TABLE OF CONTENTS

LIFE IN MAKKAH
Birth and upbringing of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) …. 2-3 Call to
Prophethood …. 4 Stages of early preaching …. 5-6 Reasons of opposition by
Quraish …. 6 Persecution on Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) …. 6-7 Persecution
on Prophet’s followers …. 8-9 Migration to Abyssinia …. 9-11 Boycott of Banu
Hashim …. 11-12 Am-ul-Huzn …. 12 Visit to Taif …. 12-14 Isra-Mairaj …. 14-
15 Pledges of Aqaba …. 15-16 Migration to Yasrib …. 17-18

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LIFE UNTIL THE FIRST REVELATION
Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) parents were Abullah bin Abdul Mutalib and Amina. His father
died before Muhammad’s birth and was buried in Madina. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born
to Amina four months after his father’s death in Makkah in 571A.D. Amina named him
‘Ahmed’. However Abdul Mutalib named him ‘Muhammad’, both names are mentioned in the
Quran. The year Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was born, that year is known as ‘Year of
Elephants’ because in this year Abraha came to destroy the Kaabah.

At that time, there was a custom in Arabia that new born were raised by wet nurses away from
the busy cities. Keeping this tradition, Muhammad (pbuh) was given to a Bedouin woman
Halima Sadia who was from Banu Saad. Good fortune surrounded Halima Sadia as soon as
brought Prophet Muhammad to her house; they never ran short of food, flock gave more milk in
abundance. After two years, Halima Sadia brought Prophet Muhammad back to his mother but
requested to take him back noticing the blessings in her house, permission was granted by
Amina. When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was 5 years old, a strange incident took place which
grew Halima worried. She was informed by Prophet Muhammad that when he was playing with
children, 2 men came who were dressed in white, one of them asked, “is he the one?” The other
one said, “Yes”. Then they grabbed him, put him on the ground, cut open his chest, extracted a
piece out, then washed his heart with Zamzam in a gold basin of water and returned his heart to
its place. The Prophet (pbuh) later in his life explained that the two men were angels Jibril and
Mikaeel and the piece they extracted out was a satanic beak

After this incident, Halima brought Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) back to his mother Amina.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was about 6 years old at that time when he went to Yasrib to visit his
father’s grave with his mother. On their way back, Amina passed away. Hazrat Muhammad
(pbuh) was brought by Umme Aiman. Hazrat Muahammad’s grandfather Abdul Mutalib took
the custody of upbringing of his grandson.

When Hazrat Muhammad was 8 years old, his grandfather passed away, his uncle Abu Talib
took the custody of his nephew. Abu Talib was very kind to his nephew; he always made Hazrat
Muhammad sleep in his own bed. Abu talib was a trader and he used to take his nephew in all his
trade expeditions.

When Hazrat Muhammad was 12 years old, he accompanied his uncle to Syria. They he met a
Christian monk Bahira. He recognized Muhammad (pbuh) as the fiuture Prophet by the mark of
Prophethood (seal of Prophets) on his back just as he read about it in his previous scriptures. He
also noticed the cloud covering Muhammad (pbuh) and moving with him and the prostration of
the stones and trees. He warned Abu Talib to take his nephew back to his city because if the Jews
recognize him in Syria, they will kill him.

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During his youth, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) learnt trading from his uncle. He also looked after
the sheep in the Arabian desert. Between the years 580-590A.D a sacrilegious war Harb ul Fijar
broke out the Quraish and Hawazin tribes. The war broke in the holy month when fighting was
forbidden, the months are Muharram, Rajab, Ziqad, Zilhajj. The war lasted for many years.
Although Hazrat Muhammad was present in the battles, he did not take part in it, his only job
was to pick up the arrows and give them to his uncles. After the war was over, there was a huge
loss of lives, property. Some tribes decided to form an alliance to help the oppressed. For this all
tribes gathered and formed an alliance which stated that if they found anyone either a Makkan or
an outsider, they will help the oppressed to restore peace in the region. This alliance was called
Half-al-Fudul. It was called so because the leading members of the tribe were members of Fudul.
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was present when this alliance was formed and he happily
volunteered to help the others.

Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) grew up to be a kind, patient and a noble hearted man. He never
indulged in evil vices like drinking, gambling etc. He was known in all Makkah to be honest and
truthful and for that he came to be known as Al Sadiq- the truthful and Al Amin- the
trustworthy. These titles and qualities of Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) were known amongst his
trading circles in Makkah. A well renowned tradeswoman in Makkah name Khadija BInt
Khuwalid who was looking for someone honest to carry her goods to Syria heard about Hazrat
Muhammad’s fair dealings in trading. Hence she hired him to go to Syria with her slave
Maisara. This trip was a very successful trip, Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) and Maisara returned to
Makkah with huge profits. Khadija was informed by Maisara about Hazrat Muhammad’s
honesty; he greatly praised his trading skills. Khadija was so impressed by his honesty that she
sent a marriage proposal to Hazrat Muhammad. After consulting his uncles, Hazrat Muhammad
married Khadija, she was 40 years old and Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was 25 years old. They
were blessed with four daughters, Zainab, Ruqayya, Umme kulsoom, and Fatima and two
sons Abu Qasim and Abdullah.

When Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was 35 years old, Quraish decided to repair Kabah as it was
damaged by floods. All the Makkans worked together in the reconstruction including Hazrat
Muhammad (pbuh). When the time came of placing the black stone back, a disagreement arose
amongst the tribe leaders of Makkah. Every tribe leader wanted the honor to place the black
stone back at its place. Abu Umayyah bin Mughaira suggested that whoever enters the Kabah
the next morning will settle this dispute; this was agreed by all leaders. Next morning, it was
Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) who entered the Kabah, all people said, “Muhammad (pbuh) is Al
Amin, we all agree on him to settle the matter”. Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) placed the black
stone on a sheet, he asked all tribe leaders to hold one corner of the sheet and then he placed the
stone with his own hands. This way Hazrat Muhammad (pbuh) was able to prevent crisis with
his wisdom.

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CALL TO PROPHETHOOD
As Muhammad pbuh grew older, he started retiring in the cave Hira in Jabel-e- Nur as he never
indulged in the practices of the corrupt Makkan society, where he passed his time in meditation
about God and what his God wanted him to do. He used to take food and water with him, when
these finished, he would go back home. He spent the time in worshipping and pondering at the
conditions of his people, the affairs of the tribe were in a sad state; there was unnecessary
bloodshed; the weak and the women were helpless and injustice was common.

Muhammad (p.b.u.h) was nearly forty years old, when towards the end of Ramadan in 610A.D,
an Angel came in the form of a man and said to him, “Read”, Muhammad replied “I cannot
read,” Muhammad himself reported, the Angel hugged and squeezed me so hard that I
thought I would die of suffocation, then he released me and said, “Read”, and then I said,
what shall I read?” then the angel recited the verses of Surah Alaq, “Read in the name of
your Lord who has created, created man from a clot of blood. Read and your Lord is Most
Generous, He who taught man the use of pen. Taught man what he did not know.”

He recited these verses after the Angel and he felt as if the words were written on his heart.
These were the first five verses of Surah Alaq. Muhammad (p.b.u.h) was greatly shaken by this
strange experience. So he ran out of the cave. When he was half way down the slope, he heard a
voice above him saying: “O Muhammad (p.b.u.h) you are the Messenger of Allah, and I am
Jibril.” He raised his eyes and saw the Angel filling the whole horizon, and again he said, “O
Muhammad you are the messenger of Allah and I am Jibril” Where ever looked, he saw the
Angel. He stood there until the Angel disappeared.

Muhammad (p.b.u.h) rushed home greatly disturbed, asked his wife Khadija to cover him up.
She covered him with a blanket. Muhammad pbuh related the event to Khadijah, she comforted
him, and reassured him saying, “Allah will never disgrace you as you keep good relations
with people, speak the truth, help the poor and the needy, serve your guests generously and
assist the deserving”. Khadija then took him to her cousin Waraqah Bin Naufal, who was a
Christian, and had knowledge of scriptures of Torah and the Gospel. Waraqah heard from
Muhammad (p.b.u.h) all that had happened, and told him that the same Angel who came to
Moses. Waraqah predicted that Muhammad pbuh would face severe opposition from his own
people after conveying the message of God to his people and that they will turn him out from the
city. Warqa also assured his support for Muhammad pbuh

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STAGES OF EARLY PREACHING
The early converts (silent preaching)
After the first revelation at Hira, there was no revelation for quite some time. The Prophet was
disturbed and feared that he might have displeased Allah in some way. Many times he went on
top of the mountain to throw himself down but then the Angel would appear and say,”O
Muhammad you are the Messenger of Allah”. One day, Prophet saw Jibril in the sky seated on
a chair. Prophet rushed home and asked Khadija to cover him. After she covered him with
mantle, Jibril appeared with the second revelation which said, “O you wrapped up in a mantle!
Arise and warn”. After this revelation, the Prophet started preaching Islam secretly to his close
relatives n friends. For three years he continued to do so, the first woman to accept Islam was his
wife Khadija, the first child to accept Islam was 10 year old Ali bin Abu Talib, the first freed
slave to accept Islam was Zaid Bin Harith, and first male adult to accept Islam was his closest
companion Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr invited many people to Islam and many prominent companions
became Muslims through him. Among them were Uthman, Talha, Zubair, Saad bin abi
Waqas. They were commanded to pray twice a day, avoid idol worshipping and believe in one
God. This resulted in acceptance of Islam by around 40 people in the next few years

Tribe and family members; Banu Hashim

After sometime, Muhammad pbuh received another revelation to preach the message among his
tribal members/family. It said, “And warn your relatives”. After this command, the Prophet
invited his tribe Banu Hashim at his home. When the Prophet invited his tribe to monotheism
(One God), Abu Lahab rejected the message while Abu Talib promised support to the Prophet
and the overall response of Banu Hashim was rude and not at all promising. Only Ali responded
to the Prophet’s call and said, “O Muhammad! I shall be your helper, whoever opposes you I
will fight him”

Open preaching, call at Safa hill

Three years after secret and tribal preaching, another revelation followed commanding him to
make his message public “Therefore, declare openly to them, what you are commanded, and
turn away from those who join false gods with Allah.”

