Prophethood:

The First Five Years

 MUHAMMAD (pbuh)

40-45 years old

MUHAMMAD BECOMES THE PROPHET

      Muhammad (pbuh) reached the mature age of forty years, his wisdom and strength of character were well known to everybody in Mecca.  This was especially true of his wife Khadija, the Pure.

      The last few months had seen Muhammad to be increasingly contemplating at Hiraa Cave, his aim, as always, the constant search for the Truth.  It was a very difficult period to go through.  Even Muhammad himself had feelings of uneasin­ess, an uneasiness about what he was going through.  On several occasions he discussed his fears with his wife Khadija, looking for assurance and support.

      Instead of becoming worried or disturbed about him, Khadija comforted, assured, and supported him.  She gave him the very things he needed, sincerely and from the bottom of her heart.

      It was the month of Ramadhan, and once again Muhammad went into seclus­ion at the Cave Hiraa.  He kept praying, asking for guidance and help, and he kept searching his mind as he had done before so many times.

      One day, Muhammad was asleep in the cave, and it was very quiet there.  Muhammad was awakened by some being.

"Read," Muhammad heard the word, and the whole cave echoed with it! Muhammad got scared, his heart beat fast, very fast.  Muhammad, as you know, had never learned how to read or write.  He was what is called unlettered.  So, he answered, "But I cannot read."  He did not know to whom he was answering.  Muhammad felt as if something was gripping him and squeezing him hard.

      He was relieved for a short while, just to hear again the commanding voice say:  "Read!"  On hearing that, Muhammad answered again:  "But I cannot read."  For once again he felt as if he was being squeezed hard and then released.

     Then, and for a third time, the voice commanded, "Read!"  This time Muhammad said, "What shall I read?" and he heard:  (Surah 96 : Ayah 1-5) ْ

اقْرَأْ بِاسْمِ رَبِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ   خَلَقَ الإنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ   اقْرَأْ وَرَبُّكَ الأكْرَمُ   الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ   عَلَّمَ الإنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَم

"Read in the name of your Lord who creates;  He created man from a cell.

Read and your Lord is most generous, Who taught by the pen,

He taught man what he knew not."

 Muhammad repeated those words, and he felt as if they were engraved in his mind.  He could never shake those words out of his mind.  They were there, fixed, right in his mind.

      Muhammad became more curious than ever, especially when he couldn't see the source of the voice.  He waited in the Hiraa Cave for a short while scared stiff, he then ran out of it.  He wanted to escape, to get out fast, very fast.  It took him about half an hour to come down the Mountain of Noor.

      When he was at the bottom of the mountain, and to his surprise, he heard someone calling: "Muhammad, Muhammad!"  Muhammad looked up and saw the image of a man, shining brightly with light.  The shining man was with wings, filling the space between the skies and the earth.  The shining man with wings moved in every direction Muhammad moved.  It made Muhammad feel sure it was not an illusion, that he was seeing something real.

      "I am Gabriel, Muhammad, I am Allah's messenger to His prophets.  You are His prophet, and you will guide humanity to the right path, the path of truth."

Thus, with such strange and beautiful word,

angel Gabriel announced the Prophethood of Muhammad (pbuh).

      Once said, in a commanding way, that figure of a man disappeared.  The Angel was gone.  Muhammad was left alone: feeling weak, pale, and tired; he was feeling sick.  His head was swimming with notions and ideas—he was almost disoriented.

MUHAMMAD (pbuh) GOES HOME 

      Khadija was worried because her husband Muhammad had been away much longer than usual.  She decided to send a friend to the Cave of Hiraa to see whether Muhammad had been hurt or if he were involved in an accident.  Not too long after that, however, she heard fast, firm footsteps approaching the door.  With a hopeful feeling, she hurried to the door and opened it.  She was delighted and relieved to see Muhammad at last.  She was very surprised, however, to see him sick‑looking, pale, shaky, and weak.  There was something wrong, she thought to herself, something must have happened.

      "Cover me," Muhammad said with a weak voice.  As he lay down, she covered him and sat beside him.  She waited for him to talk.  She kept looking at him apprehensively, if not curiously.  He told her all about his experience, all about Angel Jubra'eel (Gabriel), and all about the few verses that have become engraved in his mind.

      A short period of silence followed, in which Muhammad looked at his wife to see whether or not she was believing him.  Khadija, the woman who lived with him for fifteen years, knew him better than anyone else.  She looked at him tenderly, affectionately, and said:

"Be happy and firm.  I certainly hope that you are the Prophet of the people.  Allah Almighty will never put you to shame, because you are the one who is truthful in your speech, and the one who takes the burdens of others and put them on himself, and you honor your guests, and help people when they are in trouble because of their support of the truth."

