al-Miswar ibn Makhrama — The Companion Who Witnessed the Treaty of Hudaybiyya as a Child, Reported Its Negotiations in Detail, and Opposed the Umayyads in Mecca Until His Death

The Hudaybiyya Narration

The Treaty of Hudaybiyya (6 AH) is one of the pivotal events of the Sirah. Al-Miswar’s narration — preserved in Sahih al-Bukhari (2731-2732) — is extraordinary in its detail:

• The negotiations between Urwa ibn Masud and the Prophet, including Urwa’s observation that the Companions would not abandon the Prophet for any reason
• The drafting dispute over the basmalah and over the Prophet’s title (Rasul Allah — which Quraysh refused to accept)
• The reaction of Companions, especially Umar, to the apparently unfavorable terms
• The Prophet’s patience and his statement: “By God, every request they make in which the sacred things of God are respected, I will accept”

This level of detailed narration from a witness who was present (even as a child) gives the account exceptional historical value.

Opposition to the Umayyads

Al-Miswar lived to see the Second Fitna. He aligned with Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr’s claim to the caliphate against the Marwanid Umayyads. He remained in Mecca where ibn al-Zubayr held out. When the Umayyad forces besieged Mecca, al-Miswar was struck by a stone from a catapult (manjaniq) while in the Masjid al-Haram in prayer, and died of the wound.

See also: Seerah Al Dahhak Ibn Qays, Seerah Uqba Ibn Abi Muayt, Seerah Hudaybiyya, Seerah Al Mughira Ibn Shuba, Seerah Jabir Ibn Samurah