After this command, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) assembled the people of Makkah at Safa hill, and
asked them, “If I tell you that there are some horsemen in the valley waiting to raid you,
would you believe me?” They all replied that they would, as they had never heard him tell any
lie. It was at this point, the Prophet; (pbuh) invited them to Oneness of Allah and told them that
he was sent as Messenger for his people. Abu Lahab interrupted here, cursed the Prophet by
saying that he has disgraced him. Abu Lahab’s rude manner encouraged others to call the

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Prophet a liar and turned away. Allah revealed Surah Lahab announcing a grievous punishment
to Abu Lahab and his wife. The Prophet now approached different tribes of Makkah. He also
invited the pilgrims who came to Makkah to visit the Kabah. This resulted in conversion of Islam
by many people. It was after this time; Makkans started opposing the Prophet and started
persecuting him and his followers.

OPPOSITION AND PERSECUTION ON HOLY

PROPHET AND HIS FOLLOWERS

Reasons for opposition

✔ Religious: Quraish were idol worshippers, believed in many gods, they thought that one god
not enough for their needs, and said that their forefathers did the same. Moreover they
argued that if any prophet was to be sent then it would be from them and not a man like
Muhammad who had no power and influence. They believed angels as Allah’s daughters and
said if Allah had to send a prophet he would send from angels
✔ Social: drinking, gambling, infanticide, polygamy was their custom, all this is prohibited in
Islam and they were not ready to give up these practices. They did not believe in any equality
between the rich and the poor
✔ Political: if Islam flourishes then the leaders of Makkah will have to give up their power to
Muhammad, and their control over Makkah and slaves would be lost. The rich could get
away with any crime but the poor would be punished for even the minor and Islam promotes
justice for all but the Makkans were not ready for any such principle
✔ Economical: Kaabah was a source of their income , this would be lost if Islam succeeds as
there will be no buying or selling of idols if Makkans accepted Islam

Persecution on Prophet pbuh

To meet the followers and train them, the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) would hold meetings at
Darul Arqam secretly. After the Prophet started preaching Islam in public, more and more
people accepted Islam. The Quraish were threatened by the increase of Muslims in Makkah.
They blamed Muhammad pbuh and held a meeting at Darun Nadwa to decide how to stop
Muhammad pbuh and his followers from following Islam.

The Quraish could not take any serious action against the Prophet as he was provided with tribal
security by Abu Talib. So now they decided to torture Prophet pbuh as per their limits. To begin
with, Abu Lahab ordered his sons to divorce their wives Ruqayya and Umme Kulsoom who
were the daughters of the Prophet. The Quraish also started a campaign against the Prophet
calling him a mad man, poet and a magician. Poems were written to make fun of him and this
continued for ten years. After the death of Prophet’s second son Abdullah, Abu Lahab rejoiced

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and started calling Muhammad pbuh ‘abtar’. Allah revealed Surah Kawther to console the
Prophet. The Quraish also proposed to Prophet that they would worship Muhammad’s God if he
would their gods, to this the Prophet replied, “you have your religion and I have my religion:”

When there was a gap in revelations, the Quraish wasted no time to mock the Prophet. Allah
revealed Surah Duha to motivate the Prophet.

However, these cruelties became more severe after the Quraish started to physically torture the
Prophet. A woman used to throw garbage on him whenever he passed the street. Abu lahab’s
wife Umme Jamil used to place bundles of thorns in twisted palm leaves fibre thorns on the way
of the Prophet to cause him physical pain. Once while Prophet was praying, on the command of
Abu Jahl, Uqba bin Abi threw foetus and offal of camel once while the Prophet was praying.
Once Uqba tried to strangle the Prophet but Abu Bakr came and saved him. Once Abu Jahl
threw filth on the Prophet, when the Prophet reached home, Fatima cleaned the Prophet’s head.
Once while Fatima and Prophet were performing Tawaf round the Kabah, he was attacked by
Makkans. Fatima screamed for help, Abu Bakr came and saved the Prophet. Once Abu Jahl
passed by the Prophet, taunted the Prophet but the Prophet kept silent. Going unnoticed Abu Jahl
became angry, he took a stone and hit the Prophet’s head which began to bleed. Once Uqba tried
to strangle the Prophet with his mantle but Abu Bakr came and saved the Prophet.

Abu Lahab’s son, Utaibah bin Abu Lahab, shouted at the Prophet (pbuh), tore the Prophet’s
shirt and tried to spit the Prophet’s face. However, his saliva missed the Prophet’s blessed face.

When all the tortures did not work on the Prophet, Quraish decided to offer bribe to the Prophet.
Utbah bin Rabiah sent a message to the Prophet that they would offer Prophet wealth, will
make him the leader of Makkah and will also make Muhammad marry the fairest woman in the
land if he would give up his mission. Muhammad pbuh strongly turned down the offer. After this
the Quraish even tried to threaten Abu Talib to withdraw tribal protection from his nephew. Abu
Talib approached the Prophet and told him what Quraish said, Abu Talib said,” Spare me and
yourself and do not put me in a burden which my weak bones cannot bear” to this the
Prophet replied,” if they place the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand and
ask me to give u my mission, I would not do so until Allah ends it for me or I die in the
attempt”. On hearing this, Abu Talib continued his support and security for Muhammad pbuh.
The Quraish not willing to stop, sent another deputation to Abu Talib by bringing a boy and
offering an exchange of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) with the boy saying that Abu Talib’s
nephew had gone against his religion and that they were willing to take Prophet’s life and free
Abu Talib from all this suffering. To this Abu Talib cursed the Makkans and said that he would
never do such a thing and that his support would always be with his nephew.

