For nine years, since his selection by Allah for His mission, the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) had been delivering the message of Allah in Mecca
and making all efforts to guide and reform his community. Excepting a few persons who had either embraced Islam or who helped him though not accepting his creed, all the rest in Mecca left no stone unturned in persecuting and deriding him and his followers. His uncle Abu Talib was one of those goodhearted people who helped him, in spife of his not entering into the fold of Islam.

It is really very hard for the Muslims of today to imagine, and much less to endure or even to attempt to endure, the hardships that were borne by the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his illustrious companions in the path of Allah. Books of history are full of stories of their sufferings. It is a pity that we are so indifferent to those events and our knowledge is so poor in this regard. I open this chapter with a story about the Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) himself to get the blessings of Allah, which are sure to attend his auspicious mention.

We glorify Allah and ask blessings and salutations of peace for the noble Prophet (Sallallaho alaihe wasallam) and his companions and those who follow him in upholding the cause of the right religion.