THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME WITH PROPHET MUHAMMAD THE PROPHET OF ALLAH 012 Unrest in Mecca by Khadeijah A. Stephens Copyright © 1984-2012 by Allah.com Muhammad.com Mosque.com Khadeijah A. Stephens Bismillah Ir Rahman Ir Raheem Unrest in Mecca The Failure of Meccans to Recognize the Value of the Prophet In these early days of Islam, those who opposed the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his message were blinded by their own arrogant, useless idolatrous traditions and pride. Yet strange as it may seem, when it came to taking solemn oaths or when they wished people to take them seriously, the Arabs preferred to swear by Allah rather than their pagan gods For many years the pagan, materialistic society suffered on every account. They received no benefit for their dedication to the idols and corruption abounded in every form. Women were treated as worthless human beings and seldom afforded their rights. Injustice, murder, and theft, amongst other depravities, were rampant. Yet even as these sad, intolerable state of affairs persisted, those who opposed the Prophet, (Salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), failed to recognize or admit that what the Prophet, (Salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), whom they had until recently attested to having an honest and upright character, brought and practiced a much better, higher standard of life for all; a standard where justice and happiness prevailed. But more importantly, they rejected the news that there was life after death where they would be held accountable for their disbelief in the Oneness of their Creator and for which there is either eternal punishment or the unfailing eternal rewards of Paradise with its continuous peace and happiness. The fact of the matter was that they failed to recognize the true value of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) both spiritually and materialistically. Anger and Resentment Anger and resentment toward the message Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) brought continued to intensify in Mecca as the number of his followers began to increase. One day, as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi was sallam) entered the precincts of Ka’bah at the Hijr Ishmael, a group of unbelievers gathered and indulged in slanderous remarks about him. However, he paid no attention and continued to make his way across to the Ka’bah where he kissed the Black Stone then proceeded to circumambulate the Ka'bah. The first time he passed by the Hijr Ishmael, the unbelievers shouted at him in a very disrespectful, degrading manner. The same occurred on his second and third round, but on the third round as they jeered and shouted their slanderous remarks he stopped and said: "O Koraysh, will you listen to me? Indeed, by Him who holds my soul in His Hand, I bring you slaughter." The unbelievers were silenced by this unexpected statement, and silence hovered like a heavy weight above the gathering. After a while the silence was broken by the one who had been the most venomous with his slander, and in a surprisingly gently tone he addressed Prophet Muhammad, (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) saying, "Go on you way, father of Kasim, for by Allah you are not an ignorant fool." Soon the unbelievers began to regret their momentary weakness and vowed they would never allow a situation like that to be repeated. On another occasion Utaiba, Abi Lahab’s son approached the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, in a most defiant manner and shouted, “I disbelieve in what you have brought!” Then he became violent, ripped the shirt of the Prophet and spat at his face, but his spittle did not reach the face of the Prophet. Whereupon, the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, invoked the anger of Allah upon Utaiba as he supplicated, “O Allah, set one of Your dogs on him.” Sometime after Utaiba and his Koraysh Companions set out for Syria and stopped to rest in a place called Az-Zarqa when suddenly a lion approached the travelers and Utaiba cried out in great fear, “Woe to me, this lion will surely devour me just as Muhammad supplicated. He has killed me in Syria while he is in Mecca! “ And the lion rushed forward and crushed Utaibah’s head but let his companions alone. The Vilest Arabs in Mockery and Hatred of the Prophet There were eighteen Arabs vilest in their mockery and hatred of the Prophet, namely: Abdul Uzza son of Abdul Muttalib (father of Utbah) better known as Abu Lahab; Utaibah the son of Abu Lahab; Al Awra Arwa daughter of Harb Umayyah’s son and sister of Abu Sufyan, who was the wife of Abu Lahab, better known as Umm Jameel; Amru, son of Hisham, son of Al Mughirah Al Makhzumi better known as Abu Jahl (father of Al Hakam); Utba son of Rabi’a; Shu’bah son of Rabi’a; Al Waleed son of Utbah; Umayyah son of Khalaf; Uqba son of Abi Mu’ait; Ubayy son of Khalaf; Al Akhnas son of Shareeq Al Thakifi; Abdul Uzza son of Khatl; Abdullah son of Sa’ad, son of Abi Sarh; Al