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Persecution on Prophet’s followers
After the Prophet started preaching Islam in public, more and more people accepted Islam. The
Quraish were threatened by the increase of Muslims in Makkah. They blamed Muhammad pbuh
and held a meeting at Darun Nadwa to decide how to stop Muhammad pbuh and his followers
from following Islam.

The Quraish decided to torture those newly converts who were poor, slaves and neither had
power nor had any tribal security. Their masters were responsible to torture them physically in
order to make them renounce (give up) their faith. Among them were Bilal who was tortured by
his master Umayyah bin Khalaf. He used to beat Bilal with sticks, tie a rope around his neck
and drag him on the streets. He also made him lye on burning sand under scorchy sun, placed a
huge piece of rock on his chest and would demand from Bilal to give up Islam, to which Bilal
replied Ahad! Ahad! Abu Bakr purchased his freedom and set him free.

Abu Fukaiha, was the slave of Bilal’s master Safwan. When Abu Fukaiha accepted Islam, he
was dragged in the streets on hot sand and his feet tied with rope. Abu Bakr also purchased his
freedom and set him free

Khabbab bin al Aratt who was extremely poor and a blacksmith. He was made to lie on
burning coal and tie a heavy rock so that he would not move.

Ammar bin Yasir and his parents Yasir and Sumayya who were poor were tortured mercilessly
by Quraish. Summaya was tortured so much by Abu Jahl that she lost her life and became the
first female martyr of Islam.

Once while Prophet was attacked outside Kabah, Haris bin abi Hala came and saved the
Prophet when he was in Kaaba reciting the Quran and attacked by the Quraish, he could not bear
the wounds and passed away. He is the first male martyr of Islam.

Lubaynah who was a slave of Umer bin al Khattab. He used to beat her up until he would get
exhausted and after regaining strength he would beat her up again. Zinra was tortured so much
by Abu Jahl and Umar that she got blind. Nahdiyya was another female slave who accepted
Islam and her master tortured her. Abu Bakr purchased her freedom and set free.

Musab bin Umayr was expelled from his house for accepting Islam; he also suffered torture at
the hands of Makkans but did not renounce faith

Even those who were rich and from prominent tribes were not spared. Their tribal heads were
responsible to stop their members from following Islam. Uthman of Banu Ummayyad tribe was
tortured by his uncle. He would lock Uthman in a room with no air and keep him there without
food and water till Uthman fainted. He also rolled him in a carpet and passed smoke to suffocate

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him. Once Abu Bakr and Talha were praying, Quraish tied them by the same rope, but
mysteriously the rope was untied. Zubair’s uncle tortured him to leave faith.

Muslims were not allowed by Quraish to worship in public and if they would, the Quraish would
torture them severely. Once Abdullah bin Masud recited the verses of Quran in a Quraish
gathering. The Quraish tortured him so much that he received fatal injuries.

Though the early converts were tortured mercilessly by Quraish, yet none of the Muslims gave
up their faith. They remained united and firm in their faith.

MIGRATION TO ABYSSINIA
First migration
In the fifth year of prophet hood, the year 615 AD, when the hatred and hostilities of Quraish
became severe and unbearable, the Prophet (pbuh) received a revelation of Surah Zumr
according to which the followers were ordered to migrate, it said, “good is for those who do
good in this world, and Allah’s earth is spacious, only those who are patient will receive the
reward fully without judgment”. After this revelation, Prophet advised his followers to migrate
to Abyssinia to escape persecution. Abyssinia was a country ruled by a just king Negus This
migration would not only help Muslims to seek protection from oppression but also by travelling
to long distances Islam would spread to other lands.

Twelve men and four women including Ruqayyah (RA), the daughter of the Prophet (p.b.u.h)
and her husband Uthman (RA) migrated to Abyssinia. Uthman and Ruqayya were the first
couple to migrate twice for Islam. When the Makkans found out about the secret migration, they
tried to chase the Muslims. However the Muslims had seen a ship which was ready to port and
they managed to get on it. The Makkans were late and hence were very angry when the Muslims
escaped without being caught. After a long journey of eight days, the emigrants reached the
capital city; they were welcomed warmly and found a safe place to practice their religion.

That same year in the month of Ramadan, Prophet was once in Kabah when he recited the verses
of Surah Najm as they were revealed to him in the presence of a large number of idol
worshippers. The impact of the words of God was such that the Makkans were spell bound
(captivated) and they all fell in prostration. News of this event was misreported in Abyssinia and
the migrants were led to believe that the whole of Makkah had accepted Islam and hence the
emigrants made their way back to Makkah. On reaching Makkah, they learned that the report
was false and Muslims were still persecuted by the Makkans. Some of them migrated back to
Abyssinia while some were granted protection by influential people. When the Makkans heard

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about the good treatment of Abyssinians, they redoubled their persecution on Muslims in fury.
This is known as the first migration of Muslims to Abyssinia.

