Seerah 01-07: The Public Call of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at Mount Safa: Lessons from Early Islamic Da’wah and the Warning to the Quraysh | Qur’an and Authentic Sunnah Insights | ZAD Academy Audio | Blogpost by Zayd Haji

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh,

I am Zayd Haji, a student at ZAD Academy. In this lesson from ZAD Academy, we study a significant moment in the early history of Islam when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ publicly announced his message to the people of Makkah. After several years of secretly calling people to Islam, the Prophet ﷺ was commanded by Allah to openly warn his people and begin the public stage of da’wah.

This event marked a turning point in the mission of the Prophet ﷺ and demonstrated his courage, sincerity, and commitment to delivering the message of Islam.

After years of private preaching, Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to warn his closest relatives and the people of Makkah. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“And warn your closest kindred.”

(Qur’an 26:214 – Quran.com)

This command signaled the beginning of the public proclamation of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ understood that, just as earlier prophets faced rejection from their people, he too would encounter opposition and resistance.

To deliver the message publicly, the Prophet ﷺ climbed Mount Safa and called out to the tribes of Quraysh. The people gathered because they trusted him and knew him as an honest and truthful person.

Narrated Ibn `Abbas: When the Verse: --'And warn your tribe of near-kindred, was revealed, the Prophet (ﷺ) ascended the Safa (mountain) and started calling, "O Bani Fihr! O Bani `Adi!" addressing various tribes of Quraish till they were assembled. Those who could not come themselves, sent their messengers to see what was there. Abu Lahab and other people from Quraish came and the Prophet (ﷺ) then said, "Suppose I told you that there is an (enemy) cavalry in the valley intending to attack you, would you believe me?" They said, "Yes, for we have not found you telling anything other than the truth." He then said, "I am a warner to you in face of a terrific punishment." Abu Lahab said (to the Prophet) "May your hands perish all this day. Is it for this purpose you have gathered us?" Then it was revealed: "Perish the hands of Abu Lahab (one of the Prophet's uncles), and perish he! His wealth and his children will not profit him...." (111.1-5)

Sahih al-Bukhari 4770

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:4770

During this address, the Prophet ﷺ emphasized that every individual is responsible for their own faith and actions. He addressed his relatives and even his daughter Fatimah with a powerful reminder that no one can rely solely on family ties for salvation.

Narrated Abu Huraira: When Allah revealed the Verse: "Warn your nearest kinsmen," Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) got up and said, "O people of Quraish (or said similar words)! Buy (i.e. save) yourselves (from the Hellfire) as I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment; O Bani `Abd Manaf! I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment, O Safiya, the Aunt of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment; O Fatima bint Muhammad! Ask me anything from my wealth, but I cannot save you from Allah's Punishment."

Sahih al-Bukhari 2753

https://sunnah.com/bukhari:2753

While many of the Quraysh were surprised by the message, the most hostile response came from the Prophet’s uncle Abu Lahab. He rejected the message and insulted the Prophet ﷺ.

In response to his hostility, Allah revealed a chapter in the Qur’an condemning Abu Lahab:

“May the hands of Abu Lahab be ruined, and ruined is he.”

(Qur’an 111:1 – Quran.com)

This revelation confirmed the truth of the Prophet’s mission and exposed the opposition of those who rejected the message of Islam.

The public call of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at Mount Safa represents a pivotal moment in Islamic history. It illustrates the courage of the Prophet ﷺ in delivering Allah’s message despite the risk of rejection and persecution.