Opposition and Persecution by Quraish

Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section
Academic Year: 2021–2022
Islamiyat 0493
Notes and Guidelines
Student Name/ID
Class/ Section
Chapter 3 The Life and Importance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Topic Life of Prophet (SAW) in Makkah

Opposition and Persecution of the Quraish
towards Prophet (SAW) and his followers
Reference notes - 5
Chapter 3 – Opposition and Persecution of the Quraish
Generic Guidelines
➢ These notes are consisted of outlines NOT the complete answer.
➢ Outlines are based on the IGCSE requirements with the reference of past paper question
and guidelines with examiner report for the relevant topics.
➢ These notes will serve the students as a mind map, in order to form a well-developed
answer.
➢ Students are required to use the given key points to develop the response in their own
words.
➢ For some topics notes are given in complete paragraph form to give idea how to develop
the answer.
➢ References are also included within the notes to help students memorize.
Life of Prophet (SAW) in Makkah

Persecution of the Quraish towards Prophet (SAW)
Candidates should write a detailed account of the difficulties faced by the prophet, and should
write about the events as they happened.
Candidates could give a brief description of the Prophet beginning to preach openly after years of
secret worship, including an account of when he stood on the hill and made his speech declaring
his faith, and the reaction of the Quraysh. They could go on to give a description of the subsequent
mocking and torture he faced, mentioning the key figures involved in the persecutions, and
mention of the tolerance and patience of the Prophet. They could also include relevant references
from the Qur’an.
Following is the outline for a well-developed response.
Outline
➢ Background
➢ Verbal Persecution towards Prophet (SAW)
➢ Mental pressures to Harass Prophet (SAW)
o Temptations by Quraish
o Bargain offered by Quraish
o Pressure to his Family
➢ Physical torture towards Prophet (SAW)
o Names of persecutors and Related Events
➢ Severity of the Persecution faced by Prophet (SAW)
o Torture to Prophet’s Followers
o The socio-Economic Boycott
o 10th year of Prophethood and new leader Abu Lahab
o Prophet (SAW)’s visit to Taif
o Quraish’s Assassination plan for Prophet (SAW)
➢ Conclusion
➢
Page 2 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved
Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Part ‘a’ (10 Marks Question)
Students are required to recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of the faith
and history of Islam in part ‘A’.
1. Describe the main difficulties encountered by the Prophet himself during his time in
Makka after his call to prophethood. [10] October/November 2010
2. Outline the difficulties the Prophet faced between receiving his first revelation and the
boycott of Banu Hashim. [10] October/November 2015
Marking Scheme:
Candidates should write a detailed account of the difficulties faced by the Prophet mainly.
Candidates could start their answer with Prophet inviting his close relatives of Banu Hashim to
Islam and their cold response to his call. They could give a brief description of the Prophet
beginning to preach openly after years of secret worship, after he announced his faith to the
Quraysh on mount Safa. They rejected his call to Islam, and subsequently went on to mock and
torture the Prophet. He was called a mad man, or possessed by jinn [15.6, 68.51];
Abu Lahab forced his two sons to divorce the Prophet’s daughters Ruqayya and Umm Kulthum;
they laughed and mocked him after his son’s death, calling him ‘abtar’, cut off. Gradually as Islam
started spreading, leaders of different tribes such as Banu Makhzum escalated the persecution
against Prophet. Abu Jahl had the foetus of a she-camel placed on the Prophet’s back while he
was praying at the Ka’ba, which was removed by Fatima. Rubbish and thorny bushes were
thrown at him/in his path.
His followers were also persecuted which hurt the Prophet too; the Prophet and his followers
were boycotted and were not allowed business dealings or social contact with the Makkans; they
stayed in Shib i Abi Talib for three years, where they had little food or water. The Quraysh also
tried to bribe him and when all failed, planned to assassinate him.
Excellent answers should provide a clear and detailed narrative of the key events, the main
people involved in the persecution as well as giving relevant quotations. As well as showing that
they had knowledge of the topic (mentioning a lot of the key events relating to the persecution of
the Prophet, e.g., the events at Ta’if, the mocking and boycott) candidates needed to give details
of what happened and mention specific names of those involved.
The persecution inflicted upon the companions of the Prophet (SAW) is not required for this
question.

