Hudnah (Truce)

**Definition:** - Linguistically: Stillness, calm - Legally: A contract by the Imam or his deputy with the people of war to cease fighting for a known period according to need - Also called: Muhadanah, Muwada'ah, Mu'ahadah **Legality:** - Permissible for the Muslim Imam to make a truce with disbelievers to cease fighting for a known period - When there is benefit for Muslims: such as weakness, lack of preparation, or hope for their Islam - **Quran:** "And if they incline to peace, then incline to it" [8:61] - The Prophet ﷺ made a truce with the disbelievers at Hudaybiyyah for 10 years - He made peace with the Jews in Madinah **Binding Nature:** - The truce made by the Imam or his deputy is binding - It is not permissible to break or nullify it as long as: 1. They remain upright with us 2. They do not betray 3. We do not fear betrayal from them **Evidence:** - **Quran:** "So as long as they are upright toward you, be upright toward them" [9:7] - **Quran:** "O you who have believed, fulfill [all] contracts" [5:1] **If They Break the Treaty:** - By fighting, aiding our enemies, killing a Muslim, or taking property - The treaty is nullified and fighting them becomes permissible - **Quran:** "And if they break their oaths after their treaty and defame your religion, then fight the leaders of disbelief" [9:12] **If Betrayal is Feared:** - If there are signs indicating they may break the treaty - We may renounce the treaty to them - **Quran:** "If you fear from a people betrayal, throw [their treaty] back to them [putting you] on equal terms" [8:58] - We must inform them of the nullification before fighting them