Hijrah.
From Makkah up to the Cave of Thawr.
The assassination attempt by the mushrikoon
Ulama Institute #1
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- Once the Prophet ﷺ gave general permission to perform Hijrah and some Companions migrated, a more general migration movement began. The Companions rushed to migrate, and soon almost all of the Muslim community had migrated to Madeenah. The only people that remained were those who had been forcibly kept behind; some women and children, the Prophet ﷺ , Aboo Bakr and ‘Ali . Aboo Bakr wanted to migrate earlier, but the Prophet ﷺ prevented him. He did not mind staying since it meant that he would probably travel with the Prophet ﷺ . The Prophet ﷺ himself, awaited the instruction of Allah ﷻ .
- The Quraysh, on seeing the widespread and successful migration of most of the Companions, felt that an urgent decision had to be taken on what to do to the Prophet ﷺ . They knew that it would not be long before the Prophet ﷺ himself migrated. Thus, they assembled in Daar al-Nadwah (House of assembly) to take a serious and important decision. After many proposals the suggestion of Aboo Jahl was accepted. He said that the only way to solve the problem would be to kill the Prophet ﷺ . In order to prevent the family of the Prophet from taking revenge, he suggested that one man from every group present, be appointed to strike a blow at the Prophet ﷺ . In this way, no particular family could be held responsible, it would be unlikely to take revenge against all of them, and each of them would share in the cost of the blood money to be paid to Muhammad’s ﷺ family.
- When Allah ﷻ granted permission for the Hijrah, He instructed Jibreel to inform Prophet Muhammad ﷺ of this decision. The Prophet ﷺ immediately proceeded to the home of Aboo Bakr. After ensuring that there was no one other than Aboo Bakr’s family in the house, he informed Aboo Bakr that Allah’s permission had been granted. Aboo Bakr then asked if he would be able to travel too and the answer was in the affirmative. Aboo Bakr prepared two camels for this journey. He offered the faster of the two to the Prophet. The Prophet ﷺ agreed to take it on the condition that Aboo Bakr accept payment for it. All plans were finalized before Muhammad ﷺ left for his home.
The Quraysh had planned to kill the Prophet ﷺ early the next morning. Eleven men were chosen. They had surrounded his home, so that they could seize him the moment he was alone. Their plan seemed perfect but Allah’s plan was different.
Allah ﷻ says in the Qur’aan:
And (remember, Oh Muhammad) when those who disbelieved plotted against you. But they plan, and Allah plans. Allah is the best of planners.” (Soorat al-Anfaal:30)
- ‘Ali was also in the Prophet’s house when the mushrikoon surrounded it. He was instructed to lie in the Prophet’s bed, and cover himself with the Prophet’s sheet. He was also instructed to return all the items which had been given, by various individuals, into the trust of the Prophet ﷺ . The men waited outside, peeking inside to ensure that the Prophet ﷺ was still there.
- Despite their efforts, their plan was foiled. The Prophet ﷺ left his home and threw a handful of dust in the direction of the mushrikoon while reciting aayaat from the Qur’aan.
- With the permission of Allah ﷻ , they were unable to see the Prophet ﷺ and he proceeded to the house of Aboo Bakr. The two of them set off on their journey, and instead of using the conventional route, they went southwards, and headed to the Mountain of Thawr. ‘Aa’ishah and Asmaa, two of the daughters of Aboo Bakr , had prepared the baggage and some food for Aboo Bakr and the Prophets. They put the food into a leather bag and Asmaa tore her waistband into two pieces, using one piece of the waistband to tie the leather bag shut. This is why she is known as Dhaatun Nitaaqayn (The one with two waistbands).
- The last part of the journey, before the Cave of Thawr, was extremely difficult for Aboo Bakr. He carried the Prophet ﷺ on his shoulders so that there would be only one set of footprints. They remained in the cave for three days.
- Meanwhile, the mushrikoon were surprised to find ‘Ali in the Prophet’s bed the next morning. ‘Ali was threatened and tortured but he would not say where the Prophet ﷺ was. After an urgent meeting of the Quraysh, a reward of one hundred camels was set on the heads of both Aboo Bakr and the Prophet ﷺ .
What we learn from the lesson:
- The Will of Allah ﷻ will always prevail.
- The Command of Allah ﷻ and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ should always be obeyed.
“Discussion:”
- Why did Aboo Jahl suggest that one person from every group be appointed to be part of the killing of the Prophet?
- Why is Asmaa known as ‘Dhaatun Nitaaqayn’?
- What did Aboo Bakr do during the last part of the journey to the Cave of Thawr? Why?