      Muhammad felt good for his wife's support and encourage­ment, and he thanked her for what she said.  He felt assured, he felt comfortable.

      Going through what Muhammad had is very, very difficult.  Muhammad was so tired that he soon went to sleep.  His wife saw to it that he was quietly left alone, making sure there was no noise in the house.  On her part, she went to consult regarding her husband's exceptional experience.  The whole story was too much for anybody to take, and she felt it wise to consult someone about it.   

KHADIJA BECOMES A MUSLIM 

      Khadija went to an old, blind cousin of hers, by the name of Waraka Ibn Naufal.  He was Christian, and a respected man for being wise and religious.  She greeted him, and after a short while she told him about the exceptional experience of Muhammad, bit by bit.  To her surprise, she saw Ibn Naufal very elated and excited, having a look of much happiness on his face.  He said to her:

"Oh Khadija, if what you have told me is true, the Great Law and Commandment has come to him, which came to Moses, and most surely he is the Prophet of this people.  Tell him to be steadfast."

      Khadija felt assured, she felt strong and very happy.  Quickly, she returned home.  She had gained confirmation through ibn Naufal, and her heart was even more full of joy, happiness and excitement.  O how wonderful!

      Home at last, Khadija saw Muhammad still asleep.  He looked serene and rested.  After a short while, she saw Muhammad become agitated, restless, with deep heavy breathing, and the sweat began to flow from his forehead.  He got up, and obviously he seemed to have gone through a rough experience.  She heard him say, as if repeating after someone speaking to him (Surah 74 : Ayah 1-5)

"Oh you, the mantled one!  Wake up and Warn.  So as to magnify your Lord

And to purify your raiment,  And to ... "

      Khadija saw with her own eyes, her very own, what her husband was going through.  The changes on his face were very strange.  She heard afterwards, with her own ears, the captivating words that took her by surprise, after which Muhammad (pbuh) got up.  She tried hard to let him rest and feel comfortable but he refused.  His answer was that the time for sleep or rest was gone, and that Angel Jubra'eel (Gabriel) had told him to "Warn the People."

     Khadija told him about Ibn Naufal, and she declared her belief in One God (Allah), and in Muhammad as His Messenger.  Thus, Khadija the Pure, the wife of Muhammad for fifteen years, had the great privilege of becoming the First Muslim Lady. How marvelous!  (Khadija was 55 years old.)   

MUHAMMAD MEETS IBN NAUFAL 

      Some days later, Muhammad (pbuh) met Ibn Naufal at the Ka'ba.  He told Ibn Naufal about his recent experiences; the old blind man listened attentively, then he said:

"Oh Muhammad, the great Law and Commandment have come to you as they came to Moses.  Surely they will belie, harm, expel, and fight you.  If I live to that day, I would certainly help with all my powers."

Having finished, he approached Muhammad (pbuh) and kissed his forehead.  That gave more encouragement and assurance, but it made Muhammad feel the gravity of the situation.

"If they disbelieve me, who will believe me then?"

"And if they expel me, who will accept me?"

"And if they fight me, who will protect me?" Muhammad thought.

      Muhammad looked around and saw the numerous idols on and around the Ka'ba.  Many of the idols were surrounded by praying people of all sorts.  Those people, he thought, were difficult and tough; they were used to looting, drinking, and evil doing, and from such a base, he, the new Prophet, was to work.  What a weighty responsibility!

      It was Allah's order so Allah would protect him and show him the way, Muhammad thought again.  His obvious conclusion was that his full and complete protection came from no one except the Creator, Allah, and that certainly was the best kind of protection.

THERE WAS SOME DELAY 

      So far, the fifty‑five year old Khadija was the only person to have become Muslim.  Muhammad, the Prophet, did not know what Allah's orders were going to be, and the information at hand was very little.  He had a few experiences with Angel Jubra'eel (Gabriel) by now, which changed him completely.  He felt different inside, he felt as if he had more strength, more dynamism, more determination and more dedication.

      He waited for Gabriel to appear, but hours passed, then days passed, then weeks passed, but alas Gabriel did not come.  Muhammad's worry and anxiety became more frequent and intolerable; he could hardly stand it.  Even Khadija, his comforter and supporter, thought maybe Jubra'eel (Gabriel) had forgotten about Muhammad or perhaps God had forsaken him!  That was not assuring to anybody to say the least, let alone to the now very anxious Muhammad.

      Muhammad (pbuh) went back to the Cave of Hiraa over and over again, to pray and ask for Allah's help.  He had even questioned himself whether he had lost his mind or had become mentally disturbed!  Then he would answer himself to assure himself:

      "Allah will not forget Muhammad, and it is Allah who will direct Muhammad."  His feelings were such that he even used to say to himself, "Oh Soul!  Be not forsaken, it is better for you to die than to be forsaken."  Then he would pray intensely and say, "O Allah, enlighten me, enlighten me, enlighten me!"  Such was Muhammad's anxiety and desperation!  It was an intolerable period of anxious waiting, pleading, questioning, and of patience and self examination.

