The early years of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prophethood in Makkah were revolutionary for both him and Arabian civilization as a whole. Islam was founded on the Prophet’s first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). The first few years of his mission were marked by both encouragement from a few early believers. And fierce opposition from the powerful Quraysh, who wanted to suppress the new faith. This early time was critical in defining the formation of Islam. And developing the spiritual and social message that eventually spread over the world.

The First Revelation and Early Preaching
The early years of Prophet Muhammad prophethood began while he was in the Cave of Hira in the mountains surrounding Makkah. At 40, he received his first revelation from Allah through the angel Jibril. The message “Read in the name of your Lord Who Created” (Qur’an 96:1) announced the beginning of his celestial mission. The Prophet was initially uncertain and extremely disturbed by the grandeur of the encounter, but his wife, Khadijah, consoled him and informed him of his prophetic destiny.

After the first revelation, the Prophet Muhammad began to receive more revelations. Which he shared with his immediate family and friends. Khadijah, his cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib, his liberated slave Zayd ibn Haritha. Close associate Abu Bakr were among the first to recognise the message. These early followers, known as Sahabah (companions), believed in God’s unity (Tawhid) and the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood. They would later become the foundation of the Muslim community.
The Prophet’s early preaching centred on Islam’s core principles. Trust in one God, the value of ethical behaviour, social justice, and the promise of the hereafter.

He stressed moral integrity, compassion, and charity, advising people to reject idol worship, superstitions, and economic disparities that are common in Makkah. For several years, the Prophet preached secretly. Initially focus on spreading the gospel among his family and close acquaintances.

Public Preaching and the Quraysh Opposition
As the number of followers grew, the Prophet Muhammad began to preach publicly. He stood in the centre of Makkah’s bustling marketplaces. Loudly urging people to worship Allah alone and reject their idols. This new teaching of monotheism, social equality. And moral conduct directly challenged the firmly ingrained habits of Makkah’s ruling tribe, the Quraysh, who controlled the Ka’bah and profited from idol worship and pilgrimage.

The Quraysh, who were polytheistic and had based their riches and power on the pilgrimage business and idol worship, saw the Prophet’s message as a direct threat to their social, political, and economic systems. Initially, they tried to ignore him, but as his following grew, their opposition became more vocal and harsh. The Quraysh, seeing Muhammad as a challenge to their rule, used a variety of evaluates to discredit and crush him.

Opposition and Persecution
The Quraysh increased their opposition to Prophet Muhammad, utilising a variety of measures to prevent Islam from spreading. They mocked the Prophet, calling him a crazy, sorcerer, and poet. Some Quraysh members offered him bribes, implying that if he wanted wealth or leadership, he could get it in exchange for forsaking his purpose. However, the Prophet refused, retaining constant in his dedication to his heavenly mission.

As the Prophet’s adherents grew in number, the Quraysh adopted more hostile tactics. They started to persecute the early Muslims, praising them to social exclusion, physical violence, and economic punishment. The Muslims were boycotted by the Quraysh for several years, causing significant hardship. Families were separated, and many early followers were tortured, including the well-known incidents of Sumayyah and her husband Yasir, who were killed for their faith in Islam. Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave who converted to Islam, was subjected to horrific torture, including being carried through the streets of Makkah and driven to recant his faith.

Despite rising tyranny, the Muslim population continued to increase. The Prophet’s unwavering resolution, as well as his followers’ sacrifices, increased the resolve of the early Muslim community. Throughout this time, the Prophet remained committed to his purpose, promoting patience, endurance, and reliance on Allah.

The Migration to Abyssinia
In the face of increasing persecution, the Prophet urged a small group of his followers to go to the Christian kingdom of Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia), where they could freely practice their faith. Negus, the Christian monarch, gave them protection after hearing their message and establishing their genuineness. This exodus, known as the Hijrah to Abyssinia, was a watershed moment in Islam’s early history, allowing Muslims to survive in an environment free of Quraysh tyranny.

Meanwhile, the Quraysh started their conspiring against the Prophet and his supporters. They attempted to impede the growth of Islam by spreading misinformation and giving various incentives to encourage the Prophet to cease preaching. However, the Prophet remained steady, and his resolve grew stronger as his people faced trials and persecution.

The Role of Supporters
While the Quraysh opposition grew more powerful the early Muslim community found support and resilience in the face of adversity. Although not a Muslim, the Prophet’s uncle, Abu Talib, sheltered him from the Quraysh’s more extreme forms of persecution, providing him with some security. Another important supporter was Abu Bakr, who stood with the Prophet and backed his message. Eventually becoming one of his closest friends and the first caliph following his death.

Conclusion
Adversity, persistence, and growing acceptance for the new faith characterized Prophet Muhammad’s prophethood in Makkah during his early years. Despite fierce resistance from the Quraysh, including derision. Persecution, and economic sanctions, the Prophet remained faithful in his mission to spread the message of Islam.

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