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O Level Islamiyat 2058
Paper 1 • Seerah • Makkan Period

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Makka

Complete chronological notes on the Prophet’s ﷺ Makkan mission: private preaching, public call, opposition, persecution, Abyssinia, boycott, Ta’if, Isra and Mi‘raj, Aqabah and Hijrah.

Built for Cambridge O Level Islamiyat 2058 / IGCSE Islamiyat 0493: clear bullet points, exam-ready answer plans, past-paper angles and student-friendly revision flow.

Start Chronological Notes Back to Paper 1

What This Page Covers

  • The main activities of the Prophet ﷺ in Makka after the first revelation.
  • The reaction of the Quraysh and reasons for opposition.
  • Persecution of early Muslims and their response.
  • Migration to Abyssinia, Ta’if, Isra and Mi‘raj, Aqabah and Hijrah.
  • 10-mark and 4-mark answer frames based on Cambridge-style marking.
Syllabus focus: Cambridge expects students to know the Prophet’s ﷺ activities in Makka, his experiences with opponents, the importance of his actions, and how his conduct provides examples for Muslims today. This page therefore follows a strict chronological order and separates knowledge points from evaluation points.
Start610 CE

First revelation and beginning of prophethood.

Private Phase3 Years

Quiet invitation, early converts and teaching at Dar al-Arqam.

Public PhaseOpen Call

Mount Safa, warning relatives and wider Makkan society.

End Point622 CE

Hijrah to Madinah after the Pledges of Aqabah.

Actual Syllabus Alignment

How This Topic Fits Paper 1

The Makkan period belongs to “The life and importance of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ”. Students must know events and explain their significance.

AO1: Knowledge

  • Know events in the correct order.
  • Name key people and places.
  • Describe causes, details and outcomes.
  • Use accurate Islamic terms.

AO2: Understanding

  • Explain why each event mattered.
  • Show lessons for Muslims today.
  • Connect patience, courage and trust in Allah.
  • Evaluate how the Prophet ﷺ is a model.

Exam Pattern

  • Part (a): usually 10 marks.
  • Part (b): usually 4 marks.
  • Questions may focus on one event or compare several events.
  • Do not write unrelated stories.

Chronological Notes: Prophet ﷺ in Makka

Learn these events in order. In the exam, sequence is very important because it helps your answer look organised and mature.

610 CE onwardsBeginning of Mission

After the First Revelation: The Mission Begins

  • The Prophet ﷺ received the first revelation in Cave Hira through Angel Jibril عليه السلام.
  • He returned home frightened and deeply moved, and Khadijah رضي الله عنها comforted him.
  • Waraqah ibn Nawfal recognised that the same angel who came to previous prophets had come to him.
  • This event marked the beginning of prophethood and the start of Islam’s message in Makka.
  • The main message was Tawhid: worship Allah alone and reject idols.
Early PhasePrivate Preaching

Private Preaching and Early Converts

  • For the first few years, the Prophet ﷺ invited people quietly and carefully.
  • He began with those closest to him because they knew his truthful character.
  • Early converts included Khadijah رضي الله عنها, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, Ali رضي الله عنه and Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه.
  • Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه helped bring important Companions to Islam, including Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه, Talhah رضي الله عنه, Zubayr رضي الله عنه and others.
  • Dar al-Arqam became an important meeting place where Muslims learned Islam safely.
  • The early Muslim community was small but strong in faith, discipline and sincerity.
Public ChallengeMount Safa

The Public Call to Islam

  • After the private phase, the Prophet ﷺ began calling people openly to Islam.
  • He warned his close relatives and the wider Quraysh that they should worship Allah alone.
  • At Mount Safa, he used his reputation for truthfulness to make people listen.
  • He asked whether they would believe him if he warned of an enemy behind the hill; they accepted his honesty.
  • When he warned them about accountability before Allah, Abu Lahab rejected him harshly.
  • This showed that the Quraysh trusted his character but rejected his message because it challenged their beliefs and power.
OppositionReasons

Why the Quraysh Opposed Islam

  • Religious reason: Islam rejected idols, while the Quraysh worshipped many idols around the Ka‘bah.
  • Economic reason: Makkah’s status as a pilgrimage and trade centre depended partly on idol worship.
  • Social reason: Islam taught equality, while Makkan society was based on tribal pride, class and status.
  • Political reason: Quraysh leaders feared losing authority if people followed the Prophet ﷺ.
  • Moral reason: Islam condemned injustice, cheating, cruelty to the weak and immoral practices.
  • Tribal reason: Some rejected Islam because they did not want leadership and revelation associated with Banu Hashim.
OppositionAgainst the Prophet ﷺ

How the Quraysh Opposed the Prophet ﷺ

  • They mocked him and called him names such as poet, magician or madman.
  • They spread false accusations to stop visitors from listening to the Qur’an.
  • They placed pressure on Abu Talib to stop protecting him.
  • They offered wealth, leadership and marriage if he would stop preaching.
  • The Prophet ﷺ refused compromise in matters of Tawhid and remained firm.
  • Some opponents physically harmed him, placed filth near him and tried to humiliate him during worship.
  • Despite insults and pressure, he continued preaching with patience and dignity.
PersecutionEarly Muslims

Persecution of the Early Muslims

  • Weak, poor and unprotected Muslims suffered the harshest persecution.
  • Bilal ibn Rabah رضي الله عنه was tortured by his master, but he kept saying “Ahad, Ahad” to affirm Allah’s oneness.
  • Sumayyah رضي الله عنها, from the family of Yasir, is remembered as an early martyr in Islam.
  • Ammar ibn Yasir رضي الله عنه and his family were severely tortured for their faith.
  • Khabbab ibn al-Aratt رضي الله عنه and others faced physical torture and social pressure.
  • Some Muslims were beaten, imprisoned, starved, insulted or forced by families to abandon Islam.
  • The Prophet ﷺ taught them patience, faith and trust in Allah rather than revenge.
ProtectionAbyssinia

Migration to Abyssinia

  • As persecution increased, the Prophet ﷺ allowed some Muslims to migrate to Abyssinia.
  • Abyssinia was ruled by a just Christian king, the Negus / Najashi.
  • This migration showed that Islam allowed believers to seek safety where they could practise their faith.
  • The Quraysh sent representatives to bring the Muslims back, but the Negus listened fairly.
  • Ja‘far ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه explained Islam clearly and recited verses about Maryam عليها السلام and Isa عليه السلام.
  • The Negus refused to hand the Muslims over because he recognised the justice of their case.
  • This event gave Muslims safety and showed Islam’s respect for truth and justice beyond tribal boundaries.
Strengthening IslamHamza and Umar

Acceptance of Islam by Hamza رضي الله عنه and Umar رضي الله عنه

  • Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib رضي الله عنه, the Prophet’s ﷺ uncle, accepted Islam and became a powerful supporter.
  • His courage gave Muslims confidence against the Quraysh.
  • Umar ibn al-Khattab رضي الله عنه also accepted Islam and became a major strength for the Muslim community.
  • After Umar’s conversion, Muslims were able to worship more openly.
  • These conversions showed that Islam attracted strong personalities as well as the poor and weak.
  • They also proved that Allah could change even strong opponents into strong supporters.
HardshipBoycott

Boycott of Banu Hashim

  • The Quraysh imposed a severe social and economic boycott on Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib.
  • They wanted to isolate the Prophet ﷺ and force his clan to stop protecting him.
  • The boycott included restrictions on trade, marriage and social contact.
  • The Muslims and some relatives of the Prophet ﷺ suffered hