Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
2. The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
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Finally, certain kind-hearted Makkan leaders took pity on the
Banu Hashim. They tore to pieces the agreement hanging in the
Kabah so that the Banu Hashim could come back to their homes.
But soon after this, Abu Talib the Prophet’s uncle, died. His health
had deteriorated during the three years of hardship. Although Abu
Talib had not accepted Islam, as head of his clan he had protected
the Prophet from his opponents.
After his death, Abu Lahab, another uncle of the Prophet,
became head of the Banu Hashim. He was the bitterest enemy of
Islam and Muslims. He made it clear to the Quraysh that
Muhammad no longer enjoyed his clan’s protection. In those days,
it was impossible for an individual to survive without the protection
of his clan.
Khadijah, the faithful wife of the Prophet, also died soon after
the ban was lifted. Both these deaths took place in the 10th year of
prophethood.
The loss of Abu Talib and Khadijah saddened the Prophet, for
they had been great sources of strength to him. It was their deaths
that made the enemy bold enough to persecute him. One day
when the Prophet was praying in the Kabah, Abu Jahl put a piece
of cloth round his neck and twisted it hard. He would have
strangled the Prophet had not Abu Bakr rushed to his help in time.
Day by day, the situation worsened. So the Prophet decided to
go to Taif, a neighbouring town, 40 miles from Makkah to spread
the teachings of Islam. He was accompanied only by his servant
