In this article, we will journey back to those early days in Makkah. We'll see who those first believers were, what struggles they faced, and how their faith helped them persevere against all odds. These early Muslims planted the seeds of Islam with their sacrifices, allowing the religion's light to spread across the world. Their experiences are not just historical incidents; they carry lessons for us today on staying true to our beliefs, being patient in hardship, and trusting in Allah's promise that "with hardship comes ease."
The Birth of Islam in Makkah
The society of Makkah before Islam was steeped in idol worship and tribal customs. The Kaaba, the holy sanctuary built by Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), had been filled with hundreds of idols. Corruption and social inequalities were common. People often neglected the rights of the weak, and tribal pride ruled over justice. This era was known as Jahiliyyah, or "the time of ignorance." It was in this environment that Allah chose to send His final messenger, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), to guide the people to the truth.
At the age of 40, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would often retreat to a cave on Mount Hira, seeking solitude and praying to the one true God. One night, during the month of Ramadan, something extraordinary happened. The Angel Jibril (Gabriel) appeared to him and revealed the first verses of the Quran:
Read in the name of your Lord who created - created man from a clinging clot. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous. (Quran 96:1-3).
These were the opening words of revelation, an event that marked the beginning of Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) was shaken by this powerful encounter. He rushed home trembling and told his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) what had happened. Khadijah (RA) listened calmly and comforted him. She had immense faith in her husband's character and knew that Allah's help was with him. She said to the Prophet (ﷺ):
"By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You strengthen family ties, care for the weak, help the poor and destitute, honor your guests, and support every just cause." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Khadijah's words showed her deep trust in Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the goodness of his mission. In fact, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) became the very first person to accept Islam, the first Muslim. Her immediate acceptance and support were crucial. She took the Prophet (ﷺ) to consult her elderly cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal, who was a knowledgeable Christian scholar. Waraqa listened to the Prophet's account of what he saw and confirmed that it matched the signs of prophethood. He recognized that the Angel Jibril had come to Muhammad (ﷺ) just as he came to Prophets Musa (Moses) and Isa (Jesus) in the past. Waraqa then gave a sober warning:
Waraqa said to Muhammad (ﷺ): "I wish I could be young again to support you when your people will drive you out." The Prophet (ﷺ) was surprised, "Will they really drive me out?" Waraqa replied, "Yes. Never has a man brought something similar to what you have brought except that his people opposed him. If I live to see that day, I will stand by you." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This conversation foretold the struggles to come. It was a sign that the truth of Islam would not be embraced easily by everyone in Makkah. The forces of tradition, power, and pride would resist change. Yet, Khadijah's support and Waraqa's insight strengthened the Prophet's resolve. He now understood that the path ahead would be challenging, but he was not alone, Allah was with him, and soon others would join him in faith.
The First Believers
After Khadijah (RA), a small number of people close to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) embraced Islam in those early days. They are known as the As-Sabiqun al-Awwalun, meaning "the first and foremost" to believe. These early converts came from different backgrounds (men, women, young, old, free and enslaved) yet they all shared a sincere heart that recognized the truth. Let's look at some of these remarkable individuals:
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) - Ali was a young cousin of the Prophet (ﷺ) who had been raised in Muhammad's household. At around ten years old, Ali heard about the Prophet's mission and immediately accepted Islam. He is often noted as the first child to become Muslim. Despite his youth, Ali (RA) showed wisdom and courage, staying by the Prophet's side from the very start.
Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) - Zayd was a young man who had formerly been a slave but was freed and treated like a son by Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) even before Islam. When the Prophet (ﷺ) announced his message, Zayd (RA) also believed without hesitation. In a society that placed great importance on lineage, Zayd's acceptance shows that Islam from the beginning welcomed the slave and the free, the humble and the noble, as equals before Allah.
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) - Abu Bakr was a close friend of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and a respected merchant of Makkah. When the Prophet shared with him what had happened, Abu Bakr (RA) did not hesitate or demand a miracle - he knew the Prophet's character and immediately accepted Islam. He became the first adult male Muslim outside the Prophet's own family. Abu Bakr's faith was so strong and sincere that the Prophet (ﷺ) would later give him the title "As-Siddiq," meaning "the truthful" or "the one who affirms the truth." Abu Bakr (RA) not only believed himself but also became a caller to Islam, gently inviting others in his community to this new faith. Through Abu Bakr's efforts, several other prominent people of Makkah soon became Muslim. These included future heroes of Islam like Uthman ibn Affan (RA), Zubair ibn al-Awwam (RA), Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (RA), Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), and Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (RA). Many of these names would later become famous as companions promised Paradise and as leaders of the Muslim community. They all owe their introduction to Islam, in part, to Abu Bakr's friendly outreach and good reputation .
