Rasulullaah (SAW) Preaches to his People at the
Time when his Uncle Abu Taalib is about to Leave
the World
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (RA) narrates that when Abu Taalib was about to leave the world, a group from the Quraysh came to see him. Among this group was Abu Jahal. They complained to Abu Taalib about what his nephew (Rasulullaah (SAW)) was saying and doing, including insulting their gods. They expressed the wish that Abu Taalib call for Rasulullaah (SAW) and forbid him from what he was doing. When Abu Taalib sent for Rasulullaah (SAW), he promptly arrived and entered the house. When Rasulullaah (SAW) came to the room, there remained a space for one person between the group of the Quraysh and Abu Taalib.
Narrating further, Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (RA) states,
"The accursed Abu Jahal feared that if Rasulullaah (SAW) occupied the empty space next to his uncle, Abu Taalib may become more lenient. Therefore, he jumped to occupy the place, leaving no place for Rasulullaah (SAW) near his uncle. For this reason, Rasulullaah (SAW) was forced io sit near the door. Addressing Rasulullaah (SAW), Abu Taalib said, 'O my nephew! Why are your people complaining that you insult their gods and tell them so many things?' Upon this, those present started saying many things."
Rasulullaah (SAW) finally addressed his uncle saying,
"O my uncle! All I want these people to do is to accept a single statement that would make all the Arabs serve them and make all the non-Arabs pay them taxes." Taken aback by this, the people exclaimed,
"Only one statement! By the oath of your father, we are prepared to accept ten such statements! What is this statement?" Abu Taalib also asked,
"O my nephew! What is this statement?" Rasulullaah (SAW) replied,
"Laa Ilaaha Illallaah ("There is none worthy of worship but Allaah")."
Upon hearing this, the people hastily stood up and brushing down their clothing, they said,
'"Does he make all the (many) gods (that we worship) into one god? This is indeed something strange!"
Hadhrat Abdullaah bin Abbaas (RA) states that it was with reference to this that Allaah (SWT) revealed the verses:
(The Mushrikeen say,)"Does he (Rasulullaah (SAW)) make all the (many) gods (that we worship) into one god? This is indeed something strange!" A group of their leaders passed saying, "Carry on (with what you are doing without paying attention to what Rasulullaah (SAW) says), and remain devoted to your gods (idols). Undoubtedly, there is some ulterior motive behind this. We have not heard about such a thing (this message) in the other religions. This is (therefore) merely some fabrication. Does some speech (revelation) descend on him (when he is merely a human being) from among us (and not an angel)?" (Allah (SWT) says further,) However, (the fact of the matter is that) they are in doubt concerning My revelation. The truth is that they (behave in this manner because they) have not yet tasted My punishment. {Surah Saad, verses 5-8)