Public Preaching Begins
الجهر بالدعوة
Summary
After three years of secret da'wah, the command came to preach openly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) ascended Mount Safa and called out to the clans of Quraysh, warning them of severe punishment if they rejected Allah's message. Abu Lahab rejected him openly.
Details
The verse 'And warn your closest kindred' (26:214) initiated the public phase. The Prophet gathered the Quraysh and asked: 'If I told you that behind this hill there is an army about to attack you, would you believe me?' They said: 'Yes, we have never known you to lie.' He then said: 'I am a warner to you before a severe punishment.' Abu Lahab cursed him, and Surah al-Masad (111) was revealed in response. This marked the beginning of open opposition from the Quraysh leadership.