     At last, and after waiting for weeks, Jubra'eel (Gabriel) suddenly appeared, with good news (Surah 93 : Ayah 1-11): 

      At last and finally, the glory of glories, Muhammad (pbuh) was assured, the path was there, and he was to take it.  The responsibility was certainly grave, but Muhammad was to take it no matter what the price was going to be.  Muhammad's anxiety and all his fears left him and vanished by then, what a relief!

      The good news was told to Khadija, who was just as relieved as her husband was.  Muhammad (pbuh) was not forsaken, nay, he was assured, he was promised and he was commanded.

ALI, THE FIRST MALE TO BECOME MUSLIM 

      Muhammad (pbuh) began to receive Revelations, frequently.  Soon he was given the instructions of how to pray, and the Salat (prayer) was immediately practiced by himself and Khadija.  They used to perform it twice a day, i.e., in the morning and the evening.

      Ali was about ten years of age, and he had never prayed to any idol in his life.  He had lived for the last few years in Muhammad's house.  He was a cousin of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and extremely close to him.  Ali was very much loved by Muhammad and his family.

      One day, as Ali was running through the house, he opened the door of a room, and to his surprise, he saw Muhammad and Khadija standing in reverence absorbed in Prayer.  He was most surprised and taken aback.  He heard them saying eloquent and beautiful words.  He saw them bowing, and kneeling and he heard them glorifying the Almighty, but he saw no idols in the room.

      Motionless and surprised, he waited patiently till they finished, then asked, "To whom were you bowing?"  Muhammad (pbuh) answered, "To the One Deity, to Allah, the Creator of the Universe."  Then he told Ali the detailed experience with Angel Jubra'eel.  Muhammad then asked Ali if he would embrace Islam, i.e., become Muslim.  Ali, being only about ten years of age, had not yet learned how to commit himself or to make major decisions.  But now, all of a sudden, he heard of a prayer to Allah (God) and that was vague to him, then he was asked to become a Muslim, and the whole idea needed decision which made him queazy inside.  On the other hand however, he loved and admired those beautiful words, the words of the prayer.  It was too captivating to him.

      Ali asked Muhammad (pbuh) if he would be given time to consult with his father, and to take his permission.  Muhammad gave him permission and he asked him to keep it top secret.

      For Ali, it was a tense, restless, and almost sleepless night.  It was the night which followed the very special day of seeing the Salat.  The 10-year-old boy couldn't decide easily, it was tough, very tough.  He knew Muhammad and Khadija well; after all he had lived with them for some years.  But a major decision, such as adopting a new religion called Islam, is a big turning point for anybody, let alone a ten year old boy!  Most of the night was spent in thinking seriously, of trying to make up his mind, of trying to decide.

      Next morning, with sleepy eyes and an aching head, Ali came to Muhammad and said, "No need to consult my father.  Allah did not consult my father when He created me.  Why should I consult him in order to serve Allah?"

      So, Ali became Muslim.  He declared his Shahaada, his witnessing to become a Muslim.  He was the first male ever to convert to Islam. (See book Ahlul Bayt Vol. I of the Series of Islamic Books for Beginners)

A SERVANT BECOMES A MUSLIM 

      Zaid Ibn Harith, originally a slave who was freed by Muhammad (pbuh), lived with Muhammad's family to help with the household chores.  As soon as he heard from Prophet Muhammad about Islam, he declared his acceptance.  He didn't do that to please the master or to imitate him—he did it because he had such an unshakable faith in Muhammad's integrity and honesty.  He knew well how straight‑forward Muhammad was and of his love for the truth.

      The initial Muslim nucleus consisted of: Muhammad (pbuh), Khadija, Ali, and Zaid ibn Harith.  By now, the whole family, Muhammad (pbuh), Khadija his wife, Ali his beloved cousin, and Zaid his helper at home, constituted the nucleus of Islam, or the core of Islam in those initial days.  This nucleus of Muslims was soon joined by Ja'far Ibn Abi Talib.

      Abu Talib was in company with one of his sons Ja'far, the brother of Ali.  He saw Muhammad, Khadija and his other son Ali praying as a group.  They were worshiping reverently in an unfamiliar but a unique way.  The words they said were unique, beautiful, and captivating.  Abu Talib and his company were also taken by surprise with this experience.  Abu Talib then said to his son Ja'far, "Join your cousin Muhammad in the prayer."  Ja'far joined the group immedi­ately, and when the prayer was over, Ja'far declared his convers­ion to Islam.

