Makkah's reaction to Muhammad

After the first revelation, how long was it until Muhammad received his next revelation?

• It was a long time, some say it was between 6 months - 2 years.

At first how and who did Muhammad preach to?

• Muhammad preached secretively, and a very small community of believers had been created.

How did the Makkans react when they noticed the change of these few people?

• Makkans started to take notice of the change of these few people and reacted in a hostile way.

• Muhammad continued to preach discretely.

Why were the believers willing to accept exclusion and hostility?

• The believers knew they would face exclusion and hostility but their faith in Muhammad’s message made them willing to accept this.

• ‘‘The prophet had given priority to quality over quantity’’ - Tariq Ramadan

What did the community of people contain and what is the significance of this?

• The community contained people from different social backgrounds and tribes. - Significant because of diversity, shows Islam is accepting.

• They came from humble origins. - Significant because it shows the characteristics you should have to be a Muslim.

Why did Muhammad start to preach more openly?

• Muhammad started to preach more openly especially due to verses like:
  ‘‘Proclaim what you have been ordered and turn away from the polytheists’’

What were Muhammad’s messages focused on and what came along with this?

• His messages were focused on spiritual growth e.g. tawhid, prophethood, afterlife.

• But there was also an expectation to accept these as the truth and with this comes commitment.

• This involved banishing the customs of Jahiliya and being good-mannered and fair in every walk of life.

How did Muhammad’s teachings impact Makkah’s economy?

• On top of this, Muhammad was threatening the wealth of Makkah by saying that the polytheists and pagan beliefs were nonsense.

• Makkah made a lot of money through the idols (pilgrimage money they couldn’t afford to lose.)

Why and how were Muhammad and his followers persecuted?

The popularity of the leaders was decreasing. - The leaders felt Muhammad was a challenge to their ways and began to persecute him and his followers:

• Assassination attempts - Attempts on Muhammad’s life.

• Mockery - They would mock Muhammad’s monotheistic beliefs.

• Insults - They would call Muhammad a magician, liar, insane.

• Humiliation - They would tie Muhammad’s neck to a rope and drag him on the floor whilst he worshipped. Throw rubbish at him whilst he walked.

• Some of his followers were tortured or killed by exposure to the midday sun.

What happened due to the persecution becoming so bad?

• The persecution became so bad that Muhammad sent 83 Muslims & their families, who were not supported by their tribes to flee to Abyssinia (Ethiopia) where they would be well treated by Christians.

• They spoke to the ruler (who was Christian) and he liked the message of Islam and converted.

Why did the Meccans find it hard to get Muhammad and what can be the reason for the many revelations he received about previous prophets?

• The Meccans found it hard to get Muhammad himself because of his protection from Abu Talib and his tribe even though Abu Talib never became a Muslim.

• During this time Muhammad received many revelations about previous Prophets e.g. Nuh, Ibrahim.

• This can be so he does not lose hope, he can also overcome his challenges.

How did some of the Makkan’s view the Quran?

• Some accused the Quran of being words of poetry from a mad person.

• Muhammad would reply ‘‘What I say is not poetry. Rather it is the word of Allah which He has sent down for your guidance.’’

• Some of the wise men would be astounded at the language of the Quran: ‘‘It is an outstanding narration, and no other narration is as outstanding as this.’’

• However, stubborn people of Mecca would say Muhammad has cast a spell on these people.

What 3 sanctions did the leaders of Makkah place on a sign on the Ka’aba?

The leaders of Makkah hung a sign on the Ka’aba with 3 sanctions:

• No business/trade with supporters of Muhammad.

• No marriages with supporters of Muhammad.

• Support the opponents of Muhammad.

How long did the boycott last and how did it end?

• This boycott lasted about 3 years.

• Eventually some of the Makkan’s found this boycott to be too harsh and wanted it to stop - several people supported this and eventually, the sign on the Ka’aba was torn up.

• Muhammad and the Muslims were free from the deserts/valleys they had to live in during this boycott.

What happened in the year of sorrow/grief?

• In 619CE (9 years after the first revelation) Muhammad’s wife Khadijah and, protector Abu Talib died within 5 weeks of one another.

• Muhammad had to gain protection from one of the weakest tribes, but was forbidden from preaching in public.