Harith son of Thaqil, son of Wahb; Maqis son of Sababah; Al Harith son of Talatil; The freed woman of Hati’s son Concerning those that mocked, Allah sent down the verses: "Proclaim then, what you are commanded and turn away from the unbelievers. We suffice you against those who mock, and those who set up other gods with Allah, indeed, they will soon know. Indeed, We know your chest is straitened by that they say." Koran 15:94-97 Abu Jahl - the Father of Ignorance Amr, Hisham's son, was an influential, power-seeking young man of the Makhzum tribe. He was the grandson of Mughirah and nephew of Waleed, the now elderly chieftain of his tribe. Amr had amassed considerable wealth and was, to those who had not earned his anger, hospitable and had high hopes of becoming the next chief of the tribe so he erroneously viewed the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) as a possible threat to his future. Amr was also a man to be feared for he was known for his ruthlessness toward those who dared to cross his path, and that now included Prophet Muhammad, (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) as well as his followers. Such was his hatred of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his Message, and disregard for the next life, that he had been among those responsible for setting up the road-blocks into Mecca. When members of Amr's own tribe embraced Islam his outrage became so bitter that he persecuted them without mercy; it was because of this that Amr became known to the Companions as "Abu Jahl" – “The Father of Ignorance” and his supportive wife “The Mother of all Ignorance”. One day in the sixth year after the prophethood, as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sat by himself at the foot of the hill of Safa, Abu Jahl caught sight of him and seized upon the opportunity to display his foul behavior. He went across to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and in an extremely abusive manner, insulted him in a very base manner. Then, he took hold of a stone and struck the Prophet on his head causing it to bleed, however the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was patient, he did not allow himself to be provoked, and went home. Arrogantly, Abu Jahl felt he had made a good impression on a party of Koraysh gathered near the Hijr Ishmael and returned to them gloating in what he perceived to be triumph. Hamza, the young uncle of the Prophet, known for his gentle disposition despite the fact he had grown into a very strong man, had been away on a hunting expedition and had just returned to Mecca. As he entered the City, Hamza was met by an elderly lady who had once served the now deceased Abdullah, Judan's son and told him of Abu Jahl's disgusting outburst. When Hamza learned of the abuse, raging anger swelled deep within his gentle being and he thundered towards the still gloating Abu Jahl and his gleeful comrades who were still gathered around the Hijr Ishmael. Upon seeing Abu Jahl, Hamza raised his hunting bow above Abu Jahl's head and struck him forcefully across his back saying, "How dare you. Would you insult him! Know that I am of his religion and swear what he swears. Strike me now if you can!" Those who had been seated rose up to join the others in support of Abu Jahl, but Abu Jahl chose not retaliate saying, "Let him alone, for by Allah, I reviled Muhammad in a crude manner." Such was Abu Jahl’s hatred for the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his message, that he was to die in disbelief. However, when the news of the Prophet’s birth reached him over forty years before, he had been so elated that he freed a female slave, and for this noble act, each Monday – the day on which the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was born - Allah in His Mercy reduces his punishment in Hell. That same day Hamza in the month of Dhul Hijja six years after the prophethood, went to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and formally embraced Islam after having kept his belief hidden from the Koraysh for many years. Now that Hamza had announced he had embraced Islam, the Koraysh were hesitant to continue with their vile behavior. They realized from now onward they would have to answer to him for their actions, so they revised their tactics, for no one wanted to cross Hamza’s path. The Cruelty of Abu Lahab and his Wife Abu Lahab and his wife, Umm Jameel, reveled in the effort they took to try to demean or harm the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). Umm Jameel took great pleasure in gathering sharp thorns and strewing them at night along the paths most frequented by the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) in hope of injuring him. However, Allah caused the thorns to become as soft as sand and blessed him with such keen eye sight that he could see as well during the darkness of night as he could during the day. Such was their unwarranted hatred of Prophet Muhammad (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) that Abu Lahab ordered his sons