Second migration
The hostilities of Quraish increased with the success of Islam. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) again
advised his followers to make a second migration to Abyssinia. This time the group was larger,
83 men and 19 women, who secretly made the journey led by the Prophet’s cousin Jafar bin
Abu Talib. By the will of Allah, the Muslims escaped the watchful eyes of Makkans and
reached Abyssinia safely. The leaders of Quraish instead of celebrating the departure of Muslims
from Makkah, were furious and determined that the Muslims should not be left in peace to
practice their faith there and perhaps even increase their number of followers. The Quraish
therefore sent a delegation of two men, one of them being Amr Bin Aas. The purpose of this
delegation was to damage Islam in the eyes of Abyssinian king Negus. The Quraish sent rich
gifts along with the delegation. They appealed to the generals first and then directly to the King
by saying, “some foolish men and women of our people have taken refuge in your land.
They have left their own religion not for yours but for the one they have invented one that
is unknown to us and you. The nobles of their family, their fathers and uncles beg you to
restore them to their families” Negus who was a just ruler, asked the Muslims to explain
themselves before he reached a decision about whether he would return the Muslims to their
people or not. The Muslims were represented by Jaffar bin Abu Talib who gave a speech in
defense of Islam. “O king! We were ignorant people we worshipped idols, ate unsacrificed
dead animal flesh, committed all sorts of injustice; the strong exploited the weak. In the
middle of all this, a man was born amongst us whose nobility and virtue was already
known to us. He called us to Islam, taught us to give up idol worshipping, be truthful, and
be helpful to our relations, be good to our neighbors, avoid fornication. He ordered us not
to associate partners with Allah. We abandoned polytheism and idol worship and give all
evils which were practiced by our forefathers. For this we were deemed guilty and our own
people became our enemies.”

Negus was impressed and he asked Jafar bin Abu Talib to recite a portion of the Qur’an that had
been revealed to their Prophet. Jafar bin Abu Talib recited some verses from surah Maryam.
Upon hearing this, Negus and the entire court were in tears. He said, “By God, this and the
Bible are the lights of one candle.” He told the Quraish that he would not handover the
Muslims to them even if they offered him a mountain of gold.

When the delegation of Quraish returned to Makkah unsuccessful, it infuriated the Quraish and
they increased their persecution on Muslims. It was at this time Prophet’s uncle Hamza and
Umar Bin Al Khattab entered the fold of Islam.

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Significance
The most important outcome of the migration was that it was the first migration of Muslims for
Islam. The Muslims now knew that there was a place where they could seek shelter. It ultimately
gave birth to the idea of greater Hijrah: the emigration from Makkah to Medina. The relations
between Muslims and Christians became stronger. In Abyssinia, the number of Muslims as
Negus also embraced Islam

BOYYCOTT OF BANU HASHIM

Reasons
The humiliation Quraish faced at Abyssinia after Negus refused to hand over the Muslims made
the Quraish even more desperate to crush Islam. They tried to persecute the Prophet n followers
to stop them from following Islam. They could not harm the Prophet much due to the tribal
security granted by Abu Talib. Moreover, the Quraish became more infuriated after the
conversion of Islam by Hamza and Umar bin Al Khattab. In the seventh year of prophet hood,
the Quraish pressurized Abu Talib the chief of Banu Hashim to give up the security granted to
Muhammad pbuh, to which Abu Talib refused. Abu Talib called all members of Banu Hashim
and Banu Mutalib at Kaaba to pledge and protect all tribesmen. Abu Lahab present in the
meeting refused and declared his enmity against Prophet Muhammad

Events
After this, the Quraish held a meeting in which it was decided to boycott Banu Hashim and
Banu Mutalib. This was a social and economic boycott from all tribes of Quraish according to
which Makkans were not allowed to marry, or any kind of social relations with any member of
Banu Hashim n Mutalib. Apart from this, no other tribe of Makkah was allowed to conduct
business relations with them as well until they hand over the Prophet. The agreement was written
by Baghid bin Hashim signed by the tribe leaders and hung on the walls of Kabah. By doing
this Bghid’s hand was paralysed.

The two clans of Banu Hashim and Banu Al Mutalaib (Muslims as well as non-muslims) were
compelled (forced) to retire to a narrow gorge called Shib Abu Talib in the out skirts of Makkah
which was the property of Abu Talib. Abu Lahab and his family were not boycotted as they had
been opposing Islam and persecuting Muslims from the beginning. The boycott lasted for three
years during which Banu HashIm and Banu Mutalib suffered a lot. They lived in strict
conditions and faced starvation. The pagans did not allow anyone to deliver food or any other
necessities to them. Crying of the children due to hunger and starvation could be heard outside
the gorge. They were forced to eat grass and leaves of trees. Saad bin Abi Waqas reported that

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once they found leather, they washed it and ate it after boiling it. At times, Muslims even tried to
buy food from caravans but Abu Lahab always interfered and bought the food by offering them
high prices. So then the Muslims bought in the holy months when fighting was forbidden.
During these years the Prophet tried to preach Islam to foreigners but Abu Lahab shouted at his
nephew and made it clear to the foreigners that Muhammad (pbuh) did not have support from his
own uncle. Hence in these years Islam did not progress as much as it did in the earliest years.
Even in such difficult times, the Prophet (pbuh) kept inviting non-muslims to Islam. He would
meet meet and speak to tribes which were coming from different countries and going to Makkah
especially at the time of Hajj which was the busiest time in Makkah

At times, some kind relatives of Muslims sent food secretly to Muslims; they were the relatives
of Khadija and other members. The boycott strengthened the faith of Muslims; they were more
determined than ever to see their mission successful.

