Detailed Account

The tenth year of prophethood became known as the 'Year of Sorrow' (Aam al-Huzn) because the Prophet ﷺ lost his two greatest supporters—his uncle Abu Talib and his wife Khadijah—within months of each other, shortly after the boycott ended. Abu Talib fell seriously ill first, and the Prophet ﷺ visited him repeatedly, urging him to accept Islam. During one visit, Quraysh leaders including Abu Jahl were present, making it difficult for Abu Talib to convert publicly. The Prophet ﷺ heard him whisper the shahadah, but Abu Talib's final public words were that he remained on the religion of Abdul-Muttalib. Without Abu Talib's tribal protection, persecution increased dramatically, with someone even throwing dust on the Prophet's ﷺ head. Shortly after, Khadijah also passed away. She had been his loyal companion for 25 years, the first believer, his emotional support, financial backer, and wise counselor through all difficulties. These losses left the Prophet ﷺ deeply grieved and more vulnerable to persecution. Abu Lahab briefly assumed clan leadership and extended protection but soon withdrew it after being influenced by other Quraysh leaders. The Prophet ﷺ later remarked, 'Quraysh could not harm me severely until Abu Talib died.' This period marked a turning point that eventually led to seeking support outside Makkah and the subsequent migration to Madinah. The timing of these losses demonstrated divine wisdom, as they occurred after the Prophet's ﷺ message was firmly established but created conditions necessitating the move to Madinah where Islam could flourish more openly.