Utbah and Utbayah to divorce Ladies Rukiyah and Umm Kulthum, the daughters of the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) before their marriages had been consummated, then pressed upon Lady Zaynab's father-in-law to make his son do the same. However, Lady Zaynab's husband, Al-As loved her and refused, saying he had no wish to marry another. It was during these times of hardship that Allah sent down a short chapter that spoke of the punishment in the Everlasting life of Abu Lahab and his wife. "Perish the hands of Abi-Lahab, and perish he! His wealth will not suffice him neither what he has gained; he shall roast at a Flaming Fire, and his wife, laden with firewood shall have a rope of palm-fiber round her neck!" Koran Chapter 111 The Reaction of Umm Jameel When Umm Jameel heard the Revelation, the hatred she harbored towards the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) reached a new height. In a violent rage she fetched her stone pestle and headed straight to the Ka’bah where she expected to find the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). As she entered its confines she caught sight of Abu Bakr and went up to him demanding, "Where is your companion!" Abu Bakr was taken by surprise, he knew well to whom she referred, yet she had not seen the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) who was sitting close to him. Umm Jameel continued her ranting, "I have heard he has satirized me, by Allah, if I had found him here I would have destroyed his mouth with this pestle. Indeed, I am no lesser poet than he!" Then she recited a short, degrading rhyme she had written about him, then left. Abu Bakr turned to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and asked whether or not he thought she had seen him. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) informed Abu Bakr that she had not because Allah in His Mercy to him had concealed his person from her sight. Then the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) commented upon her rhyme drawing his companion's attention to the use of the word "mudhammam" which she had chosen to use, meaning reprobate, which is the opposite to "Muhammad" which means praised. He then commented, "Isn't it surprising that the injuries the Koraysh try to inflict are deflected away from me? They curse and satirize Mudhammam, whereas I am Muhammad." An Attempt to Bribe Utbah, Rabia's son, belonged to the tribe of Shams, Abdu Shams was a brother of Hashim and it was he who, together with notables of the Koraysh tribe, now met to discuss how they might best deal with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam). During the course of the meeting Utbah suggested that perhaps the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) might incline to accept certain gifts and privileges in exchange for his silence. But had they searched in the depths of their hearts, all would have known he was not like them and would never accept a bribe, no matter how it was presented. However, all were of the opinion that every man had his price, so they placed high hopes on Utbah’s suggestion, saying that they would be prepared to offer him absolutely anything he might desire as recompense in exchange for his silence. They had just reached their agreement when a late comer joined the meeting and told the gathering that he had just seen the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) sitting alone beside the Ka’bah. They agreed that now was a good time to approach him with their proposal and as Utbah was related to him, they chose him to be their representative. Utbah made his way toward to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) whereupon the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) expressed his pleasure upon seeing him, welcomed and invited him to sit down and talk. When Utbah sat down the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) hoped he might have come to learn about Islam but Utbah proceeded to say, "My nephew, you are one of us, from a noble tribe, a descendant of the finest ancestors. You have come to our tribes with an important matter that is dividing us. You have denounced our customs, insulted our gods and our religions, so listen to me because I have come to you with several proposals, perhaps you may accept one of them." The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was very saddened but listened out of politeness as he never turned anyone away, as Utbah proceeded to describe the bribes. "If it is money you want, we are prepared to combine our properties and make you the richest one among us. If it is honor you wish, we will make you our chief with complete and absolute power. If it is leadership, we will make you our leader and if the Spirit you see comes to you and you cannot rid yourself of it, then we will find a physician to cure you." After Utbah finished presenting his bribe, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) received a new Revelation from Allah: "In the Name of Allah, the Merciful, the Most Merciful. Ha