Persecution of the Quraish towards Prophet (SAW)
Answer must begin with the general introduction and details about ‘the persecution faced by
Prophet (SAW) himself’ as mentioned in the outline.
➢ Background
o When Prophet (PBUH) was given the command of preaching his religion openly, he went to
Mount Safa and invited people of Makkah to Islam.
o He began to approach all different clans of Quraish and proclaim the message loudly in
courtyard of Ka’bah. this resulted in more people to enter the fold of Islam.
o Quraish felt threatened and held a meeting in Dar-ul-Nadwa.
o They planned to persecute and torture the Holy prophet (SAW) and his followers as per their
power.
➢ Verbal Persecution towards Prophet (SAW)

o Makkans launched a campaign against Prophet (SAW)
o They declared him a magician, soothsayer and poet.
o Prophet (SAW) was mocked and called madman by them.
o They wrote abusive poems to ridicule the Prophet (SAW).
o They began calling him Mudhammam which means a condemned person instead of
Muhammad, praiseworthy.
o During the time when there was a gap between the revelations, Makkans used to mock the
Prophet (SAW) that his God has abandoned him.
o Quraish taunted him by calling ‘’al-abtar’’after the death of his son as mentioned in surah
Kawthar.
o The Insults, verbal abuses and whistling during the recitation of Quran was a routine matter.
o They plan strategies to divert people’s attention from his teachings and make his preaching
ineffective such as they used to raise their voices whenever they heard the Quran, and make
loud noises whenever they saw the Prophet (SAW) trying to call someone to Allah or trying
to recite Quran to him
o Whenever they saw the Prophet (SAW), they used to look at him with anger and infuriation,
as Allah (Glorified is He) relates, And the disbelievers would almost trip you up with
their eyes when they hear the Message; and they say, ‘Surely, he is possessed!’
[Surah Al-Qalam: 51].
➢ Mental pressures to Harass Prophet (SAW)

o Temptations by Quraish
The pagans tempted him to quit his mission. Utbah bin Rabiah was sent on the behalf of
all Quraish leaders, who offered Prophet (SAW) great wealth or marriage to a woman of
his choice or kingship of Makkah to stop preaching his religion. Prophet (SAW) declined
and recited verses from the Quran. Utbah was greatly impressed and he asked Quraish to
leave the Prophet (SAW) alone.

o Bargain offered by Quraish

They offered the Holy Prophet (SAW) an agreement that they will follow Prophet’s (SAW)
religion if and only if Muhammad (SAW) and his follower will also worship idols with them.
In this way Gods of both parties will get satisfy with them. At that moment surah-al-Kafirun
was revealed, ‘’ To you be your religion, and to me mine." (Al-Kafiroon 109:6)
o Pressure to his Family

• Abu Lahab orders his sons to divorce their wives, who were Muhammad (SAW)’s
daughters, just to add to his worries.
• Quraish pressurized Abu Talib, either to stop his nephew from preaching or be prepared
for the consequences. But Abu Talib refused after prophet (SAW) told him, “‘O my uncle,
‘even if they set against me the sun on my right and the moon on my left, I will not
abandon my purpose until Allah grants me success or until I die.’
➢ Physical torture towards Prophet (SAW)

o Quraish could not harm Prophet (SAW) physically, the way they mistreated other followers
who were slaves and poor, as he was under the protection of Abu Talib who was chief of
his tribe.
o Abu Jahl & Uqbah ibn Muayit, they placed dirty intestines of a camel on his back while
prostrating near kaba’h and Fatima (RA) removed the filth from Prophet’s back.
o Uqbah ibn Muayit strangled Prophet (SAW)’s neck.
o Umm-e-Jamil (Wife of Abu lahab) used to throw thorns and brambles in Prophet’s (SAW)
path.
o A lady used to throw rubbish on the Prophet (SAW)
o Prophet (SAW) was even pelted with stones during visit to Taif.
➢ Severity of the Persecution faced by Prophet (SAW)

