for Allah upheld his treaty until its appointed term. He, Mighty and Majestic, said:
“Except those polytheists with whom you have made a treaty and who have neither failed you in any respect nor supported anyone against you: honor your treaty with them until its term expires. Indeed, Allah loves those who fear Him.” [al-Tawbah: 4]
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When he, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was sent as a prophet at the age of forty—or forty-three, according to the accounts mentioned—he kept his mission secret for approximately three years, during which he did not openly call people to Islam. Then Allah, Mighty and Majestic, commanded him to proclaim His religion and openly call people to Islam. He said:
“O Messenger, convey what has been sent down to you from your Lord. If you do not, then you have not conveyed His message.” [al-Mā’idah: 67]
The meaning of His words, “If you do not,” is: if you do not openly call people to Islam, then you have duly conveyed the message. Do not fear what people might do in this regard, for Allah will protect you from them. He, Mighty and Majestic, also said:
“So proclaim what you are commanded, and turn away from the polytheists.” [al-Hijr: 94]
“Indeed, We are sufficient for you against the mockers.” [al-Hijr: 95], and so on.
When he openly called people to Islam as Allah, Mighty and Majestic, had commanded him, and denounced the folly of Quraysh in worshipping idols that could neither see nor hear, neither harm nor benefit, they turned against him and sought to kill him. They began torturing and persecuting those among them who believed. He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, remained under the protection of his uncle Abū Tālib until his uncle died in Shawwāl of the eighth or ninth year of his prophetic mission.
The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said to them, “Disperse throughout the land, for Allah will bring you together.” They asked, “Where should we go?” He replied, “This way,” pointing toward Abyssinia. A considerable number emigrated there, some alone and others with their families, until they reached Abyssinia. Those who enjoyed the protection of their unbelieving clansmen remained in Mecca.
When Quraysh saw that Islam was spreading and gaining ground, they gathered and made a pact against Banū Hāshim, including Banū al-Muttalib, descendants of ‘Abd Manāf, in its terms: they would neither speak to them, sit with them, intermarry with them, nor trade with them until they handed over the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, for them to kill. They recorded this in a document and hung it inside the Kaaba. Banū Hāshim and Banū al-Muttalib, descendants of ‘Abd Manāf, then withdrew