Seerah Streak العربية

The open call, persecution and the boycott in Makkah

20 questions from the 7 Learn lessons on this topic in Seerah Streak. Every answer comes with its hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

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  1. In Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ climbed al-Safa and called the clans of Quraysh to gather. Ibn 'Abbas said this followed the revelation of which Qur'anic command?

    1. Recite in the name of your Lord
    2. And warn your nearest kindred
    3. Proclaim openly what you are commanded
    4. O you wrapped in your cloak, arise
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    Answer: And warn your nearest kindred

    Ibn 'Abbas reports that when "And warn your tribe of near kindred" was revealed, the Prophet ﷺ went out and climbed al-Safa.

    لما نزلت وأنذر عشيرتك الأقربين صعد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم على الصفا فجعل ينادي يا

    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!Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4770 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  2. At al-Safa in Makkah, the Prophet ﷺ asked Quraysh whether they would believe him if he told them a cavalry in the valley meant to raid them. What did they say they had found from him?

    1. Only generosity
    2. Only wisdom
    3. Only truthfulness
    4. Only patience
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    Answer: Only truthfulness

    They said yes, for they had never found him telling anything other than the truth.

    وقريش فقال أرأيتكم لو أخبرتكم أن خيلا بالوادي تريد أن تغير عليكم أكنتم مصدقي قالوا نعم ما جربنا عليك إلا صدقا قال فإني نذير

    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."Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4770 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  3. When the Prophet ﷺ stood on al-Safa in Makkah and called out the clans of Quraysh, what did a man who could not come out himself do?

    1. Stayed at home and ignored the call
    2. Sent a crier to call others to come
    3. Asked a neighbour to attend for him
    4. Sent a messenger to see what it was
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    Answer: Sent a messenger to see what it was

    Ibn 'Abbas says such a man sent a messenger to see what was happening.

    بني فهر يا بني عدي لبطون قريش حتى اجتمعوا فجعل الرجل إذا لم يستطع أن يخرج أرسل رسولا لينظر ما هو فجاء أبو لهب وقريش فقال أرأيتكم لو أخبرتكم أن خيلا بالوادي

    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.Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4770 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  4. The Prophet ﷺ recited a surah and prostrated while reciting it, and the people with him prostrated too. Which surah was it?

    1. Surat al-Najm
    2. Surat al-Rahman
    3. Surat al-Waqi'ah
    4. Surat al-Qamar
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    Answer: Surat al-Najm

    Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet ﷺ recited Surat al-Najm and prostrated, and the people prostrated with him.

    النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم قرأ سورة النجم فسجد بها فما بقي أحد من القوم إلا

    Narrated `Abdullah bin Mas`ud:The Prophet (ﷺ) recited Surat-an-Najm (53) and prostrated while reciting it and all the people prostrated and a man amongst the people took a handful of stones or earth and raised it to his face and said, "This is sufficient for me."Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 1070 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  5. Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet ﷺ recited a surah and prostrated, and everyone with him prostrated except one old man. In which city did this happen?

    1. Medina
    2. Mecca
    3. Ta'if
    4. Quba
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    Answer: Mecca

    Abdullah ibn Mas'ud reported that the Prophet ﷺ recited Surat al-Najm at Mecca and prostrated, and those with him did the same except an old man.

    قرأ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم النجم بمكة فسجد فيها وسجد من معه غير شيخ أخذ كفا من حصى أو تراب فرفعه إلى جبهته

    Narrated `Abdullah bin Mas`ud:The Prophet (ﷺ) recited Surat an-Najm (53) at Mecca and prostrated while reciting it and those who were with him did the same except an old man who took a handful of small stones or earth and lifted it to his forehead and said, "This is sufficient for me."Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 1067 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  6. When the Prophet ﷺ recited a surah and prostrated, everyone with him prostrated except one old man. What did that man lift to his forehead instead?

    1. A handful of dates
    2. A piece of cloth
    3. A handful of pebbles or dust
    4. A handful of palm leaves
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    Answer: A handful of pebbles or dust

    The old man took a handful of pebbles or dust in his palm, lifted it to his forehead and said, "This is sufficient for me."

    قرأ والنجم فسجد فيها، وسجد من كان معه» غير أن شيخا أخذ كفا من حصى أو تراب فرفعه إلى جبهته، وقال: يكفيني هذا قال

    Abdullah (b. 'Umar) reported:The Apostle of Allah (ﷺ) recited (Surat) al Najm and performed prostration during its recital and all those who were along with him also prostrated themselves except one old man who took a handful of pebbles or dust in his palm and lifted it to his forehead and said: This is sufficient for me.Translation: Abdul Hamid Siddiqui, Sahih Muslim, as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih Muslim 576 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  7. Ibn Abbas said the verse "Neither say your prayer aloud, nor say it in a low tone" was revealed in Mecca. What was the Prophet's ﷺ situation at the time?

    1. He was praying beside the Ka'bah
    2. He was preaching openly at al-Safa
    3. He was hiding himself
    4. He was away from Mecca
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    Answer: He was hiding himself

    Ibn Abbas said the verse was revealed while Allah's Messenger ﷺ was hiding himself in Mecca.

    في قوله تعالى ولا تجهر بصلاتك ولا تخافت بها قال نزلت ورسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم مختف بمكة كان إذا صلى بأصحابه رفع

    Narrated Ibn `Abbas:(regarding): 'Neither say your, prayer aloud, nor say it in a low tone.' (17.110) This Verse was revealed while Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) was hiding himself in Mecca.Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4722 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  8. Ibn Abbas explained the background of the verse "And utter not thy prayer loudly, nor be low in it." In Mecca, when the Prophet ﷺ led his Companions in prayer, what did he do while reciting the Qur'an?

    1. He recited in a whisper
    2. He prayed without reciting
    3. He asked his Companions to recite aloud instead
    4. He raised his voice with the Qur'an
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    Answer: He raised his voice with the Qur'an

    Ibn Abbas reported that when he led his Companions in prayer he raised his voice while reciting the Qur'an.

    صلى الله عليه وسلم متوار بمكة، فكان إذا صلى بأصحابه رفع صوته بالقرآن، فإذا سمع ذلك المشركون سبوا القرآن ومن أنزله ومن جاء به،

    Ibn 'Abbas reported:The word of (Allah) Great and Glorious: 'And utter not thy prayer loudly, nor be low in it" (xvii. 110) was revealed as the Messenger of Allah (may peace beupon him) was hiding himself in Mecca. When he led his Companions in prayer he raised his voice (while reciting the) Qur'an.Translation: Abdul Hamid Siddiqui, Sahih Muslim, as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih Muslim 446 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  9. Ibn Abbas reported that Abu Jahl said, "If I see Muhammad praying at the Ka'ba, I will tread on his neck." When the Prophet ﷺ heard of this, what did he say would happen if Abu Jahl did so?

    1. The angels would snatch him away
    2. The earth would swallow him
    3. His own people would stop him
    4. He would be struck blind
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    Answer: The angels would snatch him away

    The Prophet ﷺ said that if Abu Jahl did it, the angels would snatch him away.

    بن عباس قال أبو جهل لئن رأيت محمدا يصلي عند الكعبة لأطأن على عنقه فبلغ النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم فقال لو فعله لأخذته الملائكة تابعه عمرو بن خالد عن عبيد الله

    Narrated Ibn `Abbas:Abu Jahl said, "If I see Muhammad praying at the Ka`ba, I will tread on his neck." When the Prophet (ﷺ) heard of that, he said, "If he does so, the Angels will snatch him awayTranslation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4958 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  10. Abu Jahl and his companions sat near the Ka'bah in Makkah while the Prophet ﷺ prayed there. When the camel's entrails were placed between his shoulders as he prostrated, how did those men react?

    1. They stood in silence
    2. They laughed, leaning on one another
    3. They began to argue among themselves
    4. They scattered at once
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    Answer: They laughed, leaning on one another

    Ibn Mas'ud says they laughed, and some of them leaned on others from laughing.