o The socio-Economic Boycott (7th – 10th year of Prophethood)
o Quraish Imposed a general social boycott on Banu Hashim and Banu Abdul Muttalib that
lasted for three years. During these years, they had to suffer severe physical and financial
troubles but Mohammad (saw) and the companions remained steadfast and firm in their
belief.
o His followers were also persecuted which hurt the Prophet too
o 10th year of Prophethood known as Year of grief due to the death of Khadijah (RA) and
Abu Talib. After abu Talib the new leader Abu Lahab increased tortures.
o Prophet (SAW)’s visit to Taif and face extremely negative response.
o Quraysh plotted to assassinate him but he migrated to Madinah by Allah (SWT)’s order.


3. The Prophet exercised a lot of self-restraint and patience when preaching Islam in Makka.
Write about at least three events from this period of time that show these virtues.
[10] October/November 2017
Marking Scheme:
The Prophet faced a lot of hostility when he was in Makka, and especially after he started
preaching openly. The Quraysh changed their attitude from being one of respect to one of hostility
and anger. Throughout this period the Prophet did not retaliate or get angry himself.
From the beginning he was patient in that he waited for guidance from God before teaching others
or preaching openly. He did not try to rush the message to hurry people into accepting Islam.
When the persecutions started, he bore them patiently.
His patience was shown when the old woman used to throw rubbish on him and he visited her
when sick. His enemies would often come when he was praying and try to disturb his prayer by
whistling and clapping, but the Prophet would not say anything or confront them.
When the intestines of a camel were put on his back while prostrating, he did not react or get
angry, but stayed in that position until his daughter came and took it off his back. His patience
was also shown when he lost those closest to him in a short period of time, namely Khadija and
Abu Talib. Instead of despairing, he sought the reward of God by praying to Him. He waited for
God to allow him to migrate, despite the risk to his life.
Good candidates will be able to mention most of the above with some detail in their answer. The
best answers will relate their stories to the quality of patience rather than giving a narrative of the
persecutions the Prophet faced.


Part ‘b’ (4 Marks Question)
Students are required to demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of Islam and
in the lives of Muslims in part ‘B’
1. How was his conduct in one of the difficulties provides an example for Muslims today?
Marking Scheme:
Candidates should take one of the incidents mentioned in part (a) and comment on how it can
be used as an example to Muslims. They should give a brief mention of one incident, e.g.,
throwing intestines on Prophet, preaching at Ta’if, etc., and elaborate by saying how the
Prophet reacted and the characteristics displayed e.g., patience, tolerance, forgiveness. They
should then go on to give an example of how this could be related to a present-day situation.
Better answers will be able to give a detailed explanation of how the prophet’s morals give
guidance for the contemporary situation.
Examiner Report:
Answers for this part were too general. Many candidates were able to pick out the Prophet’s
conduct, e.g., his forgiveness. This then needed to be linked with Muslims today. General
statements such as the Prophet showed forgiveness and so Muslims today should also need
more detail. The best answers showed a mature reflection on behaviour and attitude to events
today rather than just a general comment about behaviour, e.g., linking the Prophet’s patience
or forgiveness to the situation in Kashmir.
2. Giving examples, say how in your opinion Muslims can show self-restraint and patience
in their everyday lives [4] October/November 2017
Marking Scheme:
Candidates could offer examples from their daily routine, or common events in their lives, where
patience and self-restraint is required, and be able to show how it is being applied. They could
say that generally people are required to have patience because daily life is so busy and
everyone wants everything done quickly, but people have to be patient and do things in their
own time as many things cannot be done instantly; that they need to be patient when they want
new clothes etc., because they or their parents may not be able to provide them straight away.
This also shows self-restraint; if there is a lot of traffic on the road, they should be patient and
not get angry; they should have patience if tragedy befalls them, e.g., the death of a family
member or a serious illness; self-restraint is required when reading about Islam online/in media,
how it is portrayed, e.g., the cartoons of the Prophet and the Charlie Hebdo attacks. Candidates
can offer other examples, but the better answers will be able to develop their choices.
Note: Points mentioned in marking scheme given as reference for the students. Candidates
can include their own point of view and elaborate them for higher marks


