Peaceful Beginning of the Prophetic Mission

PEACEFUL BEGINNING OF THE PROPHETIC MISSION the pilgrimage, which was good for Makkah, for the townspeople had no other way of making money; farming or planting orchards in such a desert area was out of the question. The Kabah was their sole asset. However, not all of the Makkans were hostile. Some gave serious thought to the message of the Quran and gradually began to accept Islam. There were about 200 Makkans, as well as people from the neighbouring settlements, who entered the Islamic fold. The Quraysh, who enjoyed the Makkan leadership, considered the teachings of the new religion an insult to the religion of their forefathers. In Islam, they saw a danger to their leadership. Such leaders as Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab were the most hostile to the Prophet. They began to give serious thought to the matter. Islam was fast gaining ground, so they thought they could not afford to postpone taking action. They had to nip this `menace’ in the bud. The chiefs of different clans gathered to discuss the matter. They all felt that if Abu Talib did not come their way, they would have no difficulty in finding a solution