The kafirun (the pl.

The kafirun (the pl. of kafir; the people who do not believe in God amongst the nobles of Mecca feared that the slaves would be roused and incited by the call Muhammad (s a w a) and as a result, they would be unable to keep them in slavery.

Day be day, the voice of criticism grew louder until the name of the Messenger of Allah became known to every tribe in the Hijaz and in every corner of every town, people could be heard talking about a certain man who had brought a new din (a divine code for living and worshipping) and was boldly challenging the existence of the accepted gods.

The chiefs and nobles of the Quraysh, qhose tyrannical leaders was of Abu Sufyan, complained to Abu Talib the paternal uncle and guardian of Muhammad (s a w a). They asked him to advise his nephew to stop slandering and challenging their gods. Muhammad(s a w a) was not to be deterred from hi mission.

It was during this priod of psychological warfare between the forces of truth and falsehood that Allah revealed to the Prophet that he should begin to openly call the people to Islam, to the worship of the One, Unique God and to prevent his family and relatives from worshipping the idols: وانذر عشيرتك الأقربين(and warn tribe and those closest to you; Qur'an, 26: 214). Acting on this divine order, he told Ali (a s) to organize a meeting and invite both his close family and the rest of his kin.

Ali (a s) sent out letters of invitation to his own relatives and to those of Muhammad (s a w a) calling them to as evening meal at his own house. One after the other, the important members of the Quraysh, who were all related to the holy Prophet, arrived at the meeting; Ali (a s) received and served on them. When everyone had finished the meal, the noble Prophet (s a w a) began to speak: ''Oh leaders of the Quraysh! Cease to worship idols!

Put an end to your evil actions, corruption, debauchery, tyranny, usury and everything which is haram (forbidden according to the divine code), fear God, for on the Day of Judgement each person will be rewarded according to his actions...'' Silence fell on the meeting; the mushrikin were so angry that they gnashed their teeth and would have torn the noble (s a w a) to pieces had they been able; they feared Abu Talib, however, and so restrained their evil desire.

It was ta this moment that the Messenger of Allah turned to face the sons of his paternal uncle Abdul- Muttalib and said; ''Listen, sons of Abdul Muttalib.