Khadijah (RA), of course, was the first believer and the supportive wife of the Prophet (ﷺ). She sacrificed her wealth and comfort for the sake of the new faith. Together with the Prophet, she patiently endured the coming years of hardship. Her quiet strength and wisdom set the tone for the early Muslim community, showing that women, too, played a vital role in Islam's foundation.
Each of these early believers had their own story, but a common thread was their immediate recognition of the truth of the Prophet's message. What was this message that moved their hearts? It was simple and profound: There is only one God (Allah), and Muhammad is His Messenger. The worship of idols made of stone and wood must be abandoned. People should speak truth, honor their promises, help the needy, respect family ties, and refrain from sins like injustice, murder, and adultery. These teachings were not entirely new, they echoed the pure religion of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham), but they were revolutionary in a society that had forgotten those values.
The first Muslims found Islam's call to monotheism (tawheed) and righteousness to be like a breath of fresh air in a suffocating moral climate. They saw the beauty of worshipping one God and living a life of honesty and kindness. Many of them already admired Muhammad (ﷺ) for his trustworthy and truthful character (Al-Amin). So when he said he was a prophet and recited the verses of Quran to them, they felt in their hearts that it was true. The Quran's words had a power and purity that touched the soul, something they never felt with the words of poets or soothsayers of their time. Allah describes in the Quran the impact of this revelation and the sincerity of those early believers, stating:
The believers are only those who, when Allah is mentioned, their hearts tremble, and when His verses are recited to them, it increases them in faith. (Quran 8:2)
Those first believers loved these Quranic verses and found guidance and comfort in them. Slowly but steadily, the number of Muslims in Makkah grew into the dozens. However, this growth was mostly quiet and low-key at first, because the new Muslims had to be careful. They understood that openly challenging the age-old practices of Makkah would provoke a strong reaction from the Quraysh (the dominant tribe of the city, to which the Prophet belonged). For a time, the call to Islam remained a private invitation.
A Quiet Invitation: Three Secret Years
For the first three years of the Prophet's mission, Islam was spread quietly and privately. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not stand up in public to proclaim the message right away. Instead, he spoke one-on-one or in small groups to people he trusted or those who were known to be open-minded. This phase is often called the "secret call" period. The Muslims would gather discreetly to learn about their new faith, pray together, and support one another.
A significant place during this period was the house of a young Muslim named Arqam bin Abi Arqam (RA). It was located near Mount Safa in Makkah. The Prophet (ﷺ) used Dar al-Arqam (Arqam's house) as a safe meeting spot away from the eyes of hostile Makkans. There, the early Muslims could listen to the Prophet's recitation of the Quran, ask him questions, and deepen their understanding of Islam. In this humble house, some of the most famous companions first heard verses of the Quran and learned how to pray. Dar al-Arqam became like the first Islamic school, nurturing a generation of believers in secret .
Why the secrecy? The Muslims were still few and mostly without political power. Openly declaring a new religion that condemned idol worship would upset the powerful chiefs of Makkah. The Quraysh leaders might react violently before the message had a chance to take root. Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was wise and patient. He knew that once people understood Islam properly, many would see its truth. So he introduced it gradually, giving the message time to spread from person to person. This strategy allowed Islam to gain a foothold in Makkah.
By the end of these three years, a small community of perhaps a few dozen Muslims had formed . They ranged from the Prophet's family and close friends to others in society, including some slaves and weaker members of tribes who found hope in Islam's message of equality and justice. They all were united by faith, not by tribe or status. This alone was a revolutionary idea in Arabia. Among them were individuals like Bilal ibn Rabah (RA), an African slave known for his beautiful voice, who heard about Islam and secretly accepted it; Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) and his parents, who were of humble background; Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA), a young shepherd; and Mus'ab ibn Umayr (RA), a wealthy young man known for his fine clothes and upbringing. Islam attracted the hearts of the sincere from all corners of society.
