The Prophet in Makkah

future for Islam. If their actions were not likely to produce such results, it was better for them to be patient. One thing is quite clear from biographies of the Prophet. When the task of public preaching devolved upon him, he became very conscious of the greatness of this task, realizing that it would require his complete and single-minded attention. Therefore, he hoped that his family would look after him financially so that he could concentrate on his preaching work, freed from having to look for a livelihood. So he called ‘Abd al-Muttalib’s family together in his own house. There were about thirty family members at that time. The Prophet told them what his true mission in life now was. He asked for their support so that he would be free to discharge his prophetic duties. This is how Imam Ahmad describes the incident, on the authority of ‘Aisha: “Banu Muttalib,” the Prophet said, “I have been sent to you in particular and to humanity in general. Who will swear allegiance to me and become my brother and companion? Who will fulfil my debts and my promises on my behalf? Who will look after my family affairs for me? He will be with me in heaven.” Someone spoke up: “Muhammad, you are an ocean. Who can come forward and accept such responsibility?” 93 The Prophet’s own family were not ready to accept responsibility for him. ‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib, the Prophet’s uncle, was financially able to look after his nephew. Yet he remained silent for fear that this responsibility would