Mauao Man

Muhammad: The Man, The Myth, The Messenger

Part 3: Muhammad’s Early Preaching in Mecca (613–622 AD)

Introduction: A Voice Against the Idols

In 610 AD, Muhammad experienced what he believed was a divine revelation — a message delivered by the angel Gabriel. But what began as a private spiritual experience soon became a public mission. Muhammad was commanded to “rise and warn,” and so he began preaching a message that challenged the very foundations of Meccan society.

But preaching in Mecca was not easy. Muhammad’s message of strict monotheism directly threatened the religious, social, and economic power of the Quraysh tribe. As his following grew, so did the opposition — from mockery and slander to social boycotts and violent persecution.

This post explores Muhammad’s early years as a preacher in Mecca, making it clear what is known from Islamic sources and what is based on historical evidence.

1. The First Converts: A Small but Loyal Group

1. Preaching in Secret: The Early Believers (613–615 AD)

According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad initially preached his message in secret, sharing it only with close family and trusted friends.
His first converts included:
- Khadijah: His wife, the first believer and his most loyal supporter.
- Ali ibn Abi Talib: His young cousin, who would later become a key figure in early Islam.
- Zayd ibn Harithah: His adopted son, freed from slavery by Muhammad.
- Abu Bakr: A respected merchant known for his integrity, who would become Muhammad’s closest companion and the first caliph after his death.

2. The Role of Abu Bakr: The Influential Disciple

Abu Bakr was not only an early convert but a charismatic figure who used his influence to bring others to Islam.
Through his efforts, several prominent Quraysh joined the new faith, including:
- Uthman ibn Affan: A wealthy merchant who would later become the third caliph.
- Abdul Rahman ibn Awf: A successful businessman known for his generosity.
- Saad ibn Abi Waqqas: A skilled warrior and one of the ten promised paradise.
- Talha ibn Ubaydullah: A respected young merchant from a powerful clan.

3. A Message of Monotheism and Morality:

Muhammad’s early message was simple but radical:
- Monotheism: Worship Allah alone — all other gods were false.
- Accountability: There is life after death, where all will be judged.
- Justice and Compassion: Care for the poor, free slaves, be honest in trade, maintain family ties.
- Equality: The rich and the poor were equal in the sight of God.
This message directly challenged the pagan beliefs and social practices of the Quraysh.

4. The Reaction of the Quraysh:

At first, the Quraysh ignored Muhammad, seeing him as just another preacher.
But as his small group of followers grew, so did their concern.
The Quraysh saw Muhammad’s message as a direct threat to:
- Their religious authority: The Kaaba, with its idols, was a source of wealth and prestige for Mecca.
- Their social structure: Muhammad’s call for equality challenged the tribal hierarchy.
- Their economic interests: As custodians of the Kaaba, the Quraysh profited from pilgrimage.

2. Public Preaching: The Call to Open Proclamation (615–617 AD)

1. The Command to Preach Publicly:

According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad received a command from Allah:

"Proclaim openly what you are commanded, and turn away from the polytheists." (Quran 15:94)
Muhammad began preaching openly in Mecca, warning of divine judgment and calling for the worship of Allah alone.

2. The Mount of Safa: The First Public Call

Islamic sources describe how Muhammad climbed Mount Safa, a small hill near the Kaaba, and called out to the Quraysh:
- "If I told you that an army was coming over this hill, would you believe me?"
- When they answered yes, he declared: "I am a warner to you before a terrible punishment."
His own uncle, Abu Lahab, mocked him, saying, "May you perish! Is this why you gathered us?"
This open rejection from Abu Lahab is mentioned in the Quran:

"Perish the hands of Abu Lahab, and perish he!" (Quran 111:1)

3. The Early Revelations: A Message of Warning

The Quranic verses revealed during this period focused on:
- Monotheism: Allah is the only God (Quran 112:1-4).
- The Coming Judgment: A Day of Judgment is near (Quran 81:1-14).
- Moral Behavior: Honesty, charity, and respect for family.
- Condemnation of Idolatry: The idols of Mecca were powerless (Quran 53:19-23).

3. Growing Opposition: Mockery, Persecution, and Social Boycotts

1. Mockery and Slander:

As Muhammad continued to preach, the Quraysh responded with ridicule:
- They called him a madman, a sorcerer, and a poet.
- They mocked his revelations, asking for miracles to prove his prophethood.
- They spread rumors that he was possessed by a jinn (spirit).
According to the Quran:

"And they say, 'O you upon whom the message has been sent down, indeed you are mad.'" (Quran 15:6)

2. Persecution of the Weak:

While Muhammad himself was protected by his uncle Abu Talib, many of his followers were not.
The Quraysh targeted the weakest of his followers, including:
- Bilal ibn Rabah: An Ethiopian slave tortured by his master Umayyah ibn Khalaf, yet he continued to cry, "One, One!" (Allah is One).
- Yasir and Sumayyah: A married couple tortured for their faith. Sumayyah became the first martyr of Islam, killed by Abu Jahl.
- Ammar ibn Yasir: Their son, who was tortured but later forgiven by Muhammad for a moment of weakness.

3. The Social Boycott of the Hashim Clan (617–619 AD)

Frustrated by Muhammad’s persistence, the Quraysh imposed a social and economic boycott on Muhammad’s clan, the Banu Hashim, and their allies.
The terms of the boycott:
- No one could marry into the Banu Hashim.
- No one could trade with them.
- No one could provide them with food.
The Banu Hashim were forced to live in a mountain pass known as the "Shi'b Abi Talib", where they suffered from hunger and isolation.
The boycott lasted for three years, ending only when sympathetic Quraysh tore up the agreement.

4. The Year of Sorrow (619 AD)

1. The Death of Khadijah:

Khadijah, Muhammad’s beloved wife and strongest supporter, died in 619 AD, leaving Muhammad devastated.
She had been his emotional support, his financial stability, and his first believer.

2. The Death of Abu Talib:

Shortly after Khadijah’s death, Muhammad’s uncle Abu Talib also died.
Abu Talib had been Muhammad’s protector, and his death left Muhammad vulnerable.
The new leader of the Banu Hashim, Abu Lahab, was openly hostile to Muhammad.

3. A Prophet Without Protection:

Muhammad was now alone, without the protection of Khadijah or Abu Talib.
The Quraysh saw this as an opportunity to increase their pressure on him.

Conclusion: A Prophet Under Siege

From private preaching among his family to public challenges in the heart of Mecca, Muhammad’s early mission was a struggle for survival. His message of monotheism was a direct threat to the religious, social, and economic interests of the Quraysh.

Part 1: Muhammad’s Early Life — From Birth to Marriage (570–595 AD)
Part 2: Muhammad’s Spiritual Journey and the First Revelation (595–610 AD)
The Mecca Controversy: Was It Really a Major Trading Hub?
Before Islam: A History of the Middle East (0 AD to 610 AD)

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.