Life of Prophet (SAW) in Makkah

Persecution of the Quraish towards followers (Early converts)
Candidates should write about the persecution of various companions, giving their names and
the way in which, they were tortured including the boycott and the migration to Abyssinia. The
better answers will write about all this, giving names and clear details about these events.
Following is the outline for a well-developed response.
Outline
➢ Back ground
➢ Names of early converts
➢ Mention the names of persecutors
➢ Detail of verbal, mental, physical and economic persecution
➢ Severity of the persecutions:
o A social and economic boycott
o Migration to Abyssinia
o Migration to Madinah
➢ Conclusion
1. Describe the persecutions against the followers of the Prophet (SAW) when he began
preaching openly.
2. Give an account of the persecutions faced by the early converts to Islam in Makkah.
May/June 2013
3. Describe the difficulties faced by the followers of the Prophet in Makka.
May/June 2011
4. The Muslims in Makka faced a lot of hostility after the Prophet began preaching
openly. Describe the persecutions against the followers of the Prophet at this time.
May/June 2017
Marking Scheme:
Candidates should give a detailed narrative of the persecutions faced by the first Muslims in the
years after the Prophet started preaching Islam.
Good answers will be able to name key figures involved in the persecution, and the names of the
Muslims who were being persecuted, stating that it included slaves and those without tribal
protection. They could talk about the type of difficulties they faced, e.g., the physical torture, and
give an account of the persecutions. They could also mention the migration to Abyssinia and the
social and economic boycott. Good answers will be able to present their narratives in a clear and
comprehensive manner without confusing details.
Answers about the Prophet’s persecution will not be credited.

Persecution of the Quraish towards the followers
Answer must begin with the general introduction and details about ‘the persecution faced by
early converts to Islam as mentioned in the outline.
➢ Background
o After the revelation to preach relatives (Surah Shura 26:214) and Prophet (SAW)’s open
call at Mount Safa.
o Quraish rejected him and feeling threatened of new message began to persecute the
Muslims.
o Those who had no protection were easy targets and faced worst persecution.
o Tribal heads began to torture tribesman.
➢ Some of the early converts who faced hostility

o Bilal ibn Rabah, an Abyssinian slave, was tortured by his master Ummaya Bin Khalaf.
Ummaya would tie a rope around Bilal’s neck and drag him on the streets. He would also
make Bilal on burning coal and place a stone on his chest so that he could not move. Yet,
Bilal (RA) never renounced his faith and remained steadfast. He was later freed by Abu
Bakr (RA)
o Ammar bin Yasir (RA), was from the tribe of Makhuzum. He and his parents suffered
terribly at the hands of the elite tribe of Makkah, the Quraish. His parents were made to lie
on the burning sand, both his parents were martyred. In fact, his mother Summayah (RA)
was the first female martyr of Islam.
o The Makhzum clan used to take out Ammar ibn Yasir with his father and mother in the heat
of the day and expose them to the excessively-hot environment of Mecca and torture them
in the scorches of the open fire, and Muhammad used to pass by them and say, "Patience,
O family of Yasir! Your meeting-place will be Paradise" and "O fire! Be cool and
harmless for ‘Ammar in the same manner in which you became cool and harmless
for Ibrahim;” consequently, Ammar had scars on his body from the torture for the rest of
his life.
o Uthman in Affan (RA), His uncle used to wrap him up in a mat made of palm leaves, and
then put a fire under it was wrapped in palm leaves and set fire to by his uncle. His uncle
Al-Hakim ibn Abu Al-Aas ibn Omayyah tied him up strongly and swore that he would not
free him until he left Islam. Therefore, Uthman swore that he would not leave Islam. When
his uncle saw how determined Uthman was in remaining a Muslim, he let him free.
o Abu Bakr (RA) When Abu Bakr proclaimed the Unity of God in the courtyard of the Ka’aba
openly. The Quraish set upon him fiercely, and maltreated him so mercilessly that when
his fellow tribesmen intervened and carried him to his house, he was quite unconscious
and his face was swollen.