When Allah finally commanded His Prophet to proclaim the message openly, Islam had already built a strong base of faithful people. The command came in a Quranic revelation:
So proclaim openly what you have been commanded, and turn away from the polytheists. (Quran 15:94)
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) obeyed and prepared to deliver the call of Islam publicly to all of Makkah. The era of private teaching was over; a new chapter, one of public preaching and, with it, public opposition, was about to begin.
Public Preaching and Mount Safa
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) did not hide in Dar al-Arqam forever. When the time was right, he took the message of Islam to the public. According to historical accounts, one of the first bold steps he took was to climb Mount Safa, a small hill in Makkah near the Kaaba, and call out to the people. In those days, if someone had an urgent announcement or warning, they would climb a hill and shout so everyone in the marketplace could hear. The Prophet (ﷺ) called out, "O people of Quraysh! Come forth!" Curious members of his tribe gathered around, wondering what the trustworthy Muhammad (ﷺ) had to say.
He asked them, "If I told you there was an enemy cavalry behind this hill ready to attack, would you believe me?" They said, "Yes, of course. We have never known you to lie." Then the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "I am a warner to you, before a severe punishment. O my people, save yourselves from Hellfire by saying there is no deity but Allah." In that moment, the Prophet openly declared his mission: to call people to worship Allah alone and abandon their false gods.
The reaction was immediate, and not friendly. His own uncle, Abu Lahab, was among the crowd. Instead of listening or asking questions, Abu Lahab became angry. He shouted at the Prophet (ﷺ), "May you perish! Is this why you gathered us?" This was a harsh dismissal and an insult. Abu Lahab stormed off, and many others walked away as well, shaking their heads or scoffing. It was a hurtful moment. However, in response to Abu Lahab's cruel words, Allah revealed a scathing rebuke in the Quran itself, a whole chapter now known as Surah al-Masad or Surah al-Lahab:
Perish the hands of Abu Lahab, and perish he! Neither his wealth nor gains will benefit him. He will burn in a Fire of blazing flames. (Quran 111:1-3)
This was a powerful sign. Allah made it clear that despite Abu Lahab being an uncle of the Prophet (which normally in tribal society would mean close support), his hostility towards Islam placed him among the doomed unless he repented. This surah was a warning to all who arrogantly opposed the truth. It also served as a consolation to the Prophet (ﷺ) that Allah Himself would handle the enemies of Islam.
After this first public announcement, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) continued to preach openly in Makkah. He spoke to people in gatherings, visited tribes during market festivals, and shared the words of the Quran to any who would listen. The message was simple: worship the one true God, Allah, and give up the worship of idols; do good, be just, and prepare for the Day of Judgment. Some people, especially the humble and oppressed, listened with open hearts. But the powerful chiefs and many others in Makkah felt threatened and annoyed by this new call.
Why were the leaders of Quraysh so upset? There were many reasons:
Religious Tradition: The idea of abandoning the gods of their ancestors was unthinkable to them. The Quraysh took pride in their heritage and felt that this new monotheistic religion insulted their forefathers and their tribe's customs.
Economic Fear: Makkah was a center of pilgrimage for all of Arabia because of the Kaaba and its idols. People from various tribes would visit Makkah to honor the idols, bringing trade and revenue. The Quraysh leaders feared that if people accepted Islam's message of one God, they would stop coming to Makkah for idol worship. This could hurt the lucrative pilgrimage trade and the city's prestige.
Social Order and Pride: Islam taught equality of all humans and the dignity of the poor and slaves. For a proud Qurayshi noble, the thought of a slave like Bilal standing shoulder to shoulder with him in prayer as an equal was outrageous. The elites worried that Islam would upset the social hierarchy that gave them privilege over the less powerful.
Personal Power: Some leaders, like Abu Jahl (a chief of the Makhzum clan), saw the Prophet (ﷺ) as a rival. If Muhammad's influence grew, theirs would diminish. For them, opposing him was about maintaining personal power and control over Makkah's affairs.
Despite these reasons, the Quraysh initially tried to handle this new movement with mild tactics. They hoped to discredit the Prophet (ﷺ) or make him compromise. They spread rumors that he was a sorcerer or that he had been bewitched. They would follow him around when he preached and shout to drown out his voice so people wouldn't hear the Quran. In fact, the Quran mentions this behavior:
Those who disbelieve say: 'Do not listen to this Quran and make noise during its recitation so that you may overcome.' (Quran 41:26)
They tried to ridicule the Muslims and paint Islam as something absurd or dangerous. However, when these psychological tactics failed (because the truth of Islam continued to win hearts) the Quraysh's opposition turned more aggressive. What began as mockery soon turned into open persecution.