At last some people were moved by the suffering of Banu HashIm and decided to interfere.a
group led by Hisham came to Quraish and demanded to end the unjust boycott saying that it was
unfair they eat, clothe and live well while Banu Hashim suffers. On their pressure Quraish
started negotiations with Abu Talib. The Quraish told Abu Talib to hand over his nephew; to this
Abu Talib replied that the Prophet had been divinely informed that the parchment on which the
treaty was written has been eaten by termites except the word ‘Bismika Allahuma’. Abu Talib
challenged that it was wrong then he will hand over his nephew to them. A man was sent to
check the parchment, he returned by saying Abu Talib’s claim was true. Here instead of
believing in One God and Muhammad (pbuh) as His Messenger, the Quraish called it magic and
turned away. After this, Quraish decided to lift the ban and the Muslims returned to Makkah.

AM UL HUZN-THE YEAR OF GRIEF

Abu Talib and Khadija (RA) died soon after the lifting of the ban. With passing of Abu Talib, the
leadership of Quraish passed on to Abu Lahab who was hostile to the Prophet from the beginning
(p.b.u.h). At this stage, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) lost the protection of his own clan. Soon after Abu
Talib, Khadija also died Khadija had been a source of comfort and moral support for him. The
death of Abu Talib and Khadija was a major grief to the Muslims in general and the Prophet
(p.b.u.h) in particular hence the tenth year of Prophet Hood 619 A.D was known as the “Year
of Sorrow”

VISIT TO TAIF
Reasons
After the death of Abu Talib, Abu Lahab became the leader of Banu Hashim and he refused to
grant tribal protection to Muhammad pbuh as a result of which persecution on Prophet doubled.

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Moreover, the Prophet also wanted to spread Islam elsewhere as in ten years in Makkah the
number of Muslims turned out to be less than 170. Therefore realizing the situation had become
intolerable for him in Makkah in 619 A.D he decided to visit Taif to invite its leaders and people
to Islam.

Events
Taif is a city 70 miles away from Makkah. The Prophet went with his adopted son Zaid bin
Harris. The tribe of Taif Banu Saqeef was the second largest tribe of Arabia; their leaders were
three brothers Abd Yalil, Masud and Habib. The Prophet went to Taif on foot, after reaching
there; he called on the leaders of Taif and invited them to Islam. The response of the leaders of
Taif was the same as of the leaders of Makkah. They not only rejected the invitation and insulted
the Prophet, they also sent for street boys to harass the Prophet. The Prophet stayed at Taif for 10
days during which he invited the nobles to Islam but all efforts remained unsuccessful. In order
to hurry the Prophet’s departure, the street boys tried to strangle him. They threw stones at him,
laughed and yelled at him. Zaid tried to shield the Prophet, he also was severely wounded. The
Prophet was so wounded that his shoes were filled with blood. Prophet and Zaid took refuge in
an orchard which belonged to Rabiah’s two sons, Utbah and Shaibah. Prophet turned to Allah in
distress seeking His aid and said, “O Allah, I raise to you my complaint for my weakness and
for the ridicule to which I have been subjected, you are my Lord. Who would you consign
me to? To the strangers who would ill treat me or to the enemies who are stronger than
me? If whatever has happened is not because of your wrath then I fear not, no doubt Your
field of security is enough for me. I seek refuge in Your light which vanishes darkness
straightens the affairs of this world and the Hereafter.”

Jibril appeared before the Prophet, greeted him and said “Allah knows what has happened
between you and these people. Allah has sent the angel of mountains at your service. The
angel of mountains greeted the Prophet and said,”O Prophet, if you say so, I will collide the
two mountains with each other and all the people will be crushed to death”. To this the
Prophet replied, “Even if these people do not accept Islam, I do hope from Allah that their
children would worship Allah alone”

Utbah and Shaiba sent the Prophet grapes through their servant Addas who was a Christian and
from the city of Younis. When the Prophet heard about Addas being from Younis’s city he
replied, “He is my brother. He was a Prophet and so am I”. Addas fell on his knees and kissed
the Prophet’s hands n feet and embraced Islam.

When the Prophet was coming back to Makkah, he stopped in the valley of Nakhla for prayers.
While he was reciting the verses of the Quran, a group of jinns came to him and accepted Islam,
before this they were Jews. This incident of their conversion to Islam is mentioned in Surah

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Jinn. This incident at Nakhla happened to console the Prophet that if mankind did not respond
well to the call to Islam, there are other creation of Allah who do respond.

On arrival in the outskirts of Makkah, Prophet realized that now his uncle Abu Tlib was not there
to protect him. He knew if he would enter Makkah now the Quraish will kill him. So he sent
word to three tribes to grant him protection. 2 tribes refused but Mutim bin Adi responded to
Prophet’s call. He commanded his tribe to head out of Makkah in full preparation of battle, bring
Prophet Muhammad with them and escort him to his house.

ISRA AND MAIRAJ

In the tenth year of prophet hood on 27 Rajab, the Prophet (p.b.u.h) was taken to Isra and M’iraj.
The first part of the journery is described in the Quran in the following words; “Glory to Him
who carried His servant by night from the sacred mosque to the distant Mosque, the
precints of which we have blessed-in order that we might show him some of our signs.”