Meem. A sending down from the Merciful, the Most Merciful. A Book, the verses of which are distinguished, an Arabic Koran for a nation who know. It bears glad tidings and a warning, yet most of them turn away and do not listen. They say, 'Our hearts are veiled from that to which you call us, and in our ears there is heaviness. And between us and you is a veil. So work (as you will) and we are working.’" Koran 41:1-5 The compelling beauty of the Koranic recitation held Utbah's attention in wonderment as he sat leaning on his hands behind his back. As he listened further he heard of the creation of the heavens and the earth. Then he heard of the prophets sent to the arrogant people of Aad, and of the proud people of Thamood. He learned that all but a few of their citizens refused to listen to the Message Allah had given to their prophets, so with the exception of those who believed, they were subjected to punishments of the severest kind in this world and then even greater punishment in the Everlasting Life. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) continued his recitation with verses that drew attention to the multiple signs surrounding us and concluded with: "Among His signs are the night and the day, and the sun and the moon. But do not prostrate yourselves before the sun or the moon rather prostrate before Allah, who created them both, if it is He whom you worship.” Koran 41:37 As soon as the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) finished the recitation, he prostrated his head upon the ground in exaltation and thanksgiving. Then arose saying, "O (Utbah) father of Waleed, you have heard what you have heard, it is now up to you to decide." It is also reported that upon hearing the preceding verse Utbah could not bear it and put his hands over the Prophet’s mouth. The sun had started to set and Utbah's companions had waited patiently for his return. No doubt their hopes were high as he had been with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) for a considerable length of time. However, when he returned they were struck by the changed expression upon his face and asked what had happened. Utbah told them that he had heard a recitation that was uniquely beautiful yet it was neither poetry, nor was it the words of a soothsayer, nor yet sorcery. He advised his companions to do as he intended, which was not to come between the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) and his affair. Then he swore by Allah that the words he had just heard would be received by many as great tidings. Utbah thought it more prudent that his blood should not be on their hands and commented if other Arabs were to kill him, then the responsibility would rest upon them. However, if his nephew were to become successful, he would govern them and his power would also be their power, so they would benefit. Utbah's companions mocked him harshly and told him that he had been bewitched, but all Utbah said was, "I have given you my opinion, do whatever you please." The Koraysh were angered by his advice, so they decided to speak to the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) themselves so that no blame for their future actions could be attached to them, so they sent for him. The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam), ever hopeful of guiding his tribe to Allah, went to them in haste. Soon he realized they had not called for him because their hearts had turned to Allah, rather the opposite was the case. The Koraysh rebuked him saying that never before had an Arab treated them in such a manner, reviling their gods, their customs, and their traditions. Once again, an effort to silence him was made as they endorsed the offer made earlier by Utbah. As soon as the Koraysh finished offering their bribe, the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) turned to them in his usual gentle manner saying, "I am neither possessed, nor do I seek honor among you, nor the leadership. Allah has sent me as a Messenger to you and has sent down to me a Book with the command that I should give you good tidings but also a warning. I convey to you the Message of my Lord and counsel you. If you accept what I have brought you, you will receive blessings in this world and in the Everlasting life, but if you reject what I have brought, then I will wait patiently for Allah to judge between us." The Koraysh, deeply disappointed by the Prophet's reply told him to leave. But before he left, they contemptuously told him that if he was really the Messenger of Allah he would have to prove it to them with something which would make their life easier. Their first demand was that he should ask Allah to remove the mountains that surround Mecca and to level the land so that rivers would flow through it just as they did in Syria and Iraq. Their demands continued when next they demanded that Ksay be raised from the dead along with several of their ancestors, saying they would ask Ksay if what the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) said was true or false, yet