The Prophet in Makkah

replied that he just wanted them to testify that there was none worthy of being served to save God and forsake all other objects of worship. His people, however, were unwilling to accept this. When everyone left, Abu Talib told his nephew: “You know, I don’t think it was tough that you asked of them.” Hearing his uncle’s words, the Prophet’s hopes soared; for now, perhaps he would accept Islam. “Uncle,” he said, “then why don’t you testify to the oneness of God so that I may intercede for you on the Day of Judgement?”95 The Prophet was sorely disappointed that his uncle never accepted Islam. The dedication with which the Prophet applied himself to his task was total, all his mental and physical energy being channelled into it. Not only his time but also his property went into the furtherance of the Islamic cause. Before the start of his mission, the Prophet had become quite rich through his marriage to the wealthy Khadijah. At the beginning of the Makkan period, the Quraysh sent ‘Utbah ibn Rabi’ah to talk to the Prophet. As Ibn Kathir explains, he soon found himself being won over; (an event which his relatives, unfortunately, misinterpreted as being due to the love of the Prophet’s wealth): Afterwards ‘Utbah stayed home and did not go out to see anybody. “Fellow Quraysh,” Abu Jahl said, “It seems to me that ‘Utbah has become attracted towards Muhammad. He must have been taken by the food that Muhammad offered him. This can