Boycott of Banu Hashim and The Year of Grief
Boycott Of Banu Hashim (617 AD – 619 AD):
The acceptance of Islam by Hamza, the prophet’s uncle and Umar son of Khattab , greatly upset and engraged the Makkans. The Quraish tried their best to harass the Muslims and make them denounce their faith.
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They demanded that the Banu Hashim withdraw their protection from the Holy Prophet (P.b.u.h) and hand him over to them or face a complete boycott. This demand was turned down.
Thus they decided to boycott- which meant that no one from the other tribes of Makka was allowed to have any dealings with them. Even food had to be bought in secretly.
Banu Hashim was forced to live in a secluded valley, known as Shib Abi Talib, in the outskirts of Makkah – a property of Abu Talib. Their condition became so bad that children cried with hunger, adults fed on boiled leather and leaves of trees and the valley echoed with the cries of helpless people.
These conditions continued for three years, until a few kind hearted men among the unbelievers moved by pity decided to lift the ban.
Year Of Grief (620 Ad):
In the tenth year of prophet hood prophet’s wife Hazrat Khadija died. In the same year his uncle Abu Talib also died.
This year was known as “Am- al- Huzn” (Year Of Greif).
These were very difficult times for Prophet Muhammad (P.b.u.h) as both of these people had provided him with help and support during the early times of the revelation and the period of preaching.
Importance of Abu Talib:
He took care of Prophet Muhammad (P.b.u.h) as a father and loved him more than his own family.
His death worried the Prophet (P.b.u.h) a lot as his influential status was a source of protection for the Prophet (P.b.u.h).
Death of Abu Talib provided an opportunity to the enemy, to harm and persecute the Holy Prophet (P.b.u.h).
Importance of Hazrat Khadija:
She had been a source of comfort and moral support for him. She had provided him eith both financial and moral support and her death was a saddening event for the prophet.
Prophet decided to take the message of Islam to the people of Al Taif.
Prophet(P.b.u.h) also married Hazrat Sawdah and Hazrat Ayesha during the same year.
