There were many occasions of differences among the Muslims during the life of the Prophet. But in spite of these differences, the Companions remained united with each other. For example, Makkah came within the fold of Islam in 630 AD. This was a huge victory in which 10,000 Companions had marched with the Prophet from Madinah to Makkah. The Muslims were faced with a grave issue during the march to Makkah. Khalid ibn al-Walid had accepted Islam late in the Madinan phase of the prophetic mission. When the Prophet and Muslims were in Makkah, Khalid was still a non-believer and was in the camp of those who were hostile to Islam. Even though he accepted Islam very late, the Prophet made him leader in the march towards Makkah. This developed many complaints among senior Companions who thought that they had accepted Islam long before Khalid and faced several hardship during this period, however, the Prophet gave precedence to Khalid and made him leader over them. One of the Companions complained to the Prophet: "Have you made Khalid the leader?" This was a serious issue facing the Muslim camp. Had the Companions pursued their complaint, the Muslim party would have broken apart and the conquest of Makkah would have not taken place. But the same Companion who questioned the Prophet also remarked: "The Muslims' Prophet told us to march forward. And so marching forward became dear to us." In spite of the difference the Muslims had with the Prophet, they went forward united under Khalid's leadership. This is an example of how unity can be established within a group.
