The Call from Mount Safa

For three years, the message of Islam was spread secretly. Then, the command came to preach openly: 'Warn your closest kindred.' The Prophet ﷺ climbed Mount Safa and called out the war cry of the Arabs, 'Ya Sabahah!'

The clans of Mecca gathered. He asked them, 'If I told you there was an army behind this mountain about to attack you, would you believe me?' They replied, 'Yes, we have never found you to be a liar.'

He then declared, 'I am a warner to you of a severe punishment. Save yourselves from the Fire!' The silence was broken by his uncle Abu Lahab, who shouted, 'May you perish! Did you gather us for this?' He picked up a stone to throw at him. It was the beginning of the open hostility that would test the believers for years to come.