When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began calling people to Islam after receiving the first revelation, the people of Makkah did not all react the same way. Some embraced the truth immediately, while others resisted fiercely. The initial reaction was a mixture of curiosity, belief, hostility, and rejection.
Understanding this response helps us see how deeply Islam challenged the social, economic, and religious structure of Quraysh society.
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The Early Secret Call:
After the first revelation in the Cave of Ḥirā’, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began inviting people to Islam quietly, starting with those closest to him. This secret phase of daʿwah (calling to Islam) lasted for about three years.
During this period, the first people to accept Islam included:
-Khadijah (RA) – his wife and strongest supporter.
-ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA) – his young cousin.
-Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) – his closest friend, who later became the first caliph.
-Zayd ibn Ḥārithah (RA) – his adopted son.
Through Abū Bakr (RA), many others embraced Islam, including ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān, ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf, Saʿd ibn Abī Waqqāṣ, and Ṭalḥah ibn ʿUbaydullāh (may Allah be pleased with them all).
The reaction of these early Muslims was immediate acceptance because they already knew the Prophet ﷺ as al-Ṣādiq al-Amīn (the Truthful, the Trustworthy).
The Public Call:
After three years, Allah commanded the Prophet ﷺ to proclaim Islam openly:
> “And warn your nearest relatives.” (Qur’an 26:214)
The Prophet ﷺ climbed Mount Ṣafā and called out to the tribes of Quraysh. He began by asking:
“If I told you that an army was advancing to attack you from behind this valley, would you believe me?”
They replied: “Yes, we have never known you to tell a lie.”
He then declared: “Then know that I am a warner to you before a severe punishment!”
At this, some listened silently, but Abū Lahab, his uncle, angrily shouted: “May you perish! Did you call us here for this?” (Bukhari, Muslim). From that moment, open hostility began.
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The Different Reactions:
1. Acceptance
A small group accepted Islam with sincerity. They were attracted by its message of Tawḥīd (Oneness of Allah), justice, equality, and moral purity. These included the poor, slaves, and also some wealthy nobles like Abū Bakr and ʿUthmān.
2. Rejection and Hostility
Many Quraysh leaders rejected Islam because it threatened their power, wealth, and religious authority. They profited from idol worship and feared losing status if Islam spread.
They accused the Prophet ﷺ of being:
A poet,
A magician,
A madman,
Or one who invented lies against Allah.
Despite knowing his honesty, they made false claims to discredit him.
3. Curiosity and Hesitation
Some people were curious but hesitant. They secretly listened to the Qur’an but did not openly accept Islam out of fear of society. Later, some of these became Muslims, such as ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA).
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Persecution of Muslims
As more people accepted Islam, Quraysh began persecuting the weak:
Slaves like Bilāl ibn Rabāḥ (RA) were tortured under the hot sun.
Sumayyah (RA), the first martyr in Islam, was killed for her faith.
Others were boycotted, beaten, or forced to abandon their homes.
The Prophet ﷺ himself was insulted, mocked, and even physically attacked. However, Quraysh did not dare to kill him immediately because of the protection of his uncle Abū Ṭālib.
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Why Did Quraysh Resist?
1. Religious pride – Islam rejected idol worship, which was central to Quraysh culture.
2. Economic fear – Quraysh profited from pilgrims visiting idols at the Kaʿbah. Islam threatened this trade.
3. Tribal rivalry – They saw Islam as giving too much honor to the poor and weak, undermining tribal hierarchy.
4. Arrogance – Many leaders refused to accept that a man like them could be chosen by Allah as a prophet.
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Lessons from the Initial Reaction
1. Truth attracts sincere hearts – Those who loved truth, like Abū Bakr and Khadijah (RA), accepted Islam immediately.
2. Power and arrogance blind people – Quraysh leaders rejected Islam not because of doubt, but because it threatened their authority.
3. Daʿwah requires patience – The Prophet ﷺ endured years of rejection and persecution, teaching us persistence in spreading truth.
4. The poor often lead in faith – Many of the first Muslims were from the weak and oppressed, showing that sincerity matters more than status.
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Reflection Questions
1. Why did some people of Makkah accept Islam immediately, while others rejected it?
2. How does the Prophet’s patience in the face of rejection inspire Muslims today?
3. What role did social class and power play in Quraysh’s resistance to Islam?
4. How can we apply lessons from the early daʿwah in spreading Islam today?
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Conclusion
The initial reaction of the people of Makkah to Islam was mixed. A few embraced it with sincerity, many rejected it with hostility, and others hesitated in curiosity. The leaders of Quraysh opposed Islam fiercely because it challenged their religion, wealth, and power.
Despite persecution, the Prophet ﷺ and his companions remained steadfast. Their patience and sacrifice eventually led to the victory of Islam, proving that truth, even when opposed, will always prevail by the will of Allah.
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