The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
The Life of the Prophet
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placed therein all the idols, numbering 360, which
were worshipped by different Arab tribes. The Arabs
would visit the Kabah all the year round to make
offerings to these deities. Over and above this, the
large gathering of pilgrims was also responsible for
the flourishing of trade in Makkah. These were the
two main reasons for the majority of Makkans
becoming staunch opponents of the Prophet of Islam.
However, the serious-minded people of Makkah
did not fail to realize the truth of his message, and
gradually began to accept Islam. About 200 people
from Makkah as well as the surrounding areas
entered the fold of Islam after a 13-year period of
dawah
activity.
The Makkan leadership was in the hands of the
Quraysh tribe. Such leaders as Abu Jahal, Abu
Lahab, etc., turned hostile to the Prophet. First they
wanted to stop the spread of the religion by
opposing it. But very soon they realized that their
opposition was ineffective. In the meantime, the
Prophet’s uncle, Abu Talib, died. He had been a
leader of the Quraysh, and the Prophet’s guardian
and supporter.
