ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Migration To Al-madinah On release from the virtual incarceration at Shi`b Abū-Talib, of Banū-Hashim, the enthusiasm of the Quraysh in pestering them cooled down. Although, in their hearts, they had the same hatred for the Prophet (a.s), his family and companions, as erstwhile. They had some consideration and awe of the personality of Abū-Talib that kept them in a degree of check.

Abū-Talib had now grown old and the troubles of exile had not done any good to his health. He deceased a short while after his return from Shi`b Abū-Talib. Now the people of Makkah got total freedom to trouble the Prophet (a.s) and the new converts to Islam the way they wished. None had the courage to stop them from their nefarious activities. Every day the troublesome activities of Quraysh increased. When the tyranny of the Quraysh became unbearable, the Prophet (a.s) went to Ta’if from Makkah.

Ta’if is at a distance of sixty miles from Makkah and has a salubrious climate. According to a narrative of Abul-Hasan al-Mada’ini, `Ali (a.s) and Zayd ibn Harithah accompanied the Prophet (a.s) on this journey. The purpose of the Prophet (a.s) behind this trip was to invite the people of Ta’if to the fold of Islam. But the people there were worse than those in Makkah were.

They did not agree to listen to the Prophet (a.s) and set wayward urchins and vagabonds to throw stones at the visiting party. With difficulty the Prophet (a.s) spent a month at Ta’if and, literally, the vagabonds chased the party away from there. The only way left for them was to head back to Makkah. They came to the outskirts of the town and camped at the Cave of Hira’. It was risky for them to enter the precincts of the town without some plausible support.

He sent word to Mut`im ibn `Adi through a person seeking his protection. When he pledged his support, the Prophet (a.s) entered the town. Here he faced the same difficulties and hurdles as he faced at Ta’if. But, despite all the difficulties, he continued his Mission. He visited the nearby hamlets and propagated the Message of Islam. The Quraysh too shadowed him during these trips and used to interrupt the meetings calling him a madcap. The Prophet (a.s) however maintained his calm and composure.

He never reacted angrily and thus continued his mission.