And he would go no farther into the sacred territory, fearing the doom that had afflicted Abraha in that fateful year.  So his pilgrim host encamped at Hodeibia, and Mahomet sent men to clear the wells of sand and dust, so that there might be ample supply of water.  Thereupon negotiations began between the Prophet and Mecca.  The Kureisch sent an ambassador to learn the reason of the appearance of Mahomet.  When the peaceable intent of the army had been explained to him he remained in earnest converse with the Prophet, until at last he moved to catch at the sacred beard after the manner of his race when speaking.  Instantly one of Mahomet’s companions seized his hand: 

“Come not near the sacred countenance of God’s Prophet.”

The enemy was amazed, and returning told the citizens that he had seen many kings in his lifetime but never a man so devotedly loved as Mahomet.  The negotiations, however, proceeded very tardily, and at last Mahomet sent Othman, his famous warrior and companion, to Mecca to conduct the final overtures.  He had been chosen because of his kinship with the most powerful men of Mecca.  He was invited to perform the sacred ceremony of encircling the Kaaba, but this he refused to do until the Prophet should accompany him.  The Kureisch then detained him at Mecca to complete, if it might be, the negotiations.

While Othman tarried, the report spread among the Muslim that he was treacherously slain.  Mahomet felt that a blow had been struck at his very heart.  Instantly he summoned the Faithful to him beneath a tall tree upon that undulating plain of Hodeibia, and enjoined upon them an oath that they would not forsake him but would stand by him till death.  The Muslim with one accord gave their solemn word in gladness and devotion, and the Pledge of the Tree was brought into being.  Mahomet felt the significance of their loyalty very deeply.  It was the first oath he had enjoined upon the Believers since the days of the Pledge of Acaba long ago when he was but a persecuted zealot fleeing before the menace of his foes.  He was glad because of this proof of loyalty, and his joy finds expression in the Muslim Book of Books: 

“Well pleased hath God been now with the Believers when they plighted fealty to thee under the tree; and He knew what was in their hearts; therefore did He send down upon them a spirit of secure repose, and rewarded them with a speedy victory.”

But rumour, as ever, proved untrustworthy, and before long Othman returned with the news that the Kureisch were undisposed to battle, and later they sent Suheil of their own clan to make terms with Mahomet, namely, that he was to return to Medina that year, but that the next year he might come again as a pilgrim during the sacred month, and having entered Mecca perform the Pilgrimage.  Ali was commanded to write down the conditions of the treaty, and he began with the formula: 

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.”