Muhammad a Prophet For all Humanity
10. The Prophet in Makkah
~ 231 ~
One thing is quite clear from biographies of the
Prophet. When the task of public preaching
devolved upon him, he became very conscious of
the greatness of this task, realizing that it would
require his complete and single-minded attention.
He hoped that his family would look after him
financially so that, freed from having to look for a
livelihood; he would be able to concentrate on his
preaching work. He called ‘Abd al-Muttalib’s
family together in his own house. There were about
thirty family members at that time. The Prophet
told them what his true mission in life now was. He
asked for their support, so that he would be free to
discharge his prophetic duties. This is how Imam
Ahmad describes the incident, on the authority of
‘A’ishah:
“Banu Muttalib,” the Prophet said, “I have
been sent to you in particular, and to the
whole of mankind in general. Who will swear
allegiance to me and become my brother and
companion? Who will fulfill my debts and my
promises on my behalf? Who will look after
my family affairs for me? He will be with me
in heaven.” Someone spoke up: “Muhammad,
