Part 6 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The First Open Call from the Top of Mount Safa
.webp "The First Open Call from the Top of Mount Safa") |
| The First Open Call from the Top of Mount Safa |
With his heart filled with determination, he prepared to convey the message. Choosing the method wisely, he decided to announce his mission from a place that would draw everyone’s attention. He chose Mount Safa, a small hill in the heart of Makkah, known for gatherings and announcements.
As he climbed Mount Safa, a group of people quickly gathered around, intrigued and curious. They whispered among themselves as they watched the Prophet (PBUH) standing tall on the mountain. They knew him as Al-Amin, "the Trustworthy," a man of integrity and character. When he spoke, they listened, for they knew his words held weight.
When the crowd had grown in size and quieted, he raised his voice and called out, "O people of Quraysh, if I were to tell you that an army was about to attack you from behind this mountain, would you believe me?"
The people responded in unison, "Yes, we would believe you. You are trustworthy, and we have never known you to lie."
Hearing their acknowledgment, he then said, "Then know that I am a Warner sent to you before a severe punishment. I am calling you to leave your idols and worship only Allah, the One, who has no partners."
The crowd fell silent as his words sunk in. Here was Muhammad (PBUH), a man they had known for his honesty and kindness, standing before them, telling them that their worship of idols was misguided, that there was only one God worthy of worship. Some faces showed curiosity, while others reflected shock and disbelief. A few in the crowd nodded thoughtfully, pondering his words.
Among those present was Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s own uncle, a man known for his stubborn pride and opposition to change. As the Prophet (PBUH) continued to call the people to worship Allah alone and leave their idols, Abu Lahab’s face twisted with anger. This was a threat to his status and his wealth, both of which were intertwined with the idol-worshipping culture of Makkah.
Interrupting the Prophet’s message, Abu Lahab shouted, "Is this why you gathered us here? May you perish! Is this what you called us for?"
His words stung. But it wasn’t merely an insult; it was a declaration of open opposition. Abu Lahab was a prominent figure in Makkah, and his rejection had the potential to sway the opinions of others. He turned away in disgust, muttering curses under his breath as he left, followed by a handful of others.
In response to Abu Lahab’s hostile words, Allah revealed a powerful surah that condemned his actions:
"Perish the hands of Abu Lahab, and may he perish! His wealth will not avail him, nor what he has gained. He will burn in a Fire of blazing flames, and his wife, the carrier of firewood, will have a rope of palm-fiber around her neck." (Surah Al-Lahab 111:1-5)
The revelation of Surah Al-Lahab was a clear statement from Allah against those who sought to undermine the message of Islam. It served as both a rebuke of Abu Lahab’s prideful arrogance and a warning to those who stood in opposition.
Despite Abu Lahab’s rejection, the Prophet (PBUH) continued his public call to Islam, unwavering and undeterred. He reached out to the people of Makkah with kindness, patience, and compassion, inviting them to reflect on the signs of Allah and to abandon their idol worship.
Day after day, he walked through the streets of Makkah, calling out to people in the marketplaces, engaging with them in conversation, and answering their questions. Some people listened, and their curiosity grew, while others mocked and ridiculed him. His message was met with resistance, indifference, and hostility from the leaders of Quraysh, but his heart was resolute, filled with a quiet confidence from Allah.
His call began to spread across Makkah, and while many people rejected it, others found hope and peace in his words. Ordinary men and women, slaves and traders, young and old, began to accept Islam. The message of Islam reached deep into the hearts of those who felt oppressed by the inequalities of their society, those who longed for a connection with a merciful Creator.
Among the people of Makkah, there were those who couldn’t ignore the honesty and sincerity in the Prophet’s voice. They saw a man of impeccable character, calling them to a life of righteousness, justice, and compassion, free from the shackles of idolatry and superstitions. Slowly but steadily, the message of Islam began to resonate with people from different backgrounds, challenging the norms of a deeply entrenched society.