The Quraysh test the Muslim’s resolve

In spite of all the precautions the Prophet took to ensure that Madinah remained safe and peaceful, the Quraysh determined to destabilise the city. The Quraysh sent word to the polytheists of Madinah, ordering them to help drive out the Muslims. If the polytheists refused to help, the Quraysh threatened to kill their children and capture their women. The Prophet found out about the threats and convinced the polytheists not to give in to the strong-arm tactics of the Quraysh. The Quraysh seethed at the turn of events. Their frustration was apparent when Sa’d bin Mu’adh went to Makkah to perform Umrah, the minor pilgrimage. As he circumambulated the Ka’bah, with Abu Safwan Umayya bin Khalaf, he met Abu Jahl.

Abu Jahl recognised him as one of the residents of Madinah who had become Muslim and accosted Sa’d. “So you find safety in Makkah while you have provided refuge to the faithless. By God, if you were not with Abu Safwan, you would not return home safe and sound.”

Abu Jahl’s threat indicated that the Quraysh were intent on keeping Muslims from visiting the Ka’bah and performing their religious duties there. It also indicated that they were prepared to kill unarmed Muslims.

The Jews of Madinah also represented a threat to the Muslims. They played on the old rivalry between the two tribes of Madinah, the Aus and Khazraj, hoping to rekindle the bitter feud that had once rent them. The fledgling Muslims community faced threats from both within and without. The danger of bloodshed grew so serious that the Muslims began keeping their weapons next to their beds at night. The Prophet was also protected by armed bodyguards until Allah revealed the verse: “Allah will guard you from mankind.” (5: 67).