Trials and Persecution of the Believers
Once Islam went public, life became very difficult for the early Muslims in Makkah. The Quraysh leadership and many who shared their interests decided to do everything in their power to stamp out the new faith. The believers, who had done no wrong, their only "offense" was saying "Allah is our Lord", suddenly found themselves targets of abuse in their own city.
Allah revealed to strengthen them and remind them that such tests are part of the journey of faith:
Do people think they will be left to say, 'We believe,' and not be tested? We certainly tested those before them, so that Allah may distinguish those who are truthful and those who are liars. (Quran 29:2-3)
These verses confirmed that tests and hardships are a way to prove the sincerity of one's faith. And indeed, the believers were tested severely in Makkah. The small Muslim community faced a barrage of persecution: verbal harassment, social boycott, torture, and even murder. Yet, these noble souls held tightly to their faith. Here are some of the notable struggles and sacrifices from that period:
Insults and Ridicule: The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself became a constant target of mockery. People would sneer at him in the streets. Abu Lahab and his wife Umm Jamil took it upon themselves to harass their nephew. Umm Jamil would regularly dump filth and thorny branches outside the Prophet's door to hurt and humiliate him. Some would throw the entrails of camels and other garbage on him while he prayed. In one incident, as the Prophet (ﷺ) was making sujood (prostration) in prayer in the courtyard of the Kaaba, a man named 'Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ait cruelly dumped the bloody insides of a slaughtered camel on the Prophet's back. The weight of it was so heavy that the Prophet (ﷺ) could not lift his head from prostration. He remained there, calm and patient, until one of his little daughters (Zainab or Fatimah) came running to remove the awful load from his back. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not curse or retaliate; he simply completed his prayer. But he did make a heartfelt supplication against some of the culprits, and it is noted in history that those very men met bitter ends later. This level of dignity and patience in the face of humiliation deeply impressed those who witnessed it.
Physical Beatings: Some Muslims who were from weaker clans or had no clan protection were beaten and physically abused in public. For example, Uthman ibn Affan (RA), despite being a nobleman, was reportedly tied up by an uncle and beaten for accepting Islam, until the uncle tired out . Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), a young man, was threatened by his own mother. She refused to eat or drink, hoping to pressure Sa'd to leave Islam. But Sa'd (RA) gently told her he loved her but could not abandon the truth. Eventually, seeing her son's firmness, she gave up the hunger strike. The Quran alluded to situations like this, advising kindness to parents but not obeying them in leaving the faith: "But if they pressure you to associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them, but accompany them in this world with appropriate kindness." (Quran 31:15). Sa'd's resolve showed that love for Allah and His Messenger had become stronger than any worldly attachment, even as Islam still taught him to care for his mother.
Torture of Slaves and the Poor: The most heart-wrenching stories come from the Muslim slaves and those without tribal protection. Their masters saw their conversion as a challenge to their authority and "betrayal" of the old ways. They reacted with pure cruelty. One of the most famous of these is Bilal ibn Rabah (RA). Bilal was a slave of Umayyah ibn Khalaf, a fierce opponent of Islam. When Bilal's faith was discovered, Umayyah did everything he could to break Bilal's belief. He whipped him, starved him, and dragged him over the burning sands of the desert. In the peak of the Arabian midday heat, Umayyah would throw Bilal on his back in the sand, place a huge stone on his chest, and press him, trying to force him to renounce Islam. Under this torture, Bilal (RA) showed an incredible courage: he would not scream or beg for mercy. Instead, he kept repeating "Ahad! Ahad!", which means "One! One!" - declaring the oneness of Allah. Bilal's one-word defiance showed that no matter what physical pain he endured, his heart was filled with the light of tawheed (belief in One God) which no tyrant could extinguish. This spectacle enraged Umayyah even more, but Bilal's resilience became legendary.