o Amr bin Fuhairah (RA) was as a slave who was tortured. Abu Bakr (RA) purchased his
freedom and he continued to work for him as a shepherd.
o Talha and Zubair bin al Awwam (RA) were dragged on streets and suffocated
o Abu Zarr Ghaffari (RA) was attacked by a crowd of non-believers. He fell down and
became senseless for sometimes.
o Mus’ab ibn Umayr (RA) lived life of comfort and luxury but when accepted Islam was
tortured by mother’s relatives, till he escaped and migrated to Abyssinia.
o Khabab bin Arat (RA) was put on heated stones and made to lie on burning coal with a
rock on his chest.
o The weak and those held in bondage like slaves, were persecuted brutally and savagely.
o Labeenah was a female slave of Banu Adi. She would be beaten up mercilessly.
o Zinnira (RA) was a female slave belonged to the Makhzum clan. She was handed over to
Abu Jahl to be tortured. Deprived of sleep, food and water, she became blind as a result of
the malnourishment. Abu Jahl taunted her that that the idols Al-Lat and Al-Uzza had taken
her sight away. She responded that her Lord Allah had decided this and that he could return
her eyesight. Miraculously the next day, her eyesight was restored. Abu Bakr also
purchased her freedom.
➢ Severity of the persecutions
o Prophet (SAW) told the believers to meet secretly at Dar al-Arqam, where they would learn
about their new faith.
o Prophet (SAW) allowed some people to migrate to Abyssinia in 5th Year of Prophethood to
escape from the severity of persecution.
o A social and economic boycott was imposed on the Muslims. They were to live in Shib-i-
Abi Talib, where they faced great hardships for three years.
o The persecution was not only physical but also economic. The poor Muslims were not paid
for their hard work. The rich and settled Muslims like Abu Bakr (RA) had to face non-
cooperation in trade. For example, Makkans used to sell their goods in less than the
purchase price in order to hurt Muslim traders.
o Later, they migrated to Madinah leaving their homeland for faith.
o Notes: Above give are some of the examples. Candidate can write about other than
given companions from their knowledge.


1. What can these stories teach Muslims in their everyday lives today? [4] May/June, 2011
Marking Scheme:
Answers should reflect on the accounts the candidates have given in part (a) and be able to
put their answers in a modern context. They may be able to say e.g.; that Muslims should
remain steadfast under all circumstances, or that they should not retaliate, but the better
answers will be able to give clear examples from the lives of the candidates or the world they
live in. Better answers will refer to (a) but not repeat the description, rather will explain the
accounts/stories in a modern context or related to their everyday lives.
Better answer should give real life examples whether personal, national or global.
2. How are these accounts relevant to Muslims now? [4] May/June,2013

Marking Scheme:
Answers should reflect on the accounts the candidates have given in part (a) and be able to
put their answers in a modern context. They may be able to say e.g., that these stories tell
Muslims to remain patient in times of difficulty, but the better answers will be able to show
depth and understanding, e.g., Muslims facing hardships now should look at these examples
to compare the difficulties they faced/these examples allow Muslims to reflect on how they
behave in times of difficulty or oppression. These stories can be a source of encouragement
and comfort if Muslims can see that the first generation of Muslims went through these
hardships.
Better answers will be able to give definite examples from the lives of Muslims or the world
they live in. Better answers will refer to (a) but not repeat the description.


