Umm Salamah's Crucial Advice at Hudaybiyyah

After the Treaty of Hudaybiyyah was concluded, the Prophet ordered his companions to shave their heads, slaughter their sacrificial animals, and exit ihram, as they would not be completing Umrah that year. The companions were so grieved and shocked by the treaty terms (which appeared to heavily favor the Quraysh) that not a single person moved to obey. The Prophet repeated his command three times, but the companions sat in stunned silence. Deeply troubled, the Prophet entered his tent and confided in his wife Umm Salamah. She gave him remarkably astute advice: 'O Messenger of Allah, go out and do not speak to anyone. Shave your head and slaughter your sacrifice.' The Prophet followed her counsel. When the companions saw him personally carrying out the rituals, they immediately rushed to do the same, competing to shave each other's heads so eagerly that they nearly injured one another. This incident demonstrates the high regard the Prophet had for the counsel of women and the pivotal role Umm Salamah played at one of the most critical moments in early Islamic history.