    فلما سجد النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم وضعه بين كتفيه، قال: فاستضحكوا، وجعل بعضهم يميل على بعض وأنا قائم أنظر، لو كانت لي منعة

    The one most accursed among the people got up, brought the foetus and, when the Prophet (ﷺ) went down in prostration, placed it between his shoulders. Then they laughed at him and some of them leaned upon the others with laughter.Translation: Abdul Hamid Siddiqui, Sahih Muslim, as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih Muslim 1794a · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  11. In Makkah, 'Uqba bin Abi Mu'ayt twisted his garment round the neck of the Prophet ﷺ as he prayed in the courtyard of the Ka'bah. Abu Bakr pulled 'Uqba away and asked: "Would you kill a man because he says ..." what?

    1. There is no god but Allah
    2. I have submitted to Allah
    3. My Lord is Allah
    4. Muhammad is Allah's Messenger
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    Answer: My Lord is Allah

    Abu Bakr said: "Would you kill a man because he says: My Lord is Allah, and has come to you with clear Signs from your Lord?"

    خنقا شديدا فأقبل أبو بكر فأخذ بمنكبه ودفع عن رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم وقال أتقتلون رجلا أن يقول ربي الله وقد جاءكم بالبينات من ربكم

    Abu Bakr came and seized `Uqba's shoulder and threw him away from Allah's Apostle and said, "Would you kill a man because he says: 'My Lord is Allah,' and has come to you with clear Signs from your Lord?Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4815 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  12. While the Prophet ﷺ was prostrating at the Ka'bah in Makkah with camel entrails on his back, someone went and told his daughter Fatimah. How does Ibn Mas'ud describe her at that time?

    1. A grown woman
    2. A newly married woman
    3. A mother of young children
    4. A young girl
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    Answer: A young girl

    Ibn Mas'ud says Fatimah came, and she was a young girl, and removed it from the Prophet ﷺ.

    وسلم، والنبي صلى الله عليه وسلم ساجد ما يرفع رأسه حتى انطلق إنسان فأخبر فاطمة، فجاءت وهي جويرية، فطرحته عنه، ثم أقبلت عليهم تشتمهم،

    The Prophet (ﷺ) had bent down his head in prostration and did not raise it, until a man went (to his house) and informed (his daughter) Fatima, who was a young girl (at that time) (about this ugly incident). She came and removed (the filthy thing) from him.Translation: Abdul Hamid Siddiqui, Sahih Muslim, as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih Muslim 1794a · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  13. In Mecca, the blacksmith Khabbab made something for al-'As ibn Wa'il al-Sahmi and went to demand its price. What had he made?

    1. A spear
    2. A shield
    3. A sword
    4. A dagger
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    Answer: A sword

    Khabbab said he made a sword for al-'As ibn Wa'il al-Sahmi and then went to demand payment.

    كنت قينا بمكة فعملت للعاصي بن وائل السهمي سيفا فجئت أتقاضاه فقال لا أعطيك حتى تكفر

    Narrated Khabbab:I was a blacksmith in Mecca Once I made a sword for Al-`Asi bin Wail As-Sahmi. When I went to demand its price, he said, "I will not give it to you till you disbelieve in Muhammad."Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4733 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  14. Allah revealed verses about a man who disbelieved in His signs and said what he would certainly be given in the next life. The verse asks whether he has known the unseen, or has taken what from the Beneficent?

    1. A pardon
    2. A witness
    3. A sign
    4. A covenant
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    Answer: A covenant

    The verse asks whether he has known the unseen or has taken a covenant from the Beneficent.

    أماتني الله ثم بعثني ولي مال وولد فأنزل الله أفرأيت الذي كفر بآياتنا وقال لأوتين مالا وولدا أطلع الغيب أم اتخذ عند الرحمن عهدا

    So Allah revealed:-- 'Have you seen him who disbelieved in Our Signs, and (yet) says I shall certainly be given wealth and children? Has he known the unseen or has he taken a covenant from (Allah) the Beneficent?Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4733 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  15. Khabbab went to al-'As ibn Wa'il to be paid for his work. Al-'As said he would not pay unless Khabbab disbelieved in Muhammad ﷺ, and Khabbab said he would not do that until al-'As died and was resurrected. Al-'As asked, "Will I be dead and then resurrected after my death?" How did Khabbab answer?

