Part 11 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Year of Sorrow

Part 11 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Year of Sorrow

Part 11 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) The Year of Sorrow

The end of the boycott marked a brief respite for the Muslims, but it was quickly followed by a period of immense personal loss for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The events that unfolded in this time were so heavy and tragic that the year came to be known as "The Year of Sorrow" or Aam al-Huzn. It was a time when the Prophet (PBUH) faced profound grief, losing two of his strongest supporters and loved ones—his beloved wife, Khadijah, and his protective uncle, Abu Talib.

The Loss of Abu Talib

The Prophet's (PBUH) uncle, Abu Talib, had been his steadfast protector since the death of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib. Despite never accepting Islam himself, Abu Talib's loyalty to his nephew never wavered. He defended Muhammad (PBUH) against the hostility of the Quraysh, shielding him from physical harm and offering him his protection, even when the entire tribe was against him.

But the years of stress, the strain of the boycott, and the difficulties he endured took a toll on Abu Talib’s health. He grew weaker with each passing day. The Prophet (PBUH) knew that his uncle's time was near, and he spent many moments by his side, urging him to say the Shahada—the declaration of faith in the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH).

"Dear uncle," the Prophet (PBUH) pleaded, "say the words that will allow me to intercede for you with Allah."

However, the leaders of the Quraysh, including Abu Jahl and Abdullah ibn Umayyah, were also present. They did not want to see Abu Talib accept Islam in his final moments. They taunted him, saying, "Will you abandon the religion of Abdul Muttalib?"

Abu Talib, caught between the loyalty to his tribe and his love for his nephew, struggled with the decision. In the end, he passed away without openly declaring his belief in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was heartbroken. He knew the consequences of his uncle’s decision but was deeply grateful for the unwavering support Abu Talib had shown him throughout his life.

With the passing of Abu Talib, the Prophet (PBUH) lost a crucial shield of protection. The Quraysh, who had previously held back their aggression out of respect for Abu Talib, saw this as an opportunity to intensify their persecution of Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers. The streets of Makkah became more hostile, and the Prophet (PBUH) found himself without the political protection he once had.

As if losing his uncle was not devastating enough, just a few months later, the Prophet (PBUH) faced another heartbreaking blow—the death of his beloved wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. Khadijah was more than a wife to the Prophet (PBUH); she was his closest companion, his confidante, and the first person to believe in his message. From the very first revelation, she stood by him, offering her unwavering support and comfort.

Khadijah was known for her wisdom, generosity, and compassion. She had been the first person to accept Islam, and her faith in the Prophet's (PBUH) mission was unshakeable. She comforted him during his moments of doubt and fear, providing him with the strength to continue. She was a pillar of support, not only for Muhammad (PBUH) but also for the early Muslim community.

The Prophet (PBUH) grieved deeply when Khadijah passed away. He wept as he held her, remembering all the sacrifices she had made and the love she had shown him. He would later recall Khadijah with great fondness, often speaking of her virtues and the pivotal role she played in the early days of Islam. He once said, "She believed in me when no one else did. She accepted Islam when people rejected me, and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a hand."

Khadijah’s death left a void in the Prophet’s (PBUH) heart that could never be filled. The home that once buzzed with her comforting presence now felt empty and quiet. The grief of losing his two closest supporters in such a short span left the Prophet (PBUH) in deep sorrow.
Increased Hostility in Makkah

With both Abu Talib and Khadijah gone, the Prophet (PBUH) faced a harsher reality in Makkah. The leaders of Quraysh, emboldened by the absence of Abu Talib, saw this as their chance to finally break Muhammad's (PBUH) resolve. They began to increase their harassment of him and his followers. Where once they had shown restraint, they now openly mocked, insulted, and even physically attacked him.

One day, as the Prophet (PBUH) walked through the streets of Makkah, a group of men from the Quraysh decided to humiliate him. They threw the intestines of a camel on his back while he was in prostration during prayer near the Ka'bah. The Prophet (PBUH) remained in his position, struggling under the weight and the smell of the filth, until his daughter Fatimah (RA), still a young girl, rushed to his aid. She cried as she cleaned the mess off her father’s back, and the Prophet (PBUH) comforted her, showing his unyielding patience and determination.

The Quraysh continued to spread false accusations about the Prophet (PBUH), calling him a magician, a poet, and a madman. They accused him of trying to disrupt the social order of their society and attempted to turn the people of Makkah against him. The streets that once showed him respect now echoed with insults, and his heart ached for the people who remained lost in their ignorance.