The fourth chapter details the battle between Muhammad and Quraysh. Although Muhammad left Mecca, Quraysh still has not forgotten about him. Muhammad’s declaration that Yathrib was a sanctuary city was not taken well by Quraysh. Although it is true that Quraysh are charging toward Yathrib, Muhammad announces that his plans are to stay put and wait for the enemies to come to him. His plan is to let the Quraysh attack the oasis and then all men will fight them in the streets, while children hurl stones from palm trees.
One part I found interesting was how Muhammad’s followers were skeptical as to his plans. They were thinking back to the brutal loss they received at Badr a year ago. They were quoted saying, “Lead us out to our enemies so that they may not think we are too cowardly and weak to face them.” In the end, after his most trusted advisors were even questioning his plan he decided to face off in a plain a few miles northwest of Yathrib. This change of mind was very interesting to me as I did not think Muhammad would go back on his initial plan.
In the end, Muhammad and the Quraysh made a truce. Muhammad eventually marched on the Mecca, but everyone surrendered peacefully.