The Family of Yasir - First Martyrs: Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) was a humble young man whose elderly parents Yasir (RA) and Sumayyah (RA) also became Muslim. They were an entire family of early converts, but they had no strong clan to defend them. The chief antagonist against them was Abu Jahl, one of the most vicious enemies of Islam. Abu Jahl took perverse pleasure in torturing Ammar's family in public. They were beaten and tormented severely. Sumayyah (RA), an elderly woman, was especially vocal in her refusal to return to disbelief. Abu Jahl's pride was so wounded by her firmness that he eventually murdered Sumayyah in cold blood - stabbing her with a spear. She died from her injuries, becoming the first martyr in Islam's history. Her husband Yasir (RA) was also killed by the torture. They died under horrendous persecution, only because they said, "Our Lord is Allah." The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was deeply saddened by what happened to them. He could not physically stop their torment at that time, but he would go to the site of their suffering and console them with heartfelt words. It is recorded that he told them, "Be patient, O family of Yasir, for your appointment is with Paradise." Indeed, the Prophet (ﷺ) assured them that Allah had prepared an everlasting reward for their sacrifice. Not long after seeing his parents slain, Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) himself was tortured until he could bear no more. In agony and desperation, he uttered some words against Islam just to appease his tormentors. He immediately felt awful and went to the Prophet (ﷺ) crying, confessing that he had said things under duress. The Prophet (ﷺ) comforted Ammar (RA) and asked him, "How do you find your heart to be?" Ammar answered that his heart was still full of faith. The Prophet (ﷺ) then said that Allah understands and forgives what someone says under coercion when their heart remains firm in faith. Soon after, a Quranic verse was revealed regarding this mercy of Allah:
"Whoever disbelieved in Allah after his belief - except for one who was forced while his heart is secure in faith - but those who [willingly] open their hearts to disbelief, upon them is wrath from Allah." (Quran 16:106)
This verse confirmed that Ammar (RA) had not sinned by saying those words under torture; his heart's faith was what mattered. Islam taught them that life is precious and, in extreme duress, speaking a word to save one's life is permissible as long as one's heart remains true. This is an example of the mercy and practicality of Islam, it does not demand blind fanaticism, but rather conscious faith and intentions. Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) went on to live a long life as a devout Muslim, forever honored as the son of Islam's first martyrs.
Khabbab ibn al-Aratt (RA) - Khabbab was another early Muslim who faced brutal torture. He was a blacksmith by trade and had been a slave. His master, upon learning of Khabbab's conversion, used to force him onto burning coals. It's said that the coals were so hot that the fat from Khabbab's back would put out the embers. Years later, Khabbab (RA) showed the scars on his back to others - deep, horrifying scars - as evidence of what he endured for the sake of Allah. Yet Khabbab remained patient and steadfast. He and several other suffering Muslims once went to the Prophet (ﷺ) during this time (while the Prophet was resting in the shade of the Kaaba) and appealed to him, "O Messenger of Allah, won't you pray for help for us? Won't you ask Allah to relieve us?" They were human; even with strong faith, the pain sometimes brought them to the brink. The Prophet (ﷺ) was moved by their pleas, but he also wanted to strengthen their resolve. He answered them by mentioning the trials of past believers, to put their suffering in perspective and to assure them that Allah's help will come. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
"Among the people before you, a man would be seized, a pit dug for him, and he would be sawed in half from his head, yet that would not make him abandon his faith. His flesh would be combed with iron combs until the bones were exposed, yet he would not give up his religion. By Allah, this religion (Islam) will be victorious, till a traveler will go from Sana'a to Hadramawt (far ends of Arabia) fearing nothing but Allah and the wolf for his sheep. But you are impatient." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
This powerful hadith put steel in the believers' spines. The Prophet (ﷺ) acknowledged their pain but reminded them of the legacy of faith, that truth has always been tested, but in the end, truth prevails. He prophesied that a day would come when there would be security and peace, and Islam would spread far and wide, such that travelers would have nothing to fear. This prophecy gave them hope. Imagine hearing that during the darkest times: the Prophet (ﷺ) was telling them that Islam absolutely will succeed and these days of fear will be replaced by days of peace and safety. They just had to remain patient a little longer.
In addition to the brutal physical punishments, the Quraysh also tried to tempt the Prophet (ﷺ) away from his mission by offering compromises. They sent some of their influential men to negotiate with him. They said things like, "If you want wealth, we'll collect money and make you the richest among us. If you desire power, we will make you our king. If you seek women, name your bride and we will arrange the most beautiful marriage. If you are doing this because you are sick or under a spell, we'll spare no expense to find you a cure." They basically offered the Prophet (ﷺ) everything a worldly person might desire, on the condition that he stop preaching Islam. These offers were tempting only to someone who cares about worldly gains. But Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was not on a mission for money, power, or fame. He was a prophet of Allah, concerned with guiding people to the truth and saving them from the Fire. So he (ﷺ) firmly rejected all these offers. In one famous account from the seerah (biography of the Prophet), the Prophet's uncle (who was not Muslim at that time) conveyed to him an offer from the Quraysh to stop preaching. The Prophet's reply has echoed through history as a declaration of unshakeable commitment. He said:
I swear by Allah, O my uncle, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand in return for giving up this matter (calling to Islam), I would never give it up until Allah makes it victorious or I die in the effort.
