Part 12 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): Intensified Persecution after the Death of Abu Talib

Part 12 of The Seerah of Prophet Muhammad

The Year of Sorrow marked a profound and tragic chapter in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The passing of his beloved wife, Khadijah (RA), and his uncle, Abu Talib, left him with a deep sense of grief and a vulnerable position in Makkah. Both Khadijah and Abu Talib were his pillars of support; their love and protection had shielded him from the full brunt of the Quraysh's hostility. With their passing, the Prophet (PBUH) found himself facing the unrestrained wrath of his enemies.

Abu Talib had been a significant figure in Makkah, respected even by those who disagreed with him. His firm stance against the Quraysh leaders and his protection of his nephew created a barrier that many dared not cross. But with his death, that barrier crumbled. The Quraysh saw this as their chance to intensify their campaign against Muhammad (PBUH) without fearing retaliation or retribution from his uncle.

The Prophet (PBUH) could feel the shift in the atmosphere almost immediately. The streets of Makkah, once familiar and full of childhood memories, now held an air of danger. The looks from his fellow tribesmen were colder, filled with contempt and hatred. He knew that his path would only become more challenging from this point forward, but his mission was clear, and his resolve was firm.

The Quraysh, led by figures like Abu Jahl, saw this as their opportunity to break the Prophet's spirit. They had always been cautious not to cross Abu Talib, but with him gone, their hostility reached a new level. Abu Jahl, who had always been one of the fiercest opponents of the Prophet (PBUH), took it upon himself to increase the pressure.

The physical attacks were only part of the ordeal. The Quraysh leaders now felt emboldened to insult the Prophet (PBUH) openly. One of the most notorious incidents involved Uqbah ibn Abi Mu’it. One day, while the Prophet (PBUH) was praying at the Ka'bah, Uqbah approached him, grabbed him by the collar, and wrapped his cloak around the Prophet's (PBUH) neck, attempting to strangle him. Abu Bakr (RA), the Prophet's closest companion, rushed to his aid, pushing Uqbah away and crying out, "Will you kill a man simply because he says, 'My Lord is Allah'?"

This incident was a stark display of the Quraysh's growing boldness and cruelty. They no longer held back in their attempts to physically harm the Prophet (PBUH), believing that without the protection of Abu Talib, they could go to any lengths.

As the hostility in Makkah intensified, the Prophet (PBUH) knew he had to find a way to spread the message of Islam beyond the city walls. He decided to travel to Ta’if, a nearby town, in hopes of finding support among its leaders. Accompanied by his adopted son Zaid ibn Harithah, the Prophet (PBUH) made the journey on foot, a long and arduous trip filled with hope and prayer.

Upon arriving in Ta’if, the Prophet (PBUH) sought an audience with the town's leaders. He shared the message of Islam with them, hoping they would be more receptive than the leaders of Makkah. However, the response was harsh. The leaders of Ta’if not only rejected his message but also mocked him and incited the town's ruffians to drive him out.

The Prophet (PBUH) and Zaid were pelted with stones as they left the city. Blood flowed from the Prophet's (PBUH) feet, staining the sands of Ta’if. Zaid tried to shield him from the attacks, but they were relentless. The Prophet (PBUH), wounded and exhausted, sought refuge in a small orchard. Here, under the shade of a vine, he raised his hands to the sky and made a heartfelt supplication, pouring out his sorrow to Allah.

"O Allah," he prayed, "to You alone I complain of my weakness, my lack of resources, and the humiliation I have suffered. O Most Merciful of the Merciful, You are the Lord of the oppressed, and You are my Lord. To whom will You abandon me? To a stranger who shows me hostility? Or to an enemy to whom You have given power over me? If You are not angry with me, I do not care what I face, but Your favor is more expansive for me."

His words were filled with pain but also with a deep sense of reliance on Allah. Despite the brutal treatment he had endured, the Prophet (PBUH) did not harbor hatred in his heart. Instead, he prayed for guidance and forgiveness for the people of Ta’if, hoping that one day they would come to accept the truth.

As the Prophet (PBUH) rested, the Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared before him with the Angel of the Mountains. Jibril spoke, "O Muhammad, Allah has heard what your people have said to you and their rejection. If you wish, I can command the Angel of the Mountains to crush them between the two mountains surrounding Ta’if."

The Prophet (PBUH), despite the pain and suffering he had just experienced, responded with remarkable compassion. He said, "No, I hope that Allah will bring forth from their descendants people who will worship Allah alone and not associate anything with Him."

This profound mercy, even in the face of such cruelty, was a testament to the character of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His mission was not one of revenge or anger; it was a mission of guidance, mercy, and love for all humanity.

The Prophet (PBUH) returned to Makkah, his heart heavy with the sorrow of rejection but his spirit unbroken. He sought protection from various tribes to re-enter the city, as the Quraysh had intensified their hostility. Eventually, he found a temporary refuge under the protection of Mut'im ibn Adi, a respected elder of Makkah who, despite not being a Muslim, recognized the injustices being done to Muhammad (PBUH).

Upon entering Makkah, Mut'im’s sons stood guard around the Prophet (PBUH), escorting him safely through the streets. The sight of this noble gesture was a powerful reminder of the values of kinship and honor that still lingered in the hearts of some Makkans, even in such dark times.

The intensified persecution after the death of Abu Talib only highlighted the Prophet’s (PBUH) incredible patience and resilience. He faced the most severe trials, yet his commitment to spreading the message of Islam never wavered. Despite the growing danger, he continued to call people to the truth, seeking no personal gain but only the pleasure of Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) journey through this period of grief and hostility was a testament to his unwavering faith and determination. His mission was not driven by anger or revenge but by a deep concern for the salvation of his people. The increasing aggression of the Quraysh only strengthened his resolve, as he knew that his struggle was a part of the greater plan of Allah, leading towards a brighter future for humanity