not wish to break it, even for red camels❞. They promised and pledged that no one from the people of Makkah or other than them who enters it will be oppressed except that they would support him; and that they will stand against the oppressor until the rights of the oppressed are returned. See “al-Seerah” of Ibn Is-haaq (1/141). 58 [TN: A land to the north of Madeenah]

So when Waleed Ibn `Utbah came to know about their statements, he fairly returned to al-Hussain what belonged to him till he became satisfied. 59 59 I (al-Albaanee) say: The chain of this narration is “Jayyid”.