Open preaching and growth of Islam

Open preaching

Q2a. How did Islam grow in the years between the Holy Prophet SAW’s  first revelation and his first public preaching in Makkah? /10

1. How can the behavior of the first converts of Islam provide an example for Muslims today? /4

Q1(a) Give an account of the way in which the Prophet SAW started to preach Islam in the first few years after he began to receive revelation. [10]

b  Was  it significant that Prophet SAW began preaching the message in secret? /4

Following the initial revelation at Hira, there was a period of silence (Fatrah al-Wahi), which filled the Prophet ﷺ with deep anxiety until Angel Jibril appeared to him sitting on a chair between the earth and sky. Frightened, the Prophet ﷺ returned home asking Khadija (RA) to cover him. Allah then revealed Surah al-Muddaththir (74:1–5): "O you wrapped in garments! Arise and warn..." This marked the official divine command to begin preaching. Shortly after, Jibril taught the Prophet ﷺ the method of wudu (ablution) and the movements of Salah (prayer).

For the first three years, the Prophet SAW preached privately to those closest to him whom he trusted. He called them to abandon idol worship, accept the Oneness of Allah (Tawhid), and prepare for the Day of Judgment.

Early Converts include Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA), Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) , Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA)  Zaid ibn Harithah (RA) , Bilal ibn Rabah (RA)

Through Abu Bakr's efforts, prominent figures like Uthman ibn Affan, Zubair bin al-Awwam, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, and Talha bin Ubaidullah embraced Islam. Oppressed converts like Ammar ibn Yasir and his parents, Yasir and Sumayyah, also accepted the faith. As numbers grew past 40, the Prophet  established the home of Al-Arqam bin Abi Al-Arqam as a secret center for worship, teaching, and safety.

Around the third year, Allah revealed: "And warn your closest kin" (Surah ash-Shu'ara, 26:214). The Prophet ﷺ instructed Ali (RA) to prepare a meal of meat and milk and invited the members of Banu 'Abd al-Muttalib.

At the first gathering, Abu Lahab interrupted the Prophet SAW before he could speak, causing the guests to disperse. The Prophet SAW arranged a second gathering the following day and declared: "I know of no Arab who has brought his people anything better than what I bring you..." He asked who would help him in his mission. While the elders remained silent, 13-year-old Ali (RA) stood up and offered his firm support, which the Prophet SAW accepted, despite Abu Lahab's mockery.

Preaching became fully public following the command: "Therefore proclaim openly that which you are commanded..." (Surah al-Hijr, 15:94). The Prophet SAW climbed Mount al-Safa and called out to the clans of Quraysh (Bani Fahr, Bani Adi, Bani Abdu Munaf, Bani Abdul Muttalib). When they gathered, he asked if they would believe him if he warned them of an enemy army behind the hill. They unanimously replied: "Yes, we have never found you telling a lie" (affirming his titles Al-Sadiq and Al-Amin).

The Prophet SAW then publicly proclaimed: "I am a warner to you before a severe punishment." Hearing this, Abu Lahab cursed him, saying: "Perish you for the rest of the day! Is this why you gathered us?" Allah immediately responded by revealing Surah Masad (111).

Following this event, the Prophet SAW began preaching openly near the Ka'bah and during pilgrimage seasons, directly condemning idolatry, which initiated active persecution from the Quraysh.

b  Was  it significant that Prophet SAW began preaching the message in secret? /4

Yes, the secret preaching was extremely significant as it laid the foundational strength of Islam through wisdom. A sudden public declaration would have allowed the powerful Quraysh to easily crush the Muslim movement before it could grow. This secret preaching allowed the early converts the necessary time to internalize core Islamic beliefs (Tawhid), memorize newly revealed Quranic verses, and practice Salah without public persecution. It enabled the establishment of Dar al-Arqam as a secure headquarters for spiritual nurture, education, and mutual support. It set a permanent precedent that divine objectives must be approached with foresight, gradual planning rather than reckless haste.