When the Quraysh returned from the war of al-Fijār they called for the universal treaty of al-Fudūl. The treaty was enacted at the house of ‘Abdullah bin Jud’ān at-Tamīmī, one of the leaders of the tribe of Quraysh. Other participants to the treaty included the two families of ‘Abd Munāf, the Banū Hāshim and Banū ‘Abd ul-Muțțalib, and the Banū Asad bin ‘Abd ul-‘Uzza, the Banū Zuhra bin Kilāb along with the Banū Taym bin Murra. They signed and agreed that no one in the vicinity of the sacred lands of Makkah will be left oppressed, whether he or she is one of them or a visitor. If aggrieved, they all vowed to stand by the victim until justice prevailed. This treaty was attended by the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, alongside his uncles. After prophethood he recalled: “I witnessed, with my uncles, a treaty in the home of ‘Abdullah bin Jud’ān which is more precious to me than the most valuable of worldly assets. If I was to be asked to partake in it after Islam, I would surly respond.”

This was because he, peace and blessings be upon him, was sent with makārim ul-akhlāq or moral and ethical standards of the highest order; this event was one piece of evidence of this. The saying of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, should guide you to this: “I was sent to complete the doctrine of morals and manners.”[1]

The religion of Islam certified much of the treaty and many took refuge in it securing for justice themselves.

The Second Journey to ash-Shām[2]

When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, reached the age of twenty-five he travelled to ash-Shām for a second time. This was brought about by Lady Khadīja bint Khuwaylid al-Asadiyya[3] who was a respected wealthy businesswoman. She would employ men to trade with her wealth and offer them a percentage commission. When she heard of the unprecedented trustworthiness and honesty of the Blessed, peace and blessings be upon him – for his people had named him al-Amīn or the Trustable One – she offered him to trade with her wealth and goods on a journey to ash-Shām. She even offered him a more favourable percentage in comparison to what was offered to others.

So he, peace and blessings be upon him, travelled with her slave Maysara. They both bought and sold goods and made substantial profits. Furthermore, in this journey many blessings were bestowed upon the Beloved, peace and blessings be upon him, which endeared him to the heart of Maysara, the slave of Lady Khadīja.