    1. Yes
    2. No
    3. Allah knows best
    4. He gave no answer
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    Answer: Yes

    Khabbab answered "Yes", and al-'As then said he would have property and offspring there and would pay him.

    كنت رجلا قينا فعملت للعاص بن وائل فاجتمع لي عنده فأتيته أتقاضاه فقال لا والله لا أقضيك حتى تكفر بمحمد فقلت أما والله حتى تموت ثم تبعث فلا قال وإني لميت ثم مبعوث قلت نعم قال فإنه سيكون لي ثم مال وولد فأقضيك فأنزل الله تعالى أفرأيت الذي

    When he owed me some money for my work, I went to him to ask for that amount. He said, "I will not pay you unless you disbelieve in Muhammad." I said, "By Allah! I will never do that till you die and be resurrected." He said, "Will I be dead and then resurrected after my death?" I said, "Yes."Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 2275 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  16. After Abu Dharr embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, what did the Prophet ﷺ tell him to do about his conversion?

    1. Announce it publicly
    2. Stay beside him and serve him
    3. Tell his family first
    4. Keep it secret
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    Answer: Keep it secret

    The Prophet ﷺ said to him: "Keep your conversion as a secret."

    وسلم فقلت له اعرض علي الإسلام فعرضه فأسلمت مكاني فقال لي يا أبا ذر اكتم هذا الأمر وارجع إلى بلدك فإذا بلغك ظهورنا فأقبل

    When he did, I embraced Islam 'immediately. He said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Keep your conversion as a secret and return to your town; and when you hear of our victory, return to us.Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 3522 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  17. Abu Dharr came to Makkah looking for the Prophet ﷺ, and the people of the valley attacked him until he fell unconscious. He then stayed for thirty nights or days. What did he say was his only food in that time?

    1. Zamzam water
    2. Dates
    3. Barley bread
    4. Camel's milk
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    Answer: Zamzam water

    Abu Dharr said he had no food but the water of Zamzam, yet he grew so bulky that wrinkles appeared on his stomach and he felt no hunger.

    إلي، فقال: الصابئ، فمال علي أهل الوادي بكل مدرة وعظم، حتى خررت مغشيا علي، قال: فارتفعت حين ارتفعت، كأني نصب أحمر، قال: فأتيت زمزم فغسلت عني الدماء: وشربت من مائها، ولقد لبثت، يا ابن أخي ثلاثين، بين ليلة ويوم، ما كان لي طعام إلا ماء زمزم، فسمنت حتى تكسرت عكن بطني، وما وجدت على كبدي سخفة

    He said: I came to Mecca and I selected an insignificant person from amongst them and said to him: Where is he whom you call as-Sabi? He pointed out towards me saying: He is Sabi. Thereupon the people of the valley attacked me with sods and bows until I fell down unconscious. I stood up after havin. regained my consciousness and I found as if I was a red idol. I came to Zamzarn and washed blood from me and drank water from it and listen, O son of my brother, I stayed there for thirty nights or days and there was no food for me but the water of Zamzarn. And I became so bulky that there appeared wrinkles upon my stomach, and I did not feel any hunger in my stomach.Translation: Abdul Hamid Siddiqui, Sahih Muslim, as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih Muslim 2473a · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  18. After Abu Dharr embraced Islam in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ, the Prophet ﷺ told him to go back to his town. When did he say Abu Dharr should return to him?

    1. When Quraysh embraced Islam
    2. When news of the Muslims' victory reached him
    3. When the Prophet ﷺ left Makkah
    4. When the next Hajj season came
    Show the answer and its source

    Answer: When news of the Muslims' victory reached him

    The Prophet ﷺ said: "When you hear of our victory, return to us."

