Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w. journey with the companions from the time of the first revelation in Makkah to his last breath in Madinah is a profound testament to their collective resilience, faith and perseverance. It was also a great proof of their submission to Allah s.w.t. and acceptance of His Divine decree and merciful commandments.

In Sunan At-Tirmizi, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas r.a. reported that he asked the Prophet s.a.w. about which of the people are tested most severely. The Prophet s.a.w. then responded as follows:

الْأَنْبِيَاءُ ثُمَّ الْأَمْثَلُ فَالْأَمْثَلُ فَيُبْتَلَى الرَّجُلُ عَلَى حَسَبِ دِينِهِ فَإِنْ كَانَ دِينُهُ صُلْبًا اشْتَدَّ بَلَاؤُهُ وَإِنْ كَانَ فِي دِينِهِ رِقَّةٌ ابْتُلِيَ عَلَى حَسَبِ دِينِهِ فَمَا يَبْرَحُ الْبَلَاءُ بِالْعَبْدِ حَتَّى يَتْرُكَهُ يَمْشِي عَلَى الْأَرْضِ مَا عَلَيْهِ خَطِيئَةٌ

“They are the prophets, then the next best, then the next best. A man is put to trial according to his religion. If he is firm in his religion, his trials will be more severe. If he is weak in his religion, he is put to trial according to his strength in religion. The servant will continue to be put to trial until he is left walking upon the earth without any sin.”

(Sunan At-Tirmizi)

Read: How Did The Prophet s.a.w. Deal With Grief?

Throughout 23 years of his prophethood, the Prophet s.a.w. transformed the society during his time which was rooted in ignorance and idolatry, into a community guided by monotheism and moral excellence. This journey was fraught with challenges, especially during the initial years in Makkah, where the Muslim community faced severe persecution from the Quraysh. The last three years of the Makkan phase were particularly intense, marked by a brutal social and economic boycott and severe oppression. The Prophet s.a.w. and the nascent Muslim community eventually persevered through this difficult phase before migrating (hijrah) to Madinah and establishing a just and successful community.

Read: 5 Key Messages of Hijrah

Understanding how the Prophet s.a.w. and his companions navigated this challenging phase offers invaluable lessons for us today. Their experiences guide and inspire Muslims facing trials and tribulations in the modern world.

Period of the Persecution of Muslims in Makkah

As the message of Islam began to spread, the Quraysh saw it as a direct threat to their social, economic and religious dominance. Initially, the persecution was relatively minor, involving verbal insults and occasional physical confrontations.

Allah s.w.t. records their behaviour in the Quran,

إِنَّ الَّذِينَ أَجْرَمُوا كَانُوا مِنَ الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا يَضْحَكُونَ. وَإِذَا مَرُّوا بِهِمْ يَتَغَامَزُونَ. وَإِذَا انْقَلَبُوا إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهِمُ انْقَلَبُوا فَكِهِينَ

“Indeed, those who committed crimes used to laugh at those who believed. And when they passed by them, they would exchange derisive glances. And when they returned to their people, they would return jesting.”

(Surah al-Mutaffifin, 83:29-31)

As the number of Muslims continued to grow, the Quraysh intensified their efforts to suppress the faith of the Muslims. They resorted to more severe tactics in a desperate attempt to stifle the spread of Islam and undermine the resilience of the Muslim community.

The Quraysh imposed a stringent social and economic boycott on the Muslims and their allies, including the Prophet's tribe, Banu Hashim. This boycott, documented in a written agreement placed inside the Kaabah, involved a total ban on trade and social interactions. Muslims were even confined to a valley, enduring extreme hunger and deprivation, relying on scarce resources. The dire conditions led to severe malnutrition and hardship.

The escalation of persecution began with increasing hostility from the Quraysh leaders, who initially aimed to isolate the Muslims socially. The boycott was a strategic move to force them into abandoning their faith through intense pressure. The Quraysh’s coordinated effort, underscored by their written agreement, not only deprived the Muslims of economic resources but also cut them off from social and familial support.

As the boycott progressed, the situation worsened significantly. The Quraysh intensified their efforts to ensure that no one would support the Muslims, even indirectly. They sought to prevent any form of aid or assistance from reaching them, creating an atmosphere of fear and mistrust among the tribes. The social ostracism was so severe that it extended to preventing non-Muslims from marrying into or forming alliances with them, further isolating the Muslims from the rest of society.

Aerial view of present-day Makkah, with Masjidil Haram in the foreground.

During this period, the Muslims faced critical shortages of essential supplies, including food and medicine. The extreme isolation led to severe physical and emotional strain, with children and the elderly bearing the brunt of the deprivation. The community struggled with malnutrition, diseases and the constant threat of starvation. Despite the harsh conditions, they exhibited remarkable resilience and solidarity.

