Early Da'wah & Persecution in Mecca
الدعوة الأولى والاضطهاد في مكة
The Prophet ﷺ began his mission privately for three years, then publicly proclaimed Islam. Quraysh responded with mockery, torture of the weak, and economic boycott. The first Muslims endured extraordinary hardship.
The Account
The Secret Phase (3 Years)
After the first revelation, the Prophet ﷺ began calling people to Islam privately for approximately three years. The first to accept were:
- Khadijah bint Khuwaylid RA — the first human to embrace Islam - Ali ibn Abi Talib RA — the first among children (approximately 10 years old) - Abu Bakr al-Siddiq RA — the first man from outside the household; he immediately brought others - Zayd ibn Harithah RA — the freed slave who lived with the Prophet ﷺ - Uthman ibn Affan, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, Talhah, al-Zubayr, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas — all brought in by Abu Bakr RA
These were the earliest nucleus of the Muslim community.
The Public Declaration
After three years, Allah commanded:
*"So proclaim what you have been commanded and turn away from the polytheists."* (Al-Hijr: 94)
And:
*"And warn your closest kindred."* (Ash-Shu'ara: 214)
The Prophet ﷺ ascended Mount Safa and called all the clans of Quraysh. When they gathered, he asked: "If I told you that horsemen were coming to attack you from behind this mountain, would you believe me?" They said: "Yes — we have never known you to lie."
He said: "Then I am a warner to you of a severe punishment."
His uncle Abu Lahab said: "May you perish! Is this why you gathered us?" — and Allah revealed Surah Al-Masad in response.
Quraysh's Response: Mockery, Torture, and Pressure
As Islam spread, Quraysh's opposition intensified:
Torture of the weak and slaves: - Bilal ibn Rabah RA was laid on burning sand with a rock on his chest by his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf. Abu Bakr RA purchased and freed him. - Sumayyah bint Khayyat RA became the first martyr in Islam — killed by Abu Jahl. Her husband Yasir RA and son Ammar RA were also severely tortured. - Khabbab ibn al-Aratt RA was burned on coals.
Social and economic boycott: Quraysh eventually wrote a document boycotting Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib — refusing to trade, marry, or speak with them. This lasted approximately three years in the mountain pass of Abu Talib (Shi'b Abi Talib), during which the Muslims and their supporters suffered severe hunger and hardship.
Mockery and delegations to Abu Talib: Quraysh repeatedly approached Abu Talib to hand over his nephew, offering a powerful young man in exchange. Abu Talib refused, but was caught between tribal loyalty and concern for his own position.
Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn) — ~619 CE
Within a single year, the Prophet ﷺ lost his two greatest supports:
1. Khadijah RA died — his beloved wife of 25 years, his greatest companion and supporter 2. Abu Talib died — his uncle who had protected him from Quraysh's physical harm
After Abu Talib's death, Abu Jahl and the leaders of Quraysh were emboldened. The Prophet ﷺ was pelted with filth, humiliated in the streets, and physically harassed. He went to Ta'if seeking support from the Thaqif tribe — but they rejected him and set their servants and children to chase him with stones until his feet bled.
Hadith References
"The Prophet ﷺ said about Khadijah after her death: "She believed in me when people disbelieved in me. She trusted me when people accused me of lying. She supported me with her wealth when people deprived me. And Allah blessed me with children through her when He did not through others.""
Relevance: The Prophet's ﷺ testimony to Khadijah's irreplaceable role
"Khabbab ibn al-Aratt said: "We complained to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ while he was reclining on his cloak in the shade of the Ka'bah. We said: 'Will you seek help for us? Will you pray to Allah for us?' He said: 'Among those before you, a man would be placed in a pit dug for him, and a saw would be placed on his head and he would be cut in two, and that would not deter him from his religion.'""
Relevance: Shows the Prophet's ﷺ response to the companions' suffering — reminding them of those before them
Scholar Views
"The Qurayshi opposition was not merely tribal — it was economic. Their power depended on the Ka'bah and the idol trade. Islam threatened both. This explains the ferocity of their response."
Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya, Vol. 3
"The loss of Khadijah and Abu Talib in one year was a divine test. It stripped the Prophet ﷺ of worldly supports so that his reliance on Allah alone would be complete. It was after this that Isra wal Mi'raj came — a gift of nearness to Allah in his moment of earthly loneliness."
Zad al-Ma'ad, Vol. 1
"The migration to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) was a carefully considered decision — the Negus was known for his justice. The fact that he eventually accepted Islam privately shows that sincere seekers of truth recognised the message."
Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, Ch. 5-7
Key Lessons
- ◆The early Muslims demonstrated that faith is worth every sacrifice — their patience under torture is one of history's greatest testimonies of conviction
- ◆Abu Bakr RA's immediate acceptance and active role shows that the best response to truth is swift and complete
- ◆The Year of Sorrow teaches that even the greatest believers face periods of overwhelming loss — and must continue
- ◆The persecution was carried by the weakest members of society (slaves, women, the poor) — showing that Islam transcends social class
Sources
- •Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum — Safiur Rahman Mubarakpuri
- •Al-Bidaya wa'l-Nihaya — Ibn Kathir
- •Zad al-Ma'ad — Ibn al-Qayyim
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