68 In the Foof!!rp, 0/ the Prophet
d escribes the relationship between husb and and wife: "They are your gar-
ments as you are their garmems.,,6 She had been the garment that protects
(emotionally as much as physically), conceals (weaknesses and doubts as
well as riches), and brings warmth, strength, status, dignity, and modesty.
It was not long before the Prophet's uncle, Abu Talib, thanks to whom
he had so far enjoyed immunity among the Quraysh, fell seriously ill as
well. .Muhammad visited him just as he was about to breathe his last. Abu
Talib confirmed that he had been happy to protect his nephew, who had
always been moderate and just. Muhammad invited him to pronounce the
profession of faith before departing, so that he could intercede for his
uncle \vith God. Abu Talib, prompted by his dan's honor code, said that
he feared the Q uraysh would trun k he had uttered the profession of faith
out of fear of death. They did not have the time to discuss the matter
any further: Abu Talib died with the Pcophet by his side. This man who,
with dignity and courage, had granted the younger man rus protection, as
well as his love and respect, had not embraced I slam. Muhammad loved
and respected him, and his sorrow was all the more intense. From this
sorrow and powerlessness, a verse, revealed in relation to this event,
draws an eternal teaching as to the disposition and the secrets of hearts:
"You will not be able to guide ltoward faithJ everyone whom you love;
but God guides those whom H e will, and H e knows best those who
reCeIve. gm ·d ance. ,,;
In the space of a few months, the Prophet seemed to have become
doubly vulnerable: he had lost the person who had offered rum love and
the p erson who had g ranted him protection. In spite of his grief, he need-
ed to react quickly and find the means to protect the community of
Muslims who had remained in Mecca. Muhammad decided to seek sup-
port outside the city.
At Taif, a SlaveThe P rophet went to the town of Taif and spoke to the leaders of the
Thaqif tribe, hoping that they would hear the message of Islam and agree
to protect the Muslims from tht:ir enemies. He met with a vety cold tecep-
tion, however, and the chiefs mocked his claim to be a prophet. If he was,
they asked, how co uld God allow His Messenger to beg for the support