Isra
The Prophet (p.b.u.h) was asleep in his house when angel Jibril came and took him to Ka’bah,
his chest was opened and heart was washed with Zam Zam water and filled with wisdom and
belief. The Prophet (p.b.u.h) rode a mule like animal, which was called Buraq. It took him to
different places where the Prophet recited 2 Rakahs prayers. On reaching Jerusalem; the
Prophet (p.b.u.h) tied the animal to the same ring on the door of Masjad Aqsa used by the other
prophets. Here, all Prophets gathered and Muhammad pbuh led them in prayer. After that, Jibril
brought two vessels; one was filled with wine and the other with Milk. The prophet (p.b.u.h)
chose the vessel filled with milk, and drank from it. To this Jibril said, “you chose milk, had
you chose wine, your nation would’ve gone astray”

Miraj
The Prophet again rode on Buraq and stopped at the lowest heaven. After being greeted by
angels, the Prophet saw Adam (A.S). As the Prophet reached more and more levels of heavens,
he met different Prophets Yahya. Isa, Yousuf and on the seventh heaven, he was greeted by
Ibrahim. There, the Prophet was shown Bayt-ul Mamur Allah’s house where angels visit every
day. After that, the Prophet went to Sidrat ul Muntaha (lote tree) with Jibril. It is a tree whose
roots are in the sixth layer, its branches over the seventh layer and its leaves were like elephant
ears. It was at this point, the Prophet went on and Jibril stayed back. The Prophet saw a green
silk bed covering the horizon, the Prophet sat on it, it elevated and approached to Allah. Here the
Prophet heard, “O Muhammad approach do not be afraid” The Prophet spoke to Allah
directly. Ibn Abbas narrated that the Prophet said, “I saw my sublime Lord”. Here the Prophet

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was granted three gifts, The last verses of Surah Baqarah, fifty regular compulsory prayers
which were later reduced to five on request of Prophet Musa and its rewards will be equal to fifty
prayers and lastly the major sins of the Prophet’s ummah would be forgiven if they do not
commit shirk.

After this the Prophet was taken to Paradise by Jibril. The Prophet saw palaces of ruby and
pearls. The Prophet also saw a river, on inquiry from Jibril; he was informed that it is the river
Kawther which Allah has given him. The water of Kawther was sweeter than honey and whiter
than milk. The Prophet also visited Hell, on reaching the doors of Hell the Prophet saw Malik,
guardian of hell who never smiled. There, the Prophet saw the people suffering in thirsts, tortures
of snakes and scorpions. After this, the Prophet returned to Makkah

Next morning, when the Prophet narrated the incident to Makkans, they made fun of by saying
how can the journey of months be covered in one night? Some Quraish members who had seen
Masjid e Aqsa asked him to describe the Masjid. The Prophet described the whole interior
correctly. Even after producing sufficient evidence, the Quraish still did not accept Islam. When
Abu Bakr came and was informed about the event, he believed the Prophet without any
hesitation by saying, “If he is saying then it is true”. For this, the Prophet gave him the title of
Siddiq, the truthful.

Significance

✔ It shows the superiority of the Prophet over all Prophets. None of the prophets were ever
 raised to such position of crossing Sidrat ul Muntaha.
✔ This journey happened to console the Prophet

✔ The Prophet’s heart was filled with belief which made him have more faith in Allah than
before that Allah will not abandon (leave) him
✔ It also shows that for Allah nothing is impossible.

PLEDGES OF AQABA
Since the Prophet’s call to Makkans to Islam at Safa hill, he and his followers faced opposition
and persecution from all sides of Makkah. After the successful migration of Muslims to
Abyssinia and the suffering at boycott, the Prophet lost his two major supporters Abu Talib and
Khadija after which the Prophet tried to bring the people of Taif to Islam. After facing an
unpleasant response, the Prophet now turned his attention to the pilgrims from Yasrib. From
there, the Prophet received a favorable response.

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First pledge
In 11thyear of Prophethood, during the season of pilgrimage, 6 men from Khazraj tribe in
Yasrib met the Prophet at a place called Aqaba. Upon hearing the message of Islam they replied
that they were sure that Muhammad (pbuh) was indeed the Prophet whom the Jews had spoken
about. They accepted Islam and promised to come back next year and in the meantime they
would preach Islam to their people. These 6 people were aware of the Prophet’s mission from
many sources, one of them being the Jews of Yasrib who have read about the Prophet’s coming
in their scriptures.

The next year, in 621 A.D, 12th year of Prophet hood, 12 men 10 from Khazraj and 2 from Aws
tribe met the Prophet at the same place Aqaba and took the first pledge which is known as the
first pledge of Aqaba. They pledged that they would not commit shirk, theft, murder,
infanticide, adultery and will obey the Prophet. In return, the Prophet announced them Paradise if
they will remain true to their pledge. This pledge is also known as Bait ul Nisaa Following the
pledge the Prophet sent Musab bin Umayr to preach Islam to the people of Yasrib. Musab Bin
Umayr stayed in the house of Asad, an early convert of Islam who attended both meetings at
Aqabah. It was due to the sensible teachings of Musab, most of the tribe members of Khazraj
accepted Islam
Second pledge
The preaching of Musab went successful as the next year, 13th year of Prophet hood, Musab
returned with 75 people (73 men and 2 women) and met the Prophet at Aqaba. Here Abbas, the
uncle of the Prophet advised the people of Yasrib to carefully consider the consequences of
supporting the Prophet as they were to risk an opposition from other tribes of Arabia. The
Prophet promised to stay with the people of Yasrib after victory and assured them Paradise only
if they remain loyal to their pledge. Following this, the people of Yasrib took the second
pledge which was to avoid shirk, to obey the Prophet, to fight alongside Prophet and his
followers at their own expense, follow the good and avoid the evil. This pledge is also known as
Bait ul Harb. The people of Yasrib even pledged to sacrifise their lives for Islam. 12 people
were appointed to preach Islam to the rest of the people of Yasrib After this pledge, the people of
Yasrib invited the Prophet and his followers to migrate to their city. This way, Prophet (pbuh)
found physical and moral support from the people of Yasrib through an unplanned secret
meeting at Aqaba which started 3 years ago with only 6 people.

