The polytheists prevented the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) from reaching the Sacred House (al-Bayt) in the year of al-Hudaybiyyah during the month of Dhu al-Qa'dah, [thus restraining] him from it. Allah then brought him back to the Sacred House in Dhu al-Qa'dah of the following year, and enacted retribution (qisas) for him against them; he stayed there for three days. "Then whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in the same way that he has assaulted you." He says: If they deem fighting you permissible, then deem it permissible against them.