Key Conversions and the Boycott

Key Conversions Strengthen Islam

Despite ongoing persecution, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ continued to preach in Makkah, and several significant conversions changed the course of the Muslim community’s fortunes.

Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, the Prophet’s uncle, embraced Islam in a moment of courage and loyalty. When Abu Jahl insulted and harmed the Prophet ﷺ near the Ka‘bah, Hamza—returning from a hunting trip with his bow still in hand—was told of the incident. Filled with anger, he confronted Abu Jahl, struck him with his bow, and declared, “How dare you insult Muhammad while I follow his religion!” Though spoken in the heat of the moment, Hamza’s words soon became a firm conviction, and from that day he stood as one of the strongest defenders of Islam.

Umar ibn al-Khattab رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, initially determined to kill the Prophet ﷺ after being tempted by Abu Jahl’s reward, was stopped on his way by Nu’aym ibn Abdillah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, a recent secret convert, who informed him that Umar’s own sister, Fatima, and brother-in-law, Sa‘id, had secretly embraced Islam. Enraged, Umar marched to their house and pounded on the door. Inside, he heard Fatima and Sa‘id quietly reciting something. When he asked what they were reading, they denied it. In his anger, Umar tried to strike Sa‘id but accidentally hit Fatima instead, prompting them to openly declare their faith. Witnessing their sincerity, Umar’s heart began to soften.

He then asked to see what they were reciting. Fatima hesitated, concerned about respecting the Qur’an, but Umar promised he would only read it. She allowed him, on the condition that he purify himself first. Umar performed ghusl and read Surah Taha, and in that moment, the light of Islam entered his heart.

The conversions of both Hamza and Umar provided the early Muslims with greater protection and support, temporarily easing the Quraysh’s hostility towards them.

The Quraysh’s Boycott

Despite these significant conversions, the Quraysh intensified their opposition by imposing a severe economic and social boycott against the Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib clans, aiming to pressure them into withdrawing their protection of the Prophet ﷺ. The boycott lasted for two to three years and affected the Muslims deeply. It involved a complete ban on trading, intermarrying, and socializing with members of the two tribes. The Quraysh even wrote a pact detailing these terms and hung it inside the Kaaba as a public declaration of their stance.

In response to the boycott, Abu Talib and his family, including the Prophet ﷺ, moved to a valley outside Makkah known as the Valley of Abu Talib. During this period, the Muslims and their supportive clans endured extreme hardships, including severe food shortages. They relied on smuggled supplies from sympathizers like Mut’im ibn Adi and Hakim ibn Hizam.

Incidents That Ended the Boycott

Several events led to the end of the Quraysh boycott against the Prophet ﷺ and his clan:

1. Du‘a for Famine – The Prophet ﷺ prayed for a famine like that of Yusuf (AS). Makkah suffered extreme drought and hunger, forcing Quraysh to seek reconciliation.

2. Opposition Within Quraysh – Compassionate leaders like Hisham ibn Amr, Zuhayr ibn Abi Umayya, Mut‘im ibn ‘Adi, and Abu al-Bukhturi openly opposed the pact. In a public confrontation at the Ka‘bah, they challenged Abu Jahl, revealing a shift in public opinion.

3. Divine Proof of the Treaty’s Destruction – The Prophet ﷺ told Abu Talib that termites had eaten the treaty inside the Ka‘bah, leaving only the words “In the name of Allah.” When this was confirmed, Quraysh had no choice but to nullify the pact, and the Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib returned to Makkah.

Additionally, during this period Abu Talib composed the famous “Lamiyyah” poem, considered one of the finest works of Arabic poetry.