Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) part 6 :

Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) part 6 :

A) Proliferation(spread) of Islamic Knowledge by our Prophet(sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) :

For three weary long years, the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) labored very quietly to deliver his people from the worship of idols. Polytheism was deeply rooted among the people. It offered attractions, which the new faith in its purity did not possess. The Quraish had personal material interests in the old worship, and their prestige was dependent upon its maintenance. The Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) had to struggle with the idolatrous worship of its followers and to oppose the ruling oligarchy(a small group of people having control of a country), which governed its destinies.

After three years of constant but quiet struggle, only thirty followers were secured. An important change now occurred in the relations of the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) with the citizens of Mecca. His compatriots had begun to doubt his sanity, thinking him crazy or possessed by an evil spirit. Previously he preached quietly and unobtrusively(without attracting attention). He now decided to appeal publicly to the Meccans,requesting them to abandon their idolatry. For this he arranged a gathering on a neighboring hill
and there spoke to them of their fooloshness in the sight of Allah in worshiping pieces of stone which they called their gods. He (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) invited them to abandon their old impious worship and adopt the faith of love, truth and purity. He (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) warned them of the fate that had overtaken past races who had not heeded the preaching of former prophets. But the gathering departed without listening to the warning given them by the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam).

Having thus failed to induce his fellow citizens to listen to him, he (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) turned his attention to the strangers arriving in the city on trade or pilgrimage. But the Quraish made attempts to frustrate his efforts. They hastened themselves to meet the strangers first on different routes, to warn them against holding any communication with the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam), whom they represented as a dangerous magician. When the pilgrims or traders returned to their homes, they carried with them the news of the advent of the bold preacher who was inviting the Arabs loudly - at the risk of his own life - to abandon the worship of their dear idols.

B)Persecution(ill treatment) perpetrated by the Makkan Tribe of Quraish :

Now the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) and his followers became subject to some persecution and indignity. The hostile Quraish prevented the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) from offering his prayers at the Sacred House of the Ka'ba; they pursued him wherever he went; they covered him and his disciples with dirt and filth when engaged in their devotions; they scattered thorns in the places which he frequented for devotion and meditation. Amidst all these trials the Prophet (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) did not become weaker. He (sallallahu alaihi wa sallam) was full of confidence in his mission, even when on several occasions he was put in imminent(close) danger of losing his life.

At this time Hamza, the youngest son of Abdul Muttalib, adopted Islam. Hamza was a man of distinguished bravery, an intrepid warrior, generous and true, whose heroism earned for him the title of the "Lion of Allah." He became a devoted adherent of Islam and even lost his life in the cause.

In sha Allah , to be continued in next post.