The Year of Sorrow ('Am al-Huzn)
عام الحزن
Summary
In the tenth year of prophethood, the Prophet (peace be upon him) lost both his beloved wife Khadijah and his uncle Abu Talib within a short period. This year became known as the Year of Sorrow, as he lost his greatest personal supporter and his primary political protector.
Details
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) had been his confidante, supporter, and the first believer. Abu Talib, while he did not accept Islam, had shielded the Prophet from the worst of Quraysh's hostility. After their deaths, the persecution intensified dramatically. The Prophet travelled to Ta'if seeking support, but the people of Thaqif rejected him and sent their slaves and children to stone him. Bleeding and distressed, he made the famous du'a: 'O Allah, to You I complain of my weakness...' The angel Jibril came with the angel of the mountains, offering to crush Ta'if between the two mountains, but the Prophet refused, hoping their descendants would accept Islam.