Envy likewise kept many of them back, just as it did the Jews and the Arab idolaters. Abū Jahl, ʿAmr ibn Hishām, used to admit this and say, “We and the Banū Hāshim were equals in every respect, but then they claimed, ‘A messenger has been raised from among us, not from you.’ From where could we bring forth a messenger?” It was out of jealousy toward Banū Hāshim that they denied his message.

Abū Ṭālib himself says in his well-known poem:
“I know for certain the religion of Muḥammad
is the finest faith mankind has ever known.
Were it not for fear of blame or slander’s sting,
you would have found me gladly proclaiming it, openly.”

He acknowledged in his heart that Muḥammad was Allah’s Messenger, yet the tribal zeal of jāhiliyyah for his people stopped him; he would not abandon the religion of ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib, which was the worship of idols. Thus they affirm his prophethood inwardly, but an inner acknowledgment that he is the Messenger of Allah is not enough—one must also declare it with the tongue.

Nor is a verbal declaration together with inward assent sufficient; a third matter is still required: following him. Concerning this Allah, the Exalted, says, “So those who believe in him, honor him, support him, and follow the light sent down with him—it is they who will prosper.” ⦗Al-Aʿrāf 7:157⦘