This bold statement silenced the negotiators. It was clear that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) would never compromise on the core message of Islam, no matter what they offered or threatened. In response to proposals that the Muslims and pagans could perhaps share religious practices (like worshiping each other's gods in turns), Allah revealed a decisive chapter of the Quran, Surah al-Kafirun, to make the truth non-negotiable:
Say: O disbelievers! I do not worship what you worship, nor do you worship Who I worship. I will never worship what you worship, nor will you ever worship Who I worship. To you is your religion, and to me is my religion. (Quran 109:1-6)
These words shut the door on any idea that Islam could mix with the falsehood of idol worship. The message was clear: Islam calls to pure monotheism and righteousness, and it cannot dilute its principles for the sake of peace or appeasement. There would be no compromise in faith, even if Muslims had to suffer.
The Quraysh, frustrated by the Prophet's steadfastness and the growing dedication of his followers, escalated their persecution. They particularly targeted the most vulnerable Muslims, as we've seen, but they also tried to hurt the Prophet (ﷺ) himself whenever they could. Once, while the Prophet was praying by the Kaaba, one of the Quraysh leaders took off his garment, twisted it into a rope, and flung it around the Prophet's neck to choke him. The Prophet (ﷺ) could have been strangled to death had not news reached his companion Abu Bakr (RA). Abu Bakr rushed to the scene, forced the attacker off, and angrily exclaimed to the Quraysh crowd, "Will you kill a man just because he says, 'My Lord is Allah'?" (echoing a verse revealed about earlier believers). Hearing this, the attackers let the Prophet go and turned on Abu Bakr, beating him severely. Abu Bakr (RA) returned from that incident with bruises and a bloodied face, but he said he cared not, as long as the Prophet (ﷺ) was safe. Such was the devotion of the Sahabah (companions).
Throughout these trials, the believers drew strength from their faith and the words of the Quran that were being revealed bit by bit. Many comforting and encouraging passages came during this Makkan period. For instance, Allah reminded them and the Prophet (ﷺ) to be patient and remain steadfast:
Messengers before you were certainly denied, but they patiently endured being rejected and persecuted until Our help came to them. (Quran 6:34)
Be patient, for the promise of Allah is true; and do not be shaken by those who have no certainty of faith. (Quran 30:60)
Indeed, with hardship will be ease. Truly, with hardship comes ease. (Quran 94:5-6)
These verses were like divine medicine, soothing the hearts of the suffering Muslims. They learned that patience (sabr) is a key virtue in Islam. Allah promised that no hardship lasts forever and that relief and ease will follow. Many Muslims could already feel small signs of this, for example, the faith was slowly spreading, even some powerful folks were about to convert (as we'll see); and the personal spiritual sweetness they experienced in their prayers and brotherhood was something the Quraysh could not take away, no matter how much they hurt them physically.
One verse in particular highlighted the plight of the believers and Allah's awareness of it:
Permission (to fight back) has been given to those who are being fought, because they have been wronged - and indeed, Allah is most capable of aiding them. They are those who were expelled from their homes without right, only because they say, 'Our Lord is Allah.' (Quran 22:39-40).
This verse, which was revealed just at the cusp of the next phase (in Madinah), directly speaks about the early Muslims of Makkah: they were driven out and attacked merely for their faith in one God. It hints that Allah would soon allow them to defend themselves, but even in Makkah, it served as a validation that their suffering was known to Allah and unjust.
Despite the relentless oppression, the early Muslims stood firm. Some, like Sumayyah and Yasir, paid the ultimate price. Others carried scars and trauma for life. But not a single one of them lost faith or went back to idol worship out of conviction. If any gave in to pressure like Ammar (RA), it was only outwardly, and Allah forgave them for it. This fact is remarkable: it shows the profound certainty and solace they had found in Islam. They simply knew it was the truth worth sacrificing for.
