Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training – Bani Hashim and Bani Muttalib were truly heroic. They defended Rasulullah wholeheartedly, even at great personal risk. The Quraysh, increasingly desperate, enacted cunning policies with one goal: to bring down Rasulullah and his followers from these two clans.
The Quraysh’s policies were incredibly sly. They prohibited marriages and business dealings with Bani Hashim and Bani Muttalib. Plus, they forbade anyone from helping them in any way. Essentially, they were completely blacklisted! To reinforce their ruthless pact, they inscribed it on a sheet of paper containing an inhumane agreement: “They would never accept peace from Bani Hashim and would show no mercy towards them unless they handed over (Rasulullah saw) to be killed.” (see Al-Mubarakfuri, Rahiq al-Makhtum, p. 106)
This terrifying agreement was also announced at the Ka’bah. But Bani Hashim and Bani Muttalib, regardless of their status, remained steadfast in defending Rasulullah. They took refuge in the crevices of the hills, especially on the land owned by Abu Talib. Some say they gathered there on the first night of Muharram in the seventh year of prophethood. Amazing, right? This truly showcases their determination and love for Rasulullah.
Imagine being ostracized just for having different beliefs. Whether they were believers or not, they were all ostracized. Except for Abu Lahab, who fortunately did not join the boycott. This all lasted for three years, from Muharram in the seventh year of prophethood until Muharram in the tenth year.
The hardship faced by Bani Hashim and Bani Muttalib during that time is unimaginable. They had to eat leaves and skins because there was no other food. The atmosphere was terrifying, with the cries and screams of women and starving babies. It was absolutely horrific!
Whenever a companion of Rasulullah tried to buy food, Abu Lahab would make things difficult. He would order merchants to sell food at exorbitant prices, making it impossible for the companions to buy anything. “Merchants, raise your prices for Muhammad’s companions, so they cannot buy anything!” Abu Lahab would shout. (see Al-Buthi, Fiqh al-Sirah, p. 86)
But fortunately, after those three years, some members of the Bani Qushay protested and wanted to annul the agreement. And, amazingly, Allah had His own way of showing that the agreement was worthless. He sent a swarm of termites to eat the document hung at the Ka’bah. Incredible, right? (see Al-Buthi, Fiqh al-Sirah, p. 86)
Can you believe it? When Rasulullah received the news that the document had been eaten by termites, he must have been astonished! He then told Abu Talib. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Abu Talib immediately approached the Quraysh to verify it for themselves.
When they opened it, it was true! The document had been destroyed, with only the word “Allah” remaining. But, for some reason, the Quraysh thought it was a trick by Rasulullah. “This is just Muhammad’s magic!” they exclaimed (see Al-Buthi, Fiqh al-Sirah, p. 87).
Luckily, not long after, five brave Quraysh leaders stepped forward to lift the embargo. These were remarkable individuals: Hisyam bin Amr bin Harith, Zuhair bin Umayyah, Mutt’im bin ‘Adi, Abul Bakhtari bin Hisham, and Zam’ah bin Aswad. The first courageous one to speak out against the embargo was Zuhair bin Umayyah. Mutt’im bin ‘Adi even went as far as tearing up the document!
After that, they all immediately met with Bani Hashim, Bani Muttalib, and those who had been boycotted. Finally, they were all free and could return to their homes. Isn’t that amazing? In the end, everything was resolved, and there was no more boycott!
Source:
- https://islam.nu.or.id/sirah-nabawiyah/kisah-kepedihan-bani-hasyim-dan-bani-muthalib-saat-diboikot-kafir-quraisy-Meb8T
- https://id.pinterest.com/pin/5277724557131565/