ABU BAKR CONVERTS 

      Abu Bakr, a man of noble character, was an intimate friend of Muhammad (pbuh) for some time.  Being a close friend, he knew Muhammad well.  He was well known in Mecca and highly respected.  Abu Bakr was two years younger than Prophet Muhammad.

      Muhammad took Abu Bakr aside, and gave him the details about his experience with Gabriel.  He also recited some passages of the Quran, as revealed up to that time.  To Muhammad's delight, Abu Bakr accepted what he heard, and he declared his belief in the Oneness of Allah (God) and the Prophethood of Muhammad.  Thus, he declared his convers­ion to Islam.  Abu Bakr's support was very valuable, and through him a number of important people in Mecca converted to Islam.

THE MESSAGE CONFIDENTIAL 

      Prophet Muhammad was loved and highly respected by the people of Mecca.  He kept making his rounds consoling the oppressed, comforting the sick, and helping the poor.  He helped them by doing things for them, assisting them financially, or being good to them.  This was his habit for a good many years.  People always remembered the favors, and they loved him for them.  This built a strong bond between him and the people and the friendship became stronger and stronger with the passage of years.

      Having now become Allah's Messenger, Muhammad (pbuh) took on the heavy responsibility of calling the people to Islam.  Though his first few converts were his family, then closest friends, slowly and gradual­ly however, Islam began to gain new converts—from the very poor, meek, and some of the slaves.  Though most of the new Muslims were the insignificant and weak who were not influential, their new faith changed them into strong dynamic persons of iron will.  These new Muslims constituted the backbone of the early Islamic Ummah (Islamic Community.)

      The new Muslims frequently visited Muhammad to receive lessons in Islam, to learn more about it, and to learn all about what was revealed of the Holy Quran up to the time.

THE MECCANS THOUGHT IT WAS A FAD 

      A number of people in Mecca started to hear about Muhammad (pbuh), the new religion called Islam, and the new group of converts.  Some thought Muhammad was insane, others thought he was a magician, while others thought he was after fame or some material gain.  They laughed in sarcasm when they considered the new Muslims, since they were the weak, insignificant, slaves, or the like.  As a matter of fact, the Meccans even believed their idols would shield and protect them against Muhammad (pbuh) and Islam!

      The word of Islam began to spread however, since the Message was calling to the belief in the Truth.  it was noble—that it called for decency, truthful­ness, and sincerity in the service of Allah, the Creator.  The call was for justice in the society in all dealings, and for a clean decent living, a life of dynamic conscience directly responsible to Allah (swt).

      The Meccans underestimated the powerful Islamic Message, or the power of faith.  Three long years passed and the message of Islam was still being spread in secret, and Muhammad the Prophet had a growing but limited number of followers.  As more and more people heard about Islam, and the Message spread more widely, command from the Almighty was revealed to Muhammad (pbuh) to call people to Islam in a public manner.

      The message of Islam was not to be propagated any more in secret.  This bold step was to be taken immediately, and higher risks were thus in store.  It was a giant step forward and Islam's followers were ready for the tough days ahead, for the encounter with the disbelievers who were the overwhelming majority.  The stage was set for the Prophet (pbuh) and the small Muslim Ummah (community) on the one hand, versus the disbelievers on the other hand.

THE ISLAMIC MESSAGE IN THE OPEN 

     Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was ordered by Allah (God) to declare the Message of Islam in the open:  (Surah 26  :  Ayah  214)

وَأَنذِرْ عَشِيرَتَكَ الأَقْرَبِينَ

وَاخْفِضْ جَنَاحَكَ لِمَنِ اتَّبَعَكَ مِنَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ

Warn your nearest kinsmen, and lower your wing (in kindness)

to those believers who follow you.

      The Muslims were still relatively few in number, but they were dedicated, ready to stand firm, and ready to suffer.  Muslims now were looked upon by the Meccans from a different angle, i.e., as a power to be taken into consideration.  In other words, the Muslims were showing signs of strength and dynamism, having become a power to reckon with.  The Muslims worked as a united body for the sake of Islam.  By simply being that, they gained the admiration of many disbelievers.  This was a turning point for the good of the Muslims and Islam.

MUHAMMAD GIVES A PARTY 

      Muhammad (pbuh) invited many relatives to Abu Talib's house for dinner (he sent Ali to extend the invitation), and each guest wondered what the host was up to.  Having finished eating, Muhammad (pbuh) addressed the guests, explaining about Allah and the Religion of Islam, and how Islam is the salvation of people.  Unexpectedly however, he was rudely interrupted by his uncle, a sharp tongued and evil‑minded person called Abu Lahab.

