by Numerous attempts to silence Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) troubled the Quraysh. It was not possible to kill Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) because he was under the protection of his uncle, the leader of one of the prominent clans in Makkah, Abu Talib ibn Abd Al-Muttalib. To kill the Prophet of Allah (ﷺ) would force Abu Talib to take revenge and execute the murderer. The prospect of starting the cycle of revenge troubled the Quraysh as it often led to larger conflict and war.[1]
The Second Delegation
“O Abu Talib! You are our leader and the best amongst us. you have seen what the son of your brother is doing to our religion. He abuses our gods. He vilifies our faith and the faith of our fathers. You are one of us in our faith. Either stop Muhammad from such activities or permit us to deal with him as we wish.”
Abu Talib informed Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) of the Quraysh efforts but did not prevent him from continuing his call. Abu Talib then composed a lengthy poem as was his practice when he was reflecting on his troubles. [2]
The Third Delegation
Al-Walid suggested to the Quraysh that he would approach Abu Talib and suggest a trade of his son Ammarah for the Prophet (ﷺ).
“O Abu Talib. Here is Ammarah, son of Al-Walid. He is the finest of youths among the Quraysh, and the handsomest and noblest of all. Take him as your own son. He will help you and be yours as any son could be. In return give us the son of your brother – the one woh has turned against your faith and the faith of your fathers and has caused dissension in our tribe. We shall kill him. Is that not fair. A man for a man?”
Abu talib declined[3]:
I do not think that it is fair at all. You give me your son to feed and raise while you want mine to kill. By Allah, this shall not be.”