they knew he never lied. They continued saying that if he was able to bring about their demands then, and only then, might they convinced he was who he said he was, and near to Allah. With respect, the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, replied that it was not on this account he been sent. He told them that he had been sent to convey the Message of Allah and that they were free to either accept the Message or if they were adamant, reject it and await the Judgement of Allah. On hearing his reply, the Koraysh changed their tactics saying that if he would not ask for these things, then why not ask for something for himself. They told him to ask Allah to send an angel to him who would confirm the truth of his preaching, and for gardens and castles with treasures of gold and silver for himself. But the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) repeated his reply. The Koraysh continued to deride the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) asking if his Lord knew that he would be sitting amongst them and that they would ask him these questions. Their mockery continued as they asked why, if Allah had known these questions were going to be asked, hadn't He instructed him how to answer and tell him what He was going to do with them if they refused the Message he brought. Rahman The word "Rahman" means "the Merciful", and is one of the many attributes of Allah. The Koraysh noticed "Rahman" occurred at the beginning of each chapter of the Koran so in an effort to discredit the Revelation rumors were spread that the Prophet, salla Allahu alihi wa sallam, received tutorship in the art of poetry by a man from Yamamah called Rahman. When next they met with the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) they seized upon the opportunity to chide him still further saying, "We have heard your recitation is taught to you by a man from Yamamah called Rahman -- we will never believe in Rahman! We have made our position clear to you Muhammad, and swear by Allah that we will neither leave you in peace nor desist in our treatment of you until we have either destroyed you or you have destroyed us!" The Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was about to leave when Abdullah, Umayyah's son from the tribe of Makhzum disrespectfully shouted, "O Muhammad, your people have offered you several propositions -- you have rejected all! First, they asked for themselves, then they asked you to ask for yourself! They have even asked you to hasten some of the punishment you have spoken about upon them. By Allah, I will never believe you until I see you take a ladder, climb it, and reach the heavens, then bring four angels to bear witness that you are what you claim, and even then I doubt whether I will believe you!" Upon hearing this last remark the Prophet (salla Allahu alihi wa sallam) was deeply saddened because it had been made by Abdullah, the son of his aunt Atikah who had named her son after her beloved brother, the Prophet's father, which means “Worshiper of Allah”. Allah sent the Prophet verses that would forever record the contempt and rejection of the Koraysh leaders: "As such, We have sent you forth to a nation before whom others have passed away in order that you recite to them what We have revealed to you. Yet they disbelieve the Merciful (Rahman). Say: 'He is my Lord. There is not god except He. In Him I have put my trust, and to Him I turn.' If only a Koran whereby the mountains were set in motion, or the earth cleaved asunder, or the dead spoken to. No, but to Allah is the affair altogether. Do those who believe know that had Allah willed He could have guided all people? As for those who disbelieve, because of what they do, disaster will not cease to afflict them, or it alights near their home until the promise of Allah comes. Allah will not break His promise." Koran 13:30-31 "They also say, 'How is it that this Messenger eats and walks about the markets? Why has no angel been sent down with him to warn us? Or, why has no treasure been thrown to him, or a garden for him to eat from?' And the harmdoers say, 'The man you follow is surely bewitched.'" Koran 25:7-8 "They say, 'We will not believe in you until you make a spring gush from the earth for us, or, until you own a garden of palms and vines and cause rivers to gush forth with abundant water in them; or, until you cause the sky to fall upon us in pieces, as you have claimed, or, as a surety bring Allah with the angels in front; or, until you possess an ornate house of gold, or, ascend into the heavens; and we will not believe in your ascension until you have brought down for us a book which we can read.' Say: 'Exaltations to my Lord! Am I anything except a human Messenger?'" Koran 17:90-93 Unrest in Mecca 012 Back Cover Subtitles The Failure of Meccans to Recognize the Value of the Prophet Anger and Resentment The Vilest Arabs in Mockery and Hatred of the Prophet Abu Jahl - the Father of Ignorance The Cruelty of Abu Lahab and his Wife The Reaction of Umm Jameel An Attempt to Bribe Rahman