      Abu Lahab was a power-hungry, overbearing character who loved his personal authority.  He opposed his nephew Muhammad (pbuh) vehemently, and by his impolite interruption he ruined the occasion.  The guests did not get a chance to hear all that Muhammad (pbuh) wanted to say.  Muhammad was calling for the noblest cause, for Allah's final Religion, and although he was disappointed with what happened, he never let that incident stop him.  Therefore, Muhammad (pbuh) invited his relatives for a second party.  When the guests finished eating and the occasion was proper, he said,

"I don't know of anyone among the Arabs who has brought you anything better than I have.  My Lord has commanded me to call you to it.  Who will help me in this affair and be my brother, my executor, and my deputy after me, from among you?"

      The place was packed with the guests.  It was quiet, everyone was motionless, everyone was listening attentive­ly.  Upon hearing the daring statements of Muhammad (pbuh), they looked at each other in sarcasm and in disbelief.  They thought Muhammad bold, asking too much, too unrealistic.  There was not only complete silence, but also faces of disapproval and ridicule.  It was a disbelief at the nerve of Muhammad (pbuh) to have brought such matter to them!  After all—they felt—who would be better than their idols, or their ways of living?

      But the silence was ripped suddenly and to everyone's surprise.  It was a boyish voice, but bold, firm, and confidant.  It was the voice of the 13 year old Ali, who assuredly said:

      "I will be, O' Allah's Messenger."

Muhammad (pbuh) repeated the question a second time and again it was Ali who answered the same.  Very taken, all faces focussed on Ali, to discover a determined firm look on his face, indicating he meant every word he said.  The Prophet (pbuh) then answered:

"This is my brother, my executor and my deputy among you,

So listen to him and obey him!"

      The relatives laughed in sarcasm, since it was comical to them to see a young boy, no more than 13 years old, declaring himself so defiantly, and in the presence of the dignitaries!  They were sarcastic because Muhammad (pbuh) hardly had any followers, yet he so boldly made such a statement.  Little could the guests understand the new bubbling spirit of Islam, and little could they comprehend the way it changes a person—to making him daring and fearless!  Some of them said to Abu Talib, the father of Ali, "Listen to your own son and obey him!" and they followed that by a few laughs!  The people dispersed from the party, each with a wry smile on his face, but the event left an indelible impression on their minds, whether they liked it or not.  The occasion was something to be remembered rather than forgotten.

ON MOUNT SAFA 

      Mocked and disbelieved by his relatives, Muhammad now took his cause to the public, Islam is for all people, isn't it?  High up on Mount Safa Muhammad (pbuh) stood, and with a loud voice he called out, "O you gathering of Quraish!"  The voice was heard by the crowd, and the people became quiet, curiously quiet.  Everyone began to repeat, "Muhammad is calling you at Mount Safa, Muhammad is calling out."

      Singly, and in groups, the people curiously walked toward the area, the confusion subsided as the crowd became silent.  They became quiet expecting to hear Muhammad (pbuh), although some of them were regarding him as only an agitator.

      Muhammad asked, "If I told you there was an army behind this hill, waiting to attack you, would you believe me?"

      "Yes," the people answered unanimously, "you are the one man without a blemish and we have never known you to lie."  "Then I am to warn you of a severe affliction!" Muhammad (pbuh) cried out.  The people were surprised.  They listened to him until he finished his speech by saying, "So believe that there is no deity except Almighty Allah."

      Through this special speech, the people heard a call for the belief in the Oneness of Allah who ought to be worshipped and nothing else, and a call to follow Islam through its Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh).  It was a very bold declaration in public, a courageous stand, a point of planting the seed of Islam in the minds, not only of the individuals but also the public.

      Upon hearing all this, Abu Lahab the wicked, seeing danger to his power and authority, got up and shouted with anger:

      "Perish you this very day!  Was it for this that you called     us here?"

      A hush of silence followed—everyone stood silent, stunned.  Muhammad (pbuh) also stunned, was cut deeply, and though he expected some trouble, he didn't expect it to be that much.  It was a blow to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), a grave insult to him, in front of all the people.

      Muhammad (pbuh) came with best intentions of doing good, of calling the people to the new religion, the religion which Allah was outlining.  In return for the good work, his very uncle ruins everything once more.  And besides, this uncle curses him and insults him in front of everyone!  Muhammad (pbuh) was stung by this poison, but will Allah let Muhammad perish?

SURAH OF LAHAB 

      It was surprising what people saw.  Once Abu Lahab finished, people witnessed Muhammad undergo a dramatic change—and what a change it was!  Since he was receiving a Revelation, he suddenly became:

                  h still and motionless,

                  h then began to breathe heavily,

                  h then the sweat poured down his forehead,

                  h and his eyes were fixed toward the skies.