The escalation of persecution was marked by increasing ruthlessness from the Quraysh, who were determined to break the Muslims’ spirit. Their tactics included widespread propaganda to turn public opinion against the Muslims and enforce the boycott’s terms with brutal efficiency. Despite this, the Muslims' determination to persevere under such adversity remained unshaken, showcasing their unwavering faith and resilience in the face of immense hardship.

The impact of the boycott was profound, demonstrating the Quraysh's commitment to undermining the Muslim community. In addition, Muslims were subjected to various forms of physical torture and brutality. Notable examples include Bilal ibn Rabah r.a, who was tortured by being dragged in the scorching desert and whipped, and Sumayyah bint Khayyat r.a, who became the first martyr of Islam after being killed for her faith. They also turned to psychological pressure, such as threats and humiliation, as well as physical torture, which led to her martyrdom. Ammar ibn Yasir r.a, son of Sumayyah r.a, witnessed his mother’s death while his father was burned with hot coals. Many others suffered similar torture during this painful period.

Read: Shaheed Meaning and Its Relevance Today

The end of the boycott came about through a combination of internal dissent within the Quraysh and Divine intervention. Some of the more compassionate and fair-minded Quraysh leaders, such as Hisham ibn Amr and Mut'im ibn Adi, secretly plotted to end the boycott. They were joined by others who recognised the injustice of the situation. 

Accounts in the Islamic tradition recorded that termites had eaten away the initial document of the boycott, leaving only the words "In Your Name, O Allah". This miraculous event was seen as a sign from Allah s.w.t, further encouraging the Quraysh to lift the boycott.

5 Key Values from The Prophet's Response

Throughout this period of persecution and boycott, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. displayed remarkable patience, wisdom and steadfastness. His approach to dealing with the adversity faced by the Muslims was multifaceted, embodying several key values that resonate deeply with the challenges faced by Muslims today:

1. Religious Resilience

"The Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. faced immense trials and tribulations with a spirit of unwavering resilience. His life is a testament to the strength that comes from faith and trust in Allah. His ability to remain steadfast in the face of adversity serves as a profound lesson for us all."

— Tariq Ramadan, In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad

Despite the overwhelming adversities, the Prophet s.a.w. steadfastly maintained his faith and encouraged his companions to do the same. His resilience became a powerful source of strength for the Muslim community, nurturing a spirit of unwavering devotion to Allah s.w.t. He continued to lead prayers, offer guidance, and recite the Quran, thereby fortifying the spiritual resilience of his nation.

In our own lives and with what we have been witnessing today, we can draw inspiration from the Prophet’s s.a.w. steadfastness. When confronted with personal or societal challenges, holding firm to our faith and seeking strength and guidance from Allah s.w.t. can help us endure and overcome difficulties. Engaging in regular prayer, reciting the Quran, and pursuing knowledge can similarly bolster our spiritual resilience.

Read: Trusting Allah in Difficult Times

2. Inclusiveness

ادْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِالْحِكْمَةِ وَالْمَوْعِظَةِ الْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَادِلْهُمْ بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ ۚ إِنَّ رَبَّكَ هُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِمَنْ ضَلَّ عَنْ سَبِيلِهِ ۖ وَهُوَ أَعْلَمُ بِالْمُهْتَدِينَ

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and argue with them in a way that is best. Indeed, your Lord is most knowing of who has strayed from His way, and He is most knowing of who is (rightly) guided.”

(Surah an-Nahl, 16:125)

Despite facing intense persecution, the Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. remained steadfast in his mission to invite others to Islam. His commitment to spreading the message did not waver, even in the face of severe adversity. He continued to engage with people from all backgrounds, including those who opposed him, with unwavering kindness and empathy. His interactions were marked by a genuine desire to build understanding and foster connections, demonstrating a profound commitment to inclusivity.

As Muslims of today, we are inspired by the Prophet’s s.a.w. example to embrace an inclusive approach in our own lives. We need to actively seek to build bridges with individuals from diverse backgrounds, engaging in dialogues and showing kindness and empathy in all our interactions. In a dialogue, apart from listening to the voices from the other end, we can also hope to let them know our thoughts and concerns. By being open to understanding each others’ perspectives and fostering mutual respect, we can contribute to creating harmonious and supportive communities that reflect the values of compassion and unity.

3. Contributiveness

"Charity and kindness are not only acts of worship but essential components of a moral and righteous life. Even when faced with adversity, maintaining a spirit of giving and helping others is a reflection of true faith and integrity."

— Imam al-Ghazali, Ihya’ Ulum Ad-Din

Even during the harsh boycott imposed on them, Prophet Muhammad s.a.w. and his companions remained committed to contributing positively to their society. Despite facing severe restrictions and hardships, they continued to practise acts of charity and kindness. Their resilience and dedication to helping others under such duress served as a powerful testament to their moral integrity and the strength of their faith.

