Part 5 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Mission Begins and the First Muslims
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| The Mission Begins and the First Muslims |
Following Allah instructions, “Warn your nearest family members” (Qur’an, 26:214), The prophet took careful, deliberate steps to fulfill his mission. In these early days, he was to deliver the message in secrecy, as instructed by Allah. The Prophet (PBUH) understood that he would need patience and wisdom. He first confided in the people closest to him: family, loyal friends, and companions who trusted him implicitly.
One of the first to embrace Islam was his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA). Khadijah had been a pillar of support throughout his life and continued to be during these early days of prophethood. With profound faith and love, she wholeheartedly embraced the message, recognizing the truth of Islam with ease. Her belief and unshakeable support fortified the Prophet’s spirit, reassuring him as he moved forward on this momentous path.
In addition to Khadijah, the Prophet’s young cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), was among the first to accept Islam. Though he was a boy, Ali had a keen intellect and an observant nature. When the Prophet (PBUH) spoke to him about the Oneness of Allah and the message of Islam, Ali’s youthful heart accepted without hesitation. Even at such a young age, Ali sensed the gravity of this mission and felt an innate trust in his cousin’s words.
Another early convert was Zayd ibn Harithah (RA), who had been under the care of the Prophet (PBUH) as a freed slave and a close family member. Zayd loved the Prophet as his own kin, and with a heart filled with respect and loyalty, he embraced Islam. Zayd’s acceptance was not surprising; he had seen the Prophet’s truthfulness, kindness, and unwavering character, and so he found peace in embracing this message from Allah.
The Prophet (PBUH) continued to invite his family and close friends with gentle persistence, calling them to worship Allah alone. And then there was Abu Bakr, a man of notable wisdom, integrity, and nobility. Abu Bakr had been one of the Prophet’s closest friends for years. When he heard of the message of Islam, he trusted without question. Abu Bakr (RA) embraced Islam immediately, and his belief would soon be instrumental in bringing others to Islam.
As days passed, Abu Bakr’s involvement as a close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) made a difference. He began speaking to people he trusted, individuals from different walks of life, each with unique influence in Makkah. It was through Abu Bakr’s (RA) efforts that several prominent early Muslims accepted Islam, including Uthman ibn Affan, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, and Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA). Each of these men would later become notable companions who helped shape the future of Islam.
In the privacy of their homes, these early Muslims gathered with the Prophet (PBUH) to learn about the oneness of Allah, and to strengthen their newfound faith. One of the early gathering spots for these secret gatherings was the home of Arqam ibn Abi Arqam. Located on the outskirts of Makkah, it was far from the eyes and ears of the Quraysh, who were still largely unaware of the small, growing community of believers.
Inside this modest home, they would meet under the quiet night sky. The Prophet (PBUH) taught them how to pray, reciting verses from the Quran revealed thus far, imparting the values of humility, compassion, and patience. Each new verse deepened their understanding, and each new prayer fortified their connection to Allah. These gatherings became a sanctuary of sorts—a place where the early Muslims felt a profound bond with each other and with their Creator.
As the word of Islam gradually spread, a ripple of whispers began circulating around Makkah. The message of the Prophet (PBUH) was like a spark, quiet but steadily brightening. Still, many among the Quraysh held tightly to their ancestral beliefs, idols, and traditions. For them, the message of a single, formless God who demanded worship in purity was a challenge to their very way of life.
Yet, the Prophet (PBUH) remained undeterred. Despite the secrecy, more individuals began to join Islam, moved by his gentle persuasion, honesty, and dedication. The Prophet’s character—his compassion, his integrity, and his commitment to truth—left an indelible mark on those who encountered him.
Soon, some of the weaker and more vulnerable people of Makkah began to come to the Prophet (PBUH) as well. Among them were individuals like Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), a slave who found the message of Islam liberating. Bilal’s heart resonated with the concept of worshipping a single, merciful God, and he found courage in the faith to endure hardships and oppression that would follow.
As the community grew, it included people of various statuses, social backgrounds, and personal struggles. Each of these believers found unity in their commitment to Islam, joining together under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Their gatherings were still discreet, but with each meeting, their resolve strengthened, and their sense of purpose deepened.
In these early days, the Prophet (PBUH) was like a shepherd nurturing his flock, caring for each new Muslim, comforting them, and guiding them through the challenges they faced. He taught them patience, resilience, and trust in Allah. He knew that the mission would not be easy, but his heart was set firmly upon Allah’s command. His family, friends, and the new Muslims formed the foundation of a movement that would soon grow beyond anything they could yet imagine.
With this small but devoted group, the Prophet (PBUH) had taken the first steps in his mission to spread Islam. This humble beginning was marked by quiet faith and cautious strength. The Prophet’s trust in Allah, his deep conviction, and his unwavering compassion provided a strong foundation for this mission.