These changes were very impressive, and many people wondered about the phenomenon.  What people learned later, was that Muhammad was receiving a new Revelation, he was seeing Angel Gabriel, who said the following:  (Surah  111  : Ayah  1-5)

تَبَّتْ يَدَا أَبِي لَهَبٍ وَتَبَّ   مَا أَغْنَى عَنْهُ مَالُهُ وَمَا كَسَبَ

سَيَصْلَى نَارًا ذَاتَ لَهَبٍ   وَامْرَأَتُهُ حَمَّالَةَ الْحَطَبِ

فِي جِيدِهَا حَبْلٌ مِّن مَّسَدٍ

"Perished are the hands of Abu Lahab and perish he.  His wealth and what he earns will avail  him not!  He shall soon be thrust into a fire full of flame...

Gradually, the people began to leave, each with a head swimming with the above facts, each feeling peculiar inside, each asking himself many, many questions.

THREATS AND PERSECUTIONS 

      As time passed, the Muslims increased in number steadily, and the constant talk was the teachings of Islam.  Muhammad's speeches in the open became the center of attention.  The call was attractive and irresistible—a call for a Divine Religion directing toward a decent clean living, guiding people to the highest morals.

      But the leaders of Quraish were frustrated and frightened.  The disbelievers were gradually realizing the serious impact on their self-interests.  Their livelihood depended heavily on idol worship, something threatened seriously by the new Prophet and Islam.  They were very challenged by the powerful teachings of Islam.  The question was:  "How are we going to take this challenge?!  How are we to respond?  Do we have a case?"

      Abu Sufyan, Abu Lahab, Abu Jahl and the like were the formid­able self‑appointed leaders of the opposition.  They wanted to reject Muhammad and Islam, and to have no change—they wanted to stop the budding Islam and the Muslims.  They were joined by numerous people who wanted to capitalize on the situation, targeting Muhammad (pbuh) and the Islamic Message.  The number of such people began to increase too, since many decided to take the challenge.

      The two camps, that of the Muslims and that of the disbeliev­ers, confronted each other relentlessly, one calling for the worship of Allah, the other for the worship of idols.  As a result, systematic persecution of the Muslims began.  The Muslims stood firm in the face of all adversities: defi­ant, unbending, unshakable, and solid.  The persecution was abusive, severe, and frequent.  Hardly a day passed without a Muslim or two being tortured, hurt, or ridiculed.  But all this was taken in stride and quite patiently by the Muslims, being aware of their stand at that critical stage.

ABU TALIB IS APPROACHED 

      The leadership of the Quraish continued to be frustrated, as their efforts toward stopping Islam always failed.  They felt that the society as it existed was threatened, if not about to crumble, and that they were repeatedly challenged or made fools of, by Muhammad (pbuh) and Islam.  The disbelievers, as numerous as they were, felt that the call to Islam was too powerful for them to ignore.  Instead, they thought it better to approach Abu Talib, the gentleman who was the uncle and guardian of Muhammad (pbuh), to strike a deal with him.

1. They met with Abu Talib and complained that Muhammad had gone too far, and that it was time to stop him.  They threatened that if he couldn't stop Muhammad he could at least give them the freedom to deal with him as they saw fit.  They urged Abu Talib to do his best, and they pressed hard.

2. Abu Talib knew Muhammad was on the right track, and he felt he could never betray his nephew.  He argued with the disbelievers for long; his arguments made sense, and he never agreed to their demands, but they wouldn't give up.  This happened many times, but Quraish's attempts were to no avail.

3. On his part, Muhammad's attempts continued full force, calling for belief in Allah, and in the religion of Islam, and discrediting the idols.  A good many Revelations had come by now, and a good deal of the Islamic religion could be taught.  The Islamic knowledge was expanding rapidly.

4. Quraish's leadership felt ever more frustrated.  They felt their age old paganism and idol worship were severely undermined by Islam—that it was on its way out.  They felt they were repeatedly ridiculed—they knew they were failing.  This was hard to take, it was a big blow to their attempts to stop Islam, a very big blow to their pride and dignity.

5. They went back two more times to Abu Talib, asking him to stop Muhammad.  At one time they even offered to make Muhammad the King of Arabia no less!  But Muhammad refused since he wasn't interested in any personal gain.  Muhammad was solely interested in pleasing the Almighty and doing His work, the work of Islam, and nothing else.

6. Quraish did not understand that Muhammad (pbuh) was struggling for nothing but the fulfillment of Allah's commands!  They thought it was only a personal challenge, a challenge for power.  See the difference between the two camps, not only in aim, but also in approach!

