SECRECY

We read in the annals of history that, prior to the conquest of Makkah, the Prophet gave instructions to his companions to ready themselves for a journey. The Muslims then engaged themselves in the necessary tasks. At that time, Abu Bakr came to his daughter, Aisha, wife of the Prophet. She too was busy making preparations for a journey. Abu Bakr asked her: “Has the Prophet ordered you to do so?” Aisha replied in the affirmative. Then Abu Bakr asked her about the destination of this proposed journey. Aisha replied, “By God, I don’t know.” (Sirah ibn Hisham, Vol. 2, p. 397)

One of the sunnah of the Prophet of Islam was that, in delicate matters, he always observed strict secrecy. And this is what he did during the campaign of the conquest of Makkah. He left Madinah for Makkah along with ten thousand of his companions, without confiding in them where he was heading. The companions are on record as saying that it was only when they reached the point from where the path led directly to Makkah, that they realized what their ultimate destination would be.

In matters of strategy, the observance of secrecy is of the utmost importance. Success, in most cases, depends on the fact that the rival party remains completely unaware of one’s plans in advance. The Prophet of Islam showed this wisdom all his life.