    وسلم فقلت له اعرض علي الإسلام فعرضه فأسلمت مكاني فقال لي يا أبا ذر اكتم هذا الأمر وارجع إلى بلدك فإذا بلغك ظهورنا فأقبل

    `Ali proceeded and I accompanied him till he entered a place, and I entered with him to the Prophet (ﷺ) to whom I said, 'Present (the principles of) Islam to me.' When he did, I embraced Islam 'immediately. He said to me, 'O Abu Dhar! Keep your conversion as a secret and return to your town; and when you hear of our victory, return to us.Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 3522 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  19. When Quraysh refused to obey the Prophet ﷺ, he asked Allah to afflict them with years of famine like those of Yusuf. What did they end up eating in the famine?

    1. Dried dates
    2. Barley bread
    3. Locusts
    4. Bones
    Show the answer and its source

    Answer: Bones

    They were stricken with famine and fatigue, so much so that they ate even bones.

    قال عبد الله إنما كان هذا لأن قريشا لما استعصوا على النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم دعا عليهم بسنين كسني يوسف فأصابهم قحط وجهد حتى أكلوا العظام فجعل الرجل ينظر إلى السماء فيرى ما بينه وبينها كهيئة الدخان من الجهد

    Narrated `Abdullah:It (i.e., the imagined smoke) was because, when the Quraish refused to obey the Prophet, he asked Allah to afflict them with years of famine similar to those of (Prophet) Joseph. So they were stricken with famine and fatigue, so much so that they ate even bones.Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4821 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)
  20. After the Prophet ﷺ asked Allah to afflict Quraysh with years of famine like those of Yusuf, someone came to him and asked him to pray for rain. For which tribes did he ask?

    1. Mudar
    2. Rabi'ah
    3. Kindah
    4. Azd
    Show the answer and its source

    Answer: Mudar

    The man said: invoke Allah to send rain for the tribes of Mudar, for they are on the verge of destruction.

    دعا عليهم بسنين كسني يوسف فأصابهم قحط وجهد حتى أكلوا العظام فجعل الرجل ينظر إلى السماء فيرى ما بينه وبينها كهيئة الدخان من الجهد فأنزل الله تعالى فارتقب يوم تأتي السماء بدخان مبين يغشى الناس هذا عذاب أليم قال فأتي رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم فقيل يا رسول الله استسق الله لمضر فإنها قد هلكت

    Narrated `Abdullah:It (i.e., the imagined smoke) was because, when the Quraish refused to obey the Prophet, he asked Allah to afflict them with years of famine similar to those of (Prophet) Joseph. So they were stricken with famine and fatigue, so much so that they ate even bones. A man would look towards the sky and imagine seeing something like smoke between him and the sky because of extreme fatigue. So Allah revealed:-- 'Then watch you for the Day that the sky will bring forth a kind of smoke plainly visible, covering the people; this is a painful torment.' (44.10-11) Then someone (Abu Sufyan) came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! Invoke Allah to send rain for the tribes of Mudar for they are on the verge of destruction."Translation: Muhammad Muhsin Khan, Sahih al-Bukhari (Darussalam), as published on sunnah.com.

    Sahih al-Bukhari 4821 · Grade: Sahih (authentic)

The questions and explanations are written by Seerah Streak from the cited hadith; words in quotation marks are the source's own. The Arabic is the book's text, checked word for word.

Lessons on this topic

In the app, each lesson reads the full passage, then asks about it.

  1. Warning his clanSahih al-Bukhari 4770 · Sahih Muslim 207a
  2. The prostration at al-NajmSahih al-Bukhari 1067
  3. Quraysh against his prayer and recitationSahih Muslim 446 · Sahih al-Bukhari 4958
  4. Harm at the Ka'bahSahih al-Bukhari 4815 · Sahih Muslim 1794a
  5. Khabbab and al-'As ibn Wa'ilSahih al-Bukhari 4733 · Sahih al-Bukhari 2275 · Sahih al-Bukhari 4735
  6. Abu Dharr accepts IslamSahih Muslim 2473a · Sahih al-Bukhari 3522
  7. The years of famine on QurayshSahih al-Bukhari 4821

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In this part of the Seerah: Makkah: birth to the Hijra

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