7. At one time the disbelievers even asked permission from Abu Talib to let them deal with Muhammad as they pleased, and they offered to exchange Muhammad with another young man to be under Abu Talib's custody and command!  This of course was also refused by Abu Talib and it made Quraish ever more frustrated.  The pressure was mounting fast however, and to such an extent that finally the disbelievers gave Abu Talib an ultimatum: either you stop Muhammad, or either side may be destroyed.

8. What this ultimatum meant was that a fight was going to break out, and much killing was going to be initiated by Quraish, the influential tribe, who opposed Islam.  Quraish could stand it no more, they couldn't see Islam spreading that well despite their efforts to stop it.  They did not like to see what was going on, especially their repeated failures.

EVEN IF THEY OFFER THE SUN ON MY RIGHT 

      Abu Talib was worried, divided, and torn.  Quraish had put him on the spot.  He had done his best to protect Muhammad (pbuh) a number of times before, but now the disbelievers gave him an ultimatum, and the mood was very ugly.  It was a mood for murder, no less!  If he were ousted by pagan Quraish, Abu Talib thought, his livelihood would suffer, and he would even perish.  He was not well off to begin with, let alone with this threat!  On the other hand, his love for Muhammad (pbuh) was very deep, and he wanted to give nothing but complete support.  Abu Talib faced a very difficult situation.

      Abu Talib sent for Muhammad, and when they were face to face, he said: "Get both of us out of this difficulty.  Please don't make my affairs unbearable for me."  Then Abu Talib told Muhammad (pbuh) all about the decision of Quraish's leadership and their threatening mood.

Muhammad (pbuh) listened and many things flashed through his mind:

1. the many new Muslims and the suffering they were going through,

2. Khadija and her enthusiasm for Islam;

3. Ali and his budding youthful excitement for Islam;

4. Allah's Commands leading to the decent life on earth,

5. and best of all, Paradise afterwards.

And what about Islam, Muhammad thought, will he let it down or will he have to press on, to keep on until it is planted in the heart of everyone?  "Oh no, not Muhammad," he thought for himself, "It would be a betrayal to Allah, to the Religion of Allah, and to everyone, and Muhammad never betrays."

      Muhammad looked up to his uncle, with feelings of unbounded love, gratitude and understanding, especially of the tough situation Abu Talib was in.  Muhammad's answer was immedi­ate and it came like thunder:

"O UNCLE!" he said,

"BY ALLAH, EVEN IF THEY OFFER THE SUN ON MY RIGHT AND THE MOON ON MY LEFT,

IN ORDER FOR ME TO GIVE UP MY MESSAGE,

I WILL NEVER DO SO.

I WILL GO ON UNTIL ALLAH MAKES IT PREVAIL,

OR, RATHER, I DIE IN THE EFFORT." 

    "Oh how great!  Chivalry, bravery, and victory for the cause, the good cause," Abu Talib thought.  He was startled by the answer of Muhammad (pbuh).  He could feel the enormous inner power in Muhammad (pbuh) and the unshakable determination to deliver Allah's Message, no matter what!  "Absolutely magnificent" he thought again, feeling proud that he was Muhammad's uncle.  A smile drew on Abu Talib's face, and he himself had a change inside—gone are the thoughts of compromise.  He felt inspired, and enthusiastic too, and he replied without hesitation: "Preach, then, O Muhammad, preach what you love.  By Allah, I'll never ever surrender you for anything!"

      Bravery met bravery, valor met valor, two complimentary giants, and what a beauti­ful scene!

ABU TALIB DELIVERS THE MESSAGE 

      What Muhammad (pbuh) said kept singing repeatedly in Abu Talib's heart; his heart was jumping with joy, what a power!  Abu Talib gathered Benu Hashim and Benu Mut'talib and he gave the details of what happened between him and Muhammad.  When he mentioned what Muhammad said, his eyes were wide open with pride and joy, and he saw everyone moving his lips repeating for himself:

"Even if they offer the sun on my right and the moon on my left, in order for me to give up my message, I will never do so.  I will go on until Allah makes it [Islam] prevail, or, rather, I die in the effort."

The answer made a strong imprint on the relatives of Muhammad (pbuh), and they felt it was their duty to stand against any others from Quraish, come what may.  Quraish was the imposing power and authority of Mecca, out of which the clans of Muhammad came.  The clans were the ones who decided to stand now in defense of Muhammad (pbuh) in the face of that formidable force, and what a challenge!

FIVE YEARS WITH ISLAM: 

PERSECUTION STILL IN FULL FORCE

      Five years had passed since Muhammad (pbuh) announced his Prophethood, and the number of Muslims had increased a lot.  Islam has steadily become the subject of discussion, not only in Mecca but also the surrounding areas.

