Lessons from the Early Makkan Period

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Contents

A threat to the old ways Even the Prophet ﷺ was not free from such tests Finding strength and developing in difficulty Turning the tide through the Hijrah Action points

Imagine a fledgling community, their faith a radical new idea challenging the status quo: the polytheism of idol worship. A belief firmly embedded in the community through generations. This was the reality for the early Muslims in Makkah.

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“And We did not send any Messenger before you, but We revealed to him [saying]: ‘There is no God but Me, so worship Me’.” [1]

In this chapter, we explore the struggles endured by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his followers, offering priceless lessons on being strong, having faith, and in persevering.

The Prophet ﷺ proclaimed the message publicly, as commanded by Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) in the most comforting of ways:

“So proclaim what you have been commanded, and turn away from the polytheists.

“Surely, We will be sufficient for you against the mockers, who set up other gods with Allah. They will soon come to know.

“We certainly know that your heart is truly distressed by what they say. So glorify the praises of your Lord and be one of those who always pray, and worship your Lord until the inevitable [i.e. death] comes your way.” [2]

A threat to the old ways

Islam, with its message of one God and social justice, clashed head-on with the established order in Makkah.

The powerful Quraysh tribe, believing they derived their wealth, fame, and honour from idolatry practices, naturally saw the way of life as a threat.

As the Prophet ﷺ openly preached his message, he and his followers became targets. They were ostracised from society, thrown out of their homes, starved, their livelihoods threatened, their person physically harmed, and even killed.

Yet, their faith remained unshaken.

The Qur’ān aptly captures this period of hardship, highlighting the sheer commitment of the believers:

“Do people think they will simply say ‘We believe’ and not be tested?” [3]

Even the Prophet ﷺ was not free from such tests

In a narration reported by Abdullah (radiy Allahu ‘anhu), it is said,

“Once the Prophet ﷺ was offering the prayer in the shade of the Ka`ba.

“Abu Jahl and some Qurayshi men sent somebody to bring the abdominal contents of a she-camel which had been slaughtered somewhere in Makkah, and when he brought them, they put them over the Prophet ﷺ.

Then, Fātima (the Prophet’s daughter) came and threw them away from him, and he (ﷺ) said,

‏ اللَّهُمَّ عَلَيْكَ بِقُرَيْشٍ، اللَّهُمَّ عَلَيْكَ بِقُرَيْشٍ، اللَّهُمَّ عَلَيْكَ بِقُرَيْشٍ

‘O Allah! Destroy [the pagans of] Quraysh; O Allah! Destroy Quraysh; O Allah! Destroy Quraysh…” [4]

Finding strength and developing in difficulty

The persecution in Makkah is a lesson in the power of patience and faith during hardship.

The early Muslims’ toughness didn’t just strengthen their bonds with each other, it also deepened their trust in Allah’s wisdom and mercy! And their steady īmān laid the foundation for the eventual spread of Islam beyond the confines of Makkah.

Abu Mūsa (radiy Allahu ‘anhu) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said the following while his hands were clasped by interlacing his fingers:

“A faithful believer to a faithful believer is like the bricks of a wall, enforcing each other.” [5]

Turning the tide through the Hijrah

Allah (subḥānahu wa ta’āla) says,

“Say [O Prophet], ‘O My servants who have believed, fear your Lord. For those who do good in this world are good, and the Earth of Allah is spacious. Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account [i.e., limit]’.” [6]

When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Madinah — the event known as the Hijrah — this wasn’t a retreat, but a strategic move.

It provided the Muslim community with the freedom to establish a society based on their values. And it exemplifies how, through divine guidance, what seems like defeat can be transformed into a strategic victory.

Action points

Like the early Muslims, draw strength from perseverance. Trials can bolster character and deepen beliefs.
Let your good actions based upon Prophetic principles guide you, regardless of external pressures.
When faced with adversity, look for ways to turn challenges into positive change!