Year of Sorrow

After the boycott against Banu Hashim was annulled, the tribe returned to Makkah in the 10th year of prophethood. Soon after, Abu Talib, the Prophet's ﷺ uncle and protector, fell gravely ill and passed away in Shawwal, around two to three years before the Hijra (migration to Madinah). Despite the Prophet’s ﷺ efforts to encourage him to accept Islam, Abu Talib remained firm in his ancestral beliefs, influenced by Quraysh leaders like Abu Jahl. Following his death, the Prophet ﷺ was no longer able to seek forgiveness for him, as divine revelation in Surah At-Tawbah and Surah Al-Qasas prohibited prayers for non-believers.

Just 40 days after Abu Talib’s death, the Prophet’s ﷺ beloved wife, Khadijah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, also passed away. Her death, which occurred in the month of Ramadan, was a tremendous emotional blow. Khadijah had been the Prophet’s ﷺ strongest supporter, the first to believe in his message, and his closest confidant. Her passing, combined with the loss of Abu Talib, marked the 10th year of prophethood as the “Year of Sorrow” (Aam al-Huzn), leaving the Prophet ﷺ without both external and internal support.

Increased Persecution by the Quraysh

Following the deaths of Abu Talib and Khadijah رَضِيَ اللهُ عَنْھَا, the Quraysh ramped up their persecution of the Prophet ﷺ. Incidents of harassment became more severe, including a particularly humiliating moment when they threw the entrails of a camel on him while he was praying. Despite the escalating hostility, the Prophet ﷺ continued his mission, enduring abuse without the protection previously afforded by his uncle.

After Abu Talib’s death, Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s ﷺ other uncle, briefly extended protection to him. However, under the influence of the Quraysh, particularly Abu Jahl, Abu Lahab quickly withdrew his support.