Similarly, we are encouraged to contribute positively to our communities, regardless of the challenges we may face. Engaging in charitable acts, volunteering our time, and supporting various community initiatives can make a significant difference. For example, our asatizah from the Asatizah Youth Network (AYN) shared their unique experiences in empathy by performing humanitarian duties during the fasting month. By maintaining a spirit of generosity and service, even in difficult times, we can profoundly impact those around us and foster a more compassionate and supportive community.

Read: Syed Sharif Omar Ali Aljunied: The Pioneer of The Wakaf Institution in Singapore

4. Adaptability

إِلَّا تَنْصُرُوهُ فَقَدْ نَصَرَهُ اللَّهُ إِذْ أَخْرَجَهُ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا ثَانِيَ اثْنَيْنِ إِذْ هُمَا فِي الْغَارِ إِذْ يَقُولُ لِصَاحِبِهِ لَا تَحْزَنْ إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا ۖ  فَأَنْزَلَ اللَّهُ سَكِينَتَهُ عَلَيْهِ وَأَيَّدَهُ بِجُنُودٍ لَمْ تَرَوْهَا وَجَعَلَ كَلِمَةَ الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا السُّفْلَىٰ ۗ وَكَلِمَةُ اللَّهِ هِيَ الْعُلْيَا ۗ وَاللَّهُ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

“If you do not aid him (i.e., the Prophet) - Allah has already aided him when those who disbelieved had driven him out (of Makkah) as one of two, when they were in the cave and he (i.e., Muḥammad) said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us." And Allah sent down His tranquillity upon him and supported him with soldiers (i.e., angels) you did not see and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowest, while the word of Allah - that is the highest. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.”

(Surah at-Tawbah, 9:40)

The Prophet s.a.w. exemplified remarkable adaptability during times of severe hardship. When faced with intense persecution in Makkah, he strategically sought alliances and support to protect the Muslims. One notable example was sending a group of his companions to Abyssinia, where they found refuge under the protection of a just Christian king. This decision not only provided a safe haven for the Muslims but also demonstrated the Prophet’s s.a.w. ability to adapt and navigate adversity with practical and strategic solutions.

Read: Religious Freedom: Islam and Religious Minorities

In our contemporary lives, adaptability remains a key quality for overcoming challenges. Whether dealing with personal difficulties, career transitions, or shifts in societal dynamics, embracing adaptability can significantly ease our journey through complex situations. It is essential to remain open to new opportunities and explore diverse solutions. Additionally, building a robust support network and seeking assistance when necessary are critical components of adaptability, helping us to manage and thrive amid change.

Read: The Muslim Community Experience Towards a Community of Success

5. Progressiveness

"Prophet Muhammad’s s.a.w. ability to anticipate future developments and adapt his strategies accordingly is a testament to his progressive leadership. His foresight in establishing a community in Madinah and his approach to resolving conflicts were driven by a long-term vision aimed at ensuring the stability and growth of the Muslim ummah."

— Joel Hayward, The Life of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.): A Historical Perspective

The Prophet s.a.w. demonstrated remarkable progressiveness by maintaining a long-term vision for the Muslim community. His focus was not solely on immediate hardships but on the broader journey towards spiritual growth and strengthening the faith of his followers. Understanding that the trials faced in Makkah were temporary, he envisioned a future with greater opportunities, particularly in Madinah. This forward-thinking approach helped to instil a sense of hope and resilience among the Muslims, encouraging them to persevere through adversity with the promise of a brighter future.

Adopting a long-term perspective in our own lives can similarly help us stay motivated and hopeful, even in the face of difficulties. By setting personal and communal goals, we create a roadmap for progress that guides us through difficult times. Focusing on continuous improvement and maintaining a positive outlook enables us to navigate obstacles more effectively and move steadily toward success. Embracing a progressive mindset not only helps us endure present difficulties but also paves the way for future achievements and growth.

Conclusion

The episode of the Makkan persecution and the Prophet’s s.a.w. response to it continues to provide timeless lessons. The resilience, inclusiveness, contributiveness, adaptability and progressive outlook exhibited by the Prophet s.a.w. remain relevant today. In our own lives, we can draw strength from his example, finding ways to endure and thrive despite unprecedented challenges.

As we reflect on this profound episode from the Sirah (biography of Prophet Muhammad s.a.w), let us also remember to pray for an end to all forms of injustice and oppression around the world, particularly in Palestine. May Allah s.w.t. grant strength, especially to those enduring the harshest hardships, and guide us all towards a path of justice, peace and resilience.

Read: Duas for Palestine and Gaza

The lessons from the Prophet’s s.a.w. life inspires us to uphold our faith, contribute positively to society, and remain steadfast in the face of adversity. By embodying the values demonstrated, we can navigate our own trials with dignity and faith, ensuring that we remain a source of light and guidance in our communities. The story of the early Muslims in Makkah is a testament to the power of faith and perseverance, and it continues to uplift and guide us in our journey towards a just and compassionate world.

Articles on Muslim.Sg may be reproduced electronically or in print with prior permission from Muslim.Sg. Proper credit must be given to the author(s) and Muslim.Sg.