The people of Yasrib wanted the take the Prophet back with them but he sent them back and
asked the Muslims in Makkah to start migrating to Yasrib secretly in small groups.

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MIGRATION TO YASRIB
Reasons

✔ The Prophet was hated by his own in people in Makkah and for believing in One God. He
was invited by the people of Yasrib to come to their city
✔ The people of Makkah were harsh and ill-tempered whereas the people of Yasrib were kind
hearted. Islam could a suitable ground in Yasrib than in Makkah
✔ The elites (leaders) of Makkah opposed Islam from the very beginning as they were not
ready to give up idol worshipping. In Yasrib there was no elite class so it was easier to
preach Islam there.
✔ In Yasrib, Aws and Khazraj who been rivals to each other for years, they were looking for
someone who could establish peace between them. So they invited the Prophet to come to
their city
✔ The aggressive attitude of Quraish and their persecution was one major reason for migration

especially after the death of Abu Talib who had been the Prophet’s protector ✔ The success of
pledges of Aqaba was another major reason for migration. Islam rapidly spread in Yasrib
which meant that there was a place where Muslims where they could seek refuge.

Events
In 622 A.D, Prophet commanded Muslims to start migrating secretly in batches. Muhammad
pbuh, Abu Bakr stayed back as Prophet was waiting for Allah’s command. Meanwhile, Quraish
held a meeting at Darun Nadwa and after evaluating the situation, they decided that the only
option left is to kill Muhammad pbuh. This idea was supported by Abu Jahl. All seven tribes
decided that one man from each tribe would assassinate Muhammad pbuh simultaneously so that
Banu Hashim would not be able to take revenge. The Prophet was informed about the plan
through revelation which said, “Remember how the unbelievers plotted against you, to keep
you in bonds. They plot and plan and Allah too plans and the best planner is Allah”. Allah
commanded the Prophet to leave for Madina that same night. Prophet headed to Abu Bakr’s
house to inform him of the plan. Abu Bakr made all arrangements for the journey. Prophet
instructed Ali to sleep in his bed and migrate to Yasrib after he has returned all the belongings to
the rightful owners which were with Prophet for safekeeping.

A group of 11 men surrounded the Prophet’s house, the Prophet stepped out of the house with
Abu Bakr, picked a handful of dust, threw it on the heads of the assassins and recited the first
few verses of Surah Yasin which said, “And We put a barrier before them and a barrier

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behind them, and covered them, so they cannot see”. The Prophet successfully escaped
Makkah with Abu Bakr. In the morning when the assassins found out that Ali was in Prophet’s
bed, they were furious and dumb founded. They immediately announced a reward of 100
camels for anyone who would bring Muhammad pbuh dead or alive.

Prophet and Abu Bakr took hid in the cave of Thaur. When they entered the cave, a spider spun
a web on the entrance of the cave by Allah’s command. During their stay in the cave, once the
Prophet was resting on Abu Bakr’s lap, Abu Bakr saw a snake who was reaching them. Abu
Bakr placed his thumb from where the snake was coming. The snake bit Abu Bakr but he did cry
out. The Prophet got up by the tear of Abu Bakr that fell on Prophet’s cheek; he cured it with his
blessed saliva. The assassins came outside the cave searching for the Prophet and Abu Bakr.
They concluded that no one could have been inside the cave as the mouth of cave was covered
by spider web and wild pigeon laid eggs near it and both were unbroken. Meanwhile, inside the
cave when Abu Bakr heard the assassins near the cave, he got scared that they might be caught.
Here Muhammad pbuh assured him that Allah is with them. Regarding this the Quran says,” The
two were in the cave and he said to his companion, have no fear, Allah is with us”. The
Prophet and Abu Bakr stayed in the cave of Thaur for three days and three nights and then
continued their journey to Yasrib. They reached Quba where they stayed for two weeks. The
Prophet founded a mosque there known as Masjid e Quba, later Ali joined them.

After they left, a horseman named Suraqa bin Malik spotted the Prophet and Abu Bakr and
thought the capture them for the reward. But each time he went near his horse feet sunk in the
sand. He realized some other force is guarding the Prophet and ultimately asked for Prophet’s
forgiveness.

After saying the Friday prayers, Prophet, Abu Bakr and Ali left Quba for Yasrib. They
continued their journey and reached Yasrib. The people of Yasrib welcomed Prophet with all
their love and requested the Prophet to stay in their house. The Prophet however left the matter to
his she camel that was under Divine guidance. The camel sat at an empty piece of land where the
Prophet decided to build a mosque. The land belonged to two orphans, Abu Bakr paid for the
land where now Masjid e Nabwi stands. Till the construction of mosque, Prophet stayed in the
house of Abu Ayub Ansari. The name of city Yasrib changed to Madina tun Nabwi which was
later shortened to Madina

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