Hope and Heroism: Hamza and Umar Accept Islam
During the toughest years in Makkah, when the Muslims were few and the persecution was fierce, Allah blessed the believers with two very significant conversions. These conversions injected hope and confidence into the Muslim community and put fear into the hearts of their enemies. The two people were Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib (RA) and Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA).
Hamza (RA) was one of the Prophet's uncles (a younger brother of the Prophet's father). He was known as a strong and brave man, a skilled hunter and warrior. Initially, Hamza hadn't paid much attention to his nephew's preaching; he was neither a Muslim nor an antagonist, he was simply neutral. That changed one day when Hamza learned that Abu Jahl had insulted and physically harmed Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) in public, at the Kaaba. It is said that Abu Jahl had hurled obscenities and even threw something at the Prophet, causing minor injury. The Prophet (ﷺ) did not retaliate, and Abu Jahl left the scene. When word of this reached Hamza, he was filled with anger, tribal honor kicked in. How dare Abu Jahl mistreat a member of Hamza's family like this! Hamza marched straight to Abu Jahl and struck him with his bow, causing a wound to Abu Jahl's head. Hamza then declared on the spot, "Have you been abusing Muhammad? Know that I am of his religion now!" In his surge of anger and pride for his nephew, Hamza professed the shahada (declaration of faith) then and there. It's said that afterward, Hamza reflected on his words and the faith he just entered, and Allah opened his heart fully to Islam. He became a true Muslim, not just out of tribal loyalty but out of real belief.
The conversion of Hamza (RA) was a huge morale booster. Hamza was a respected figure in Makkah and his toughness meant the Muslims now had a powerful ally by their side. The Quraysh realized they couldn't push the Muslims around quite as freely as before. Hamza's acceptance of Islam caused many Quraysh to pause; they saw that Islam was attracting even the strong and courageous.
Not long after Hamza's conversion, another dramatic event unfolded, one that the Muslims could only have prayed for. Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA), who would later become the second Caliph of Islam, was at this time one of the fiercest young men of Quraysh against Islam. Umar was known for his boldness and was feared. He strongly opposed Muhammad (ﷺ) in the early days and even physically harmed some Muslims. The stories say that one day Umar got so fed up with the "trouble" he felt Islam was causing that he decided to go out and kill Muhammad (ﷺ). (At this point, the tribal protection around the Prophet still prevented outright murder, but Umar's anger blinded him to the consequences). Sword in hand, Umar headed out. Along the way, he met a man who saw his furious state and asked where he was headed. Umar declared his deadly intent. The man, trying to deter him, informed Umar, "Why don't you deal with your own household first? Your sister Fatimah and her husband have become Muslims!" Umar was shocked to hear this. Burning with rage and feeling betrayed, Umar diverted his course to his sister's house.
Inside his sister Fatimah's home, Fatimah and her husband Sa'id were sitting with a few pages of Quran they were learning from a companion (possibly Khabbab). When Umar arrived, his sister hurried to hide the pages. Umar confronted them, and when he confirmed that they had embraced Islam, he exploded in anger. Umar even struck his brother-in-law and hit his sister, causing her to bleed. That sight, his sister bleeding and yet holding firmly to her new faith, suddenly pricked Umar's conscience. Fatimah (RA), despite the blow, told her brother through her tears, "Yes, we are Muslims. We believe in Allah and His Messenger. Do whatever you will!"
Umar, seeing her sincerity and courage, felt his anger give way to shame. He calmed down and asked to see what they were reading. At first, his sister refused, wary that he might desecrate the Holy words. Umar insisted, promising to be respectful. Fatimah made him wash himself first (out of respect for the Quran's purity), and then she gave him the scroll to read. It was the beginning of Surah Ta-Ha (Chapter 20 of the Quran). Umar read:
Ta-Ha. We have not sent down to you the Quran that you be distressed, but only as a reminder for those who fear [Allah]. A revelation from He who created the earth and highest heavens. The Most Merciful, who is established above the Throne. To Him belongs what is in the heavens and on earth… (Quran 20:1-6)
Umar (RA) was captivated by the beauty and depth of the Quran's words. He read on, and as he did, his heart underwent a profound change. "What fine and noble words these are!" he exclaimed. "Surely this cannot be the word of any human." At that moment, Umar's eyes were opened and Allah placed faith in his heart. He immediately asked, "Take me to Muhammad."
Umar then