The mission to proclaim the Oneness of Allah had begun, a mission that would transcend the limits of Makkah and bring a message of unity, faith, and purpose to the world. Through patience, fortitude, and the support of his early followers, the Prophet (PBUH) set forth on the path of guidance, illuminating hearts and kindling a light that would shine for generations to come
One of the first to embrace Islam was his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA). Khadijah had been a pillar of support throughout his life and continued to be during these early days of prophethood. With profound faith and love, she wholeheartedly embraced the message, recognizing the truth of Islam with ease. Her belief and unshakeable support fortified the Prophet’s spirit, reassuring him as he moved forward on this momentous path.
In addition to Khadijah, the Prophet’s young cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), was among the first to accept Islam. Though he was a boy, Ali had a keen intellect and an observant nature. When the Prophet (PBUH) spoke to him about the Oneness of Allah and the message of Islam, Ali’s youthful heart accepted without hesitation. Even at such a young age, Ali sensed the gravity of this mission and felt an innate trust in his cousin’s words.
Another early convert was Zayd ibn Harithah (RA), who had been under the care of the Prophet (PBUH) as a freed slave and a close family member. Zayd loved the Prophet as his own kin, and with a heart filled with respect and loyalty, he embraced Islam. Zayd’s acceptance was not surprising; he had seen the Prophet’s truthfulness, kindness, and unwavering character, and so he found peace in embracing this message from Allah.
The Prophet (PBUH) continued to invite his family and close friends with gentle persistence, calling them to worship Allah alone. And then there was Abu Bakr, a man of notable wisdom, integrity, and nobility. Abu Bakr had been one of the Prophet’s closest friends for years. When he heard of the message of Islam, he trusted without question. Abu Bakr (RA) embraced Islam immediately, and his belief would soon be instrumental in bringing others to Islam.
As days passed, Abu Bakr’s involvement as a close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) made a difference. He began speaking to people he trusted, individuals from different walks of life, each with unique influence in Makkah. It was through Abu Bakr’s (RA) efforts that several prominent early Muslims accepted Islam, including Uthman ibn Affan, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, and Talha ibn Ubaidullah (RA). Each of these men would later become notable companions who helped shape the future of Islam.
In the privacy of their homes, these early Muslims gathered with the Prophet (PBUH) to learn about the oneness of Allah, and to strengthen their newfound faith. One of the early gathering spots for these secret gatherings was the home of Arqam ibn Abi Arqam. Located on the outskirts of Makkah, it was far from the eyes and ears of the Quraysh, who were still largely unaware of the small, growing community of believers.
Inside this modest home, they would meet under the quiet night sky. The Prophet (PBUH) taught them how to pray, reciting verses from the Quran revealed thus far, imparting the values of humility, compassion, and patience. Each new verse deepened their understanding, and each new prayer fortified their connection to Allah. These gatherings became a sanctuary of sorts—a place where the early Muslims felt a profound bond with each other and with their Creator.
As the word of Islam gradually spread, a ripple of whispers began circulating around Makkah. The message of the Prophet (PBUH) was like a spark, quiet but steadily brightening. Still, many among the Quraysh held tightly to their ancestral beliefs, idols, and traditions. For them, the message of a single, formless God who demanded worship in purity was a challenge to their very way of life.
Yet, the Prophet (PBUH) remained undeterred. Despite the secrecy, more individuals began to join Islam, moved by his gentle persuasion, honesty, and dedication. The Prophet’s character—his compassion, his integrity, and his commitment to truth—left an indelible mark on those who encountered him.
Soon, some of the weaker and more vulnerable people of Makkah began to come to the Prophet (PBUH) as well. Among them were individuals like Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), a slave who found the message of Islam liberating. Bilal’s heart resonated with the concept of worshipping a single, merciful God, and he found courage in the faith to endure hardships and oppression that would follow.
As the community grew, it included people of various statuses, social backgrounds, and personal struggles. Each of these believers found unity in their commitment to Islam, joining together under the guidance of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Their gatherings were still discreet, but with each meeting, their resolve strengthened, and their sense of purpose deepened.
In these early days, the Prophet (PBUH) was like a shepherd nurturing his flock, caring for each new Muslim, comforting them, and guiding them through the challenges they faced. He taught them patience, resilience, and trust in Allah. He knew that the mission would not be easy, but his heart was set firmly upon Allah’s command. His family, friends, and the new Muslims formed the foundation of a movement that would soon grow beyond anything they could yet imagine.
With this small but devoted group, the Prophet (PBUH) had taken the first steps in his mission to spread Islam. This humble beginning was marked by quiet faith and cautious strength. The Prophet’s trust in Allah, his deep conviction, and his unwavering compassion provided a strong foundation for this mission.
The mission to proclaim the Oneness of Allah had begun, a mission that would transcend the limits of Makkah and bring a message of unity, faith, and purpose to the world. Through patience, fortitude, and the support of his early followers, the Prophet (PBUH) set forth on the path of guidance, illuminating hearts and kindling a light that would shine for generations to come