The Battle of Hunayn

After the conquest of Makkah, Hawazin and Thaqif massed their hosts in the valley of Hunayn. The Muslims were at first exposed when their numbers pleased them, then the Prophet ﷺ held firm with those who stood fast, until Allah returned the victory with mighty spoils.

The Prophet ﷺ went out after the conquest with twelve thousand, and some said: We will not be defeated today for fewness! Hawazin lay in ambush in the defiles of the valley of Hunayn and loosed a single volley upon the Muslims in the dimness of dawn, so the ranks broke and the people turned back.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ stood firm on his mule, saying: "I am the Prophet, no lie; I am the son of ʿAbd al-Muttalib," while al-ʿAbbas called out to the people of the Pledge of the Tree. The Muslims returned as if starting anew, and Allah sent down His tranquillity and hosts unseen: "And on the day of Hunayn, when your great numbers pleased you but availed you nothing."

Hawazin were routed and thousands of camels and sheep were taken as spoils, which he ﷺ apportioned among "those whose hearts were to be reconciled" from among the newly-Muslim of the conquest. Then the delegation of Hawazin came as Muslims, and he returned their captives to them. The lesson of Hunayn was distilled: victory is from Allah, not by numbers, and hearts are won by generosity.