1. When the call was in confidence, the Muslims were taken lightly by the disbelievers, and persecution or force was not as heavy or as persistent then.  By now, however, Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims were enthusiastically preaching Islam, and in the open.  Larger crowds were attracted to hear about Islam, just about every day, be it at the Ka'ba or other open spaces.  More and more people were embracing Islam, and Islam's magnetism was such that Quraish was getting frightened and alarmed.  Islam exposed the absurdity of the belief of the disbelievers.  The Muslims were united in their call to help and liberate the slaves, the destitute, the orphans and the poor.  The Muslims were united under the Quran and its magnificent teachings, and in their prayers and faith.

2. On the other hand, Quraish and other disbelievers were adamant and determined to stop Islam by use of force, and to remove it from existence.  They took to methods of coercion and harassment of Muslims.  They wanted to strike back at the Muslims but they had no real religion to strike with.  Their methods were mainly physical force, crude ways, and empty emotional rhetoric.

3. At first the disbelievers unleashed their tongues and their poets' imagination to insults, curses, and defamation directed against Muhammad (pbuh) and the early Muslims.  They found out however that this method was a flop—it failed.  So this method gave way to other methods.  Threats to Muslims became an everyday matter; bribery and inducement were also offered, yet none was of any use either.  The Muslims couldn't be bribed, and they did not fear threats.  Those Muslims were hardy and strong in their belief, they were unbending, highly motivated.

4. Quraish were too afraid, however, to kill Muslims who belonged to influential tribes.  The reason was that the tribe to which that Muslim belonged, might take revenge and this would produce an ever enlarging blood bath.  What they did instead was to concentrate on the weakest, the defenseless Muslims, who certainly suffered tremendously at their hands. 

QUESTIONS  

1. During which month did Muhammad (pbuh) receive the first Revelation of the Quran?

2. When he was asleep at cave Hiraa, Muhammad (pbuh) was awakened by a supernatural phenomenon.  What was that?

3. What was the first Revelation?

4. How was Muhammad's (pbuh) reaction when he received the first Revelation?

5. For the first Revelation how many times was Muhammad (pbuh) asked to read in the name of the Lord?

6. How did Muhammad (pbuh) react when he received the first Revelation?

7. Where did Muhammad (pbuh) see Jubra'eel (Gabriel) the first time?

8. How was Muhammad's condition when he arrived home after the first Revelation?

9. Who was the first one to be told about the first Revelation?

10. What did Khadija do when Muhammad (pbuh) told her about the Revelation?

11. Where did Khadija go to make sure about Muhammad's new phenomenon of the Hiraa cave?

12. Ibn Naufal was a cousin of Khadija; what was his reaction when he heard about the Revelation Muhammad received?

13. Who became the first Muslim?

14. Khadija saw the changes on the face of Muhammad (pbuh) when he received the second Revelation.  Will you describe these changes?

15. What did Ibn Naufal say when he met Muhammad (pbuh) for the first time?

16. Did Ibn Naufal kiss the head of Muhammad (pbuh) too?

17. There was some delay before the Revelation of "By the forenoon..." came through.  What was the condition of Muhammad (pbuh) during this trying period?

18. How did Ali become the first male Muslim?

19. How old was Ali when he became a Muslim?

20. Zaid Ibn Haritha, a servant at Muhammad's house became a Muslim soon.  Why?

21. Abu Bakr was a friend of Muhammad (pbuh).  Did he convert to Islam right away?

22. For how long was the message of Islam given in confidentiality?

23. Why did the people close to Muhammad (pbuh) convert to Islam right away?

24. What did the Meccans think at first of the Islamic message?

25. When did the call to Islam come out in the open?

26. For the first call to Islam in the open Muhammad (pbuh) gave a party.  What happened during that party?

27. The supply of food was constant during the first party given to invite people to Islam.  How do you explain that?

28. Why did Abu Lahab disrupt the gathering given by Muhammad (pbuh) to introduce Islam?

29. In the second gathering who answered Muhammad (pbuh), promising to help him in his endeavor?

30. What was the people's reaction to Muhammad's call for Islam?

31. What happened at Mount Safa when Muhammad (pbuh) called the people to Islam?

32. Which Surah was immediately revealed when Abu Lahab insulted Muhammad (pbuh) in front of the people at Mount Safa?  Can you recite it?

33. Muhammad (pbuh) and the Muslims suffered a great deal at the hands of the disbelievers.  Will you give us examples?

34. What kind of abuse of the Muslims was the most common during early Islam?

35. How did the disbelievers approach Abu Talib to influence and stop Muhammad (pbuh) from ridiculing their gods (idols)?

36. When the disbelievers offered to make Muhammad a king or anything he wished, what was his answer to Abu Talib?

37. What did Muhammad (pbuh) mean when he answered his uncle Abu Talib by saying "By Allah even if they put the sun in my right and the moon in my left in order for me to give up my message, never will I do so or I perish for the cause"?