The Prophet Muhammad A simple Guide to his Life
The Life of the Prophet
~ 13 ~
After the death of Abu Talib the Makkan leaders
intensified their opposition. They began openly
indulging in hostile activities. At that time the
Prophet, feeling that the situation in Makkah was
not favourable for spreading his message, allowed
his companions to temporarily leave Makkah and
migrate to Abyssinia, a neighbouring country. As
for himself he decided to go in search of supporters
in an Arabian town, called Taif. He was
accompanied only by his servant Zayd.
This journey did not yield any positive result. The
leaders of Taif, turning against him like the Makkan
leaders, treated him very badly. Therefore, the
Prophet returned to Makkah. However, the support
of a Makkan leader was necessary if he was to stay
in the city. So when he was still on the outskirts of
his hometown, he sent his servant to the Makkan
leader Mutim ibn Adi, still an idolater, with the
request that he extend his patronage so that he
might stay in Makkah. This protection was
necessary according to the ancient Arab system.
Only when Mutim ibn Adi agreed to do so was the
Prophet able to enter the city. But now the
opposition of the Makkan leaders had so greatly
