In this week’s Friday Sermon delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) focused on some remarkable events from the Conquest of Makkah, continuing the series of sermons on this important moment in Islamic history.

His Holiness (aba) began by mentioning how the keys to the Kaʿbah were with Uthman bin Talhah (ra). Before migration, the Holy Prophet (sa) had once requested the keys, and Uthman had responded rudely. Despite this, the Prophet (sa) had replied calmly, saying, “O Uthman, remember one day these keys will be in my hands and I will give them to whom I please.” Years later, on the day of the Conquest, the Prophet (sa) returned the keys to Uthman and said, “Today is the day of rewarding loyalty.” Uthman had by then accepted Islam, and the Prophet’s (sa) kindness and forgiveness left a deep impact. Huzoor (aba) noted that even today, the keys to the Kaʿbah remain with Uthman’s family.

His Holiness (aba) then spoke about how Makkah was made sacred by Allah from the very beginning—since the creation of the heavens, the earth, the sun, and the moon. On the second day of the Conquest, someone from Banu Khuza’ah killed a person from Banu Hudhail. The Prophet (sa) made it clear that it was not lawful for anyone to shed blood or cut down trees in Makkah. He announced that only for a short time on that day was fighting allowed—and only for him, as commanded by Allah. The Prophet (sa) himself paid the blood money of 100 camels and said that in the future, victims’ families could choose either compensation or justice.

Huzoor (aba) also shared the story of Fudalah bin Umair, who secretly planned to attack the Prophet (sa) during Tawaf. But the Holy Prophet (sa) approached him and gently placed his hand on his chest, saying, “Seek forgiveness.” Fudalah later said that after that moment, no one was more beloved to him than the Prophet (sa), and he abandoned his plan. This showed how the Prophet (sa) changed hearts with love, not force.

The sermon also included a story of the Prophet’s (sa) simplicity and gratitude. After the victory, he visited Hazrat Umm Hani (ra) and asked if there was anything to eat. Embarrassed, she said there was only some dry bread and vinegar. The Prophet (sa) asked for it, poured the vinegar on the bread, ate it with thankfulness, and said, “Vinegar is the best sauce.” Even as the victorious leader of Makkah, he chose simple food and remained humble.

The sermon also touched on the renewal of allegiance by the people of Makkah. Among those who accepted Islam was Hind bint Utbah, who had once opposed the Prophet (sa). She now pledged her loyalty to him. The Prophet (sa) treated her kindly and forgave her. Huzoor (aba) also mentioned that someone came to pledge allegiance but was trembling in fear. The Prophet (sa) calmed him by saying, “Do not be afraid. I am not a king—I am the son of a woman who ate dried meat in Makkah.”

His Holiness (aba) also addressed false claims that the Prophet (sa) had ordered executions during the Conquest. Huzoor (aba) clarified that although some individuals had committed severe crimes and were sentenced under Islamic law, the Prophet (sa) forgave most of them, including those who had harmed him personally. He never sought revenge, even against those who had once wanted to kill him.

His Holiness (aba) concluded the sermon with an appeal for prayers—especially in light of current global tensions. He reminded everyone to be prepared for difficult times and to increase their prayers and remembrance of Allah.

Huzoor (aba) also announced the funeral prayers for two respected members of the Jama’at:

• Amatul Naseer Nighat Sahiba, granddaughter of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad (ra), who served for many years in the USA and was known for her generosity, kindness, and strong connection with Khilafat.
• Al Haj Yaqoub Ahmad bin Abu Bakr Sahib, a former headmaster and dedicated life devotee, who was close to Huzoor (aba) during his time in Ghana. He was known for his sincerity, leadership, and humility.

Huzoor (aba) prayed that may Allah grant both of them forgiveness, mercy, and elevate their ranks in Paradise. He also prayed for their families to remain steadfast and be guided by their examples.