Detailed Account

With limited success in Makkah and diminished protection, the Prophet ﷺ began systematically approaching Arab tribes who visited Makkah for trade and pilgrimage. During the pilgrimage seasons, he would visit tribal encampments at markets like Ukaz, Majannah, Dhul-Majaz, and at Mina, presenting Islam and requesting protection to complete his mission. His uncle Abbas often accompanied him as a witness, though not yet Muslim himself. The Prophet ﷺ approached numerous tribes including Banu Amir, Muharib, Fazara, Ghassan, Murrah, Hanifa, Sulaym, Abs, Banu Nasr, and Banu al-Bakka. Most tribes rejected him for various reasons: some feared Quraysh opposition; others demanded political power after his success; Banu Hanifa's leader Musaylimah later claimed prophethood himself; Banu Amir demanded succession to leadership after the Prophet's death, which he explained was Allah's choice, not his. Abu Lahab often followed him, telling tribes: 'Do not listen to him; he is our renegade who has abandoned our religion.' Despite these rejections, the Prophet ﷺ persisted patiently, knowing that divine guidance would eventually connect him with receptive hearts. This methodical outreach demonstrated his strategic approach to finding a suitable environment for Islam to flourish when Makkah had proven resistant. The repeated rejections served as both a test of his perseverance and preparation for the eventual acceptance from Madinah that would transform Islamic history.