3. In today’s world how practical are the reactions of the Prophet’s followers to these
persecutions? [4] May/June 2017
Marking Scheme:
Candidates can offer a variety of answers, but must give reasons for their answer. They could
say that the reactions are practical because e.g., people, in the face of persecution, can
migrate and so change their situation, or they can have patience and ultimately God will grant
them ease, whether in this life or the next. They could say that the reactions are not practical,
e.g., because people now have too much invested in a country / community to be able to
leave it. Also, many people are too poor to leave their homes and set up new homes
elsewhere. They may feel they would not be welcomed in any other country, or that the
journey is too difficult to make.
4. Drawing from this account, what advice could be given to Muslims now living in
fear of persecution? [4] October/November 2016
Marking Scheme:
Candidates can give a number of answers, but should qualify their answers with reasoning.
Simply stating that e.g., Muslims should be steadfast and patient is not enough for the higher
levels. They could say, e.g., that living in a situation where their family may not want them to
practise their faith, to pray, fast or wear hijab, they can try to conceal their faith and practise
it where they can and in secret. Or they could say that if they are being persecuted by the
wider community for their beliefs, they could migrate to a safer place where they would be
accepted and allowed to live in freedom. It is not going to be an easy journey, but the early
Muslims did not go back on their decision.
These are some examples; other relevant answers should be credited.


5. Why did some people fear the message that the Prophet had brought?
Marking Scheme:
The Quryash were leaders of Makka and so were not ready to give up their power or prestige,
they could not imagine being equal with slaves. Although they thought well of the Prophet,
they would have wanted a prophet to come from their own tribe rather than Banu Hashim, as
they were always competing with other tribes for prestige. The Ka’ba was a place of
pilgrimage which brought them an income and they were not willing to risk losing that income.
They were comfortable with the way they lived their life, satisfying their needs and not thinking
about others less fortunate than themselves. By society changing to Islam, they would have
to give up their previous practices of drinking, or treating women and slaves badly, and that
did not suit them. They had no interest in obeying a religion that outlawed what they enjoyed
and gave them no special status over their fellow men. It was against the religion of their
forefathers, which they did not want to change.
Better answers will be able to offer evaluation and expand on the points that they make.
6. Why did the Quraish feel they needed to reject the Prophet (PBUH)'s message [4]
Marking Scheme:
Good answers here will be able to mention that the Quraysh had their own belief system and
that they worshipped many idols opposed to the Prophet Muhammad’s message of
monotheism. By changing their ways, they faced losing their status and position as leaders
and keepers of the Ka’ba. They also faced losing income, felt threatened by the Prophet’s
influence upon the youth of Makka, and his growing support.
This should not just be a description of the reasons; candidates should include evaluation.

Opposition and Persecution by Quraish

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Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section

Academic Year: 2021–2022

Chapter 3 The Life and Importance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Topic Life of Prophet (SAW) in Makkah

Life of Prophet (SAW) in Makkah

Following is the outline for a well-developed response.

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Page 3 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Persecution of the Quraish towards Prophet (SAW)

➢ Verbal Persecution towards Prophet (SAW)

➢ Mental pressures to Harass Prophet (SAW)

Page 4 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

o Bargain offered by Quraish

o Pressure to his Family

➢ Physical torture towards Prophet (SAW)

➢ Severity of the Persecution faced by Prophet (SAW)

Page 5 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Page 6 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Page 7 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Life of Prophet (SAW) in Makkah

Following is the outline for a well-developed response.

Page 8 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Persecution of the Quraish towards the followers

➢ Some of the early converts who faced hostility

Page 9 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

➢ Severity of the persecutions

Page 10 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

2. How are these accounts relevant to Muslims now? [4] May/June,2013

Page 11 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

These are some examples; other relevant answers should be credited.

Page 12 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme

Page 13 of 13 © 2021 PISJES All Rights Reserved

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