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حلف الفضول

The Pact of Al-Fudul (Hilf al-Fudul)

31 BH (~590 CE)

Makkah

Society

Muhammad ﷺ participated in the Hilf al-Fudul, a pact formed in the house of Abdullah ibn Jud'an among several Qurayshi clans. The alliance pledged to support the oppressed, return rights to their rightful owners, and stand together against injustice — regardless of tribal affiliations.

Why this matters

The Prophet ﷺ later said about this pact: 'I witnessed a pact in the house of Abdullah ibn Jud'an that was more beloved to me than a herd of red camels. If I were called to it in Islam, I would respond.' This shows his ﷺ commitment to justice even before his prophetic mission, and that Islam endorses alliances for justice even with non-Muslims.

Hadith references

As-Sunan al-Kubra, al-Bayhaqi, #13211

Narrated by: Talha ibn Abdullah ibn Awf

Grading: Hasan

The Prophet ﷺ said: 'I witnessed in the house of Abdullah ibn Jud'an a pact I would not exchange for red camels, and were I called to it in Islam I would answer.'

Key figures

Abdullah ibn Jud'an

Primary sources

Ar-Raheeq Al-MakhtumIbn Ishaq's SirahAl-Bayhaqi