Peaceful Beginning of the Prophetic Mission

to this problem. So they all came to Abu Talib to tell him to stop Muhammad from spreading his message. They warned him, “Tell Muhammad to stop spreading his message, or you will abandon him. If you fail to do so, you should be ready to suffer for the deeds of your nephew.” Abu Talib, an old man, felt he could not resist their wrath. So he told the Prophet what the Quraysh chiefs had said to him and then added, “My dearest nephew, look to your safety and the safety of your uncle, and do not cause me to carry a burden I cannot bear.” For a while, the Prophet stood motionless. On the one hand, there was his old uncle, weakened by the people’s opposition, and on the other hand, he was responsible for proclaiming the truth till his last breath. Moreover, his faith and conviction in the truth were the only sources of strength. So he decided to discharge his duty, whatever the cost. In a firm and calm voice, and with tears in his eyes, he said: “O, uncle! By God Almighty, I swear that even if they