ON MOUNT AS-SAFA:

After the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) became sure of Abu Talib's commitment to his protection while he called the people unto Allah, he stood up on Mount As-Safa one day and called out loudly: “Oh Sahabah! (companions) “ Septs of Quraish came to him. He called them to testify to the Oneness of Allah and believe in his Messengership and the Day of Resurrection. Al-Bukhari reported part of this story on the authority of Ibn Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him). He said: “When the following verses were revealed:

“And warn your tribe [O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) ] of near kindred.“ [26:214]

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) ascended Mount As-Safa and started to call: “O Bani Fahr! O Bani Adi (two septs of Quraish).“ Many people gathered and those who couldn't, sent somebody to report to them. Abu Lahab was also present. The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “You see, if I were to tell you that there were some horsemen in the valley planning to raid you, will you believe me?“ They said: “Yes, we have never experienced any lie from you.“ He said: “I am a warner to you before a severe torment.“ Abu Lahab promptly replied: “Perish you all the day! Have you summoned us for such a thing?“ The verses were immediately revealed on that occasion:

“Perish the two hands of Abu Lahab...“ [111:1].

Muslim reported another part of this story on the authority of Abu Hurairah (May Alah be pleased with him) — He said: “When the following verses were revealed:

“And warn your tribe [O Muhammad (Peace be upon him) ] of near kindred.“ [26:214]

The Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) called all the people of Quraish; so they gathered and he gave them a general warning. Then he made a particular reference to certain tribes, and said: “O Quraish, rescue yourselves from the Fire; O people of Bani Ka'b, rescue yourselves from Fire; O Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad (Peace be upon him) , rescue yourself from the Fire, for I have no power to protect you from Allah in anything except that I would sustain relationship with you.“

It was verily a loud suggestive Call stating unequivocally to the closest people that belief in his Message constituted the corner-stone of any future relation between him and them, and that the blood-relation on which the whole Arabian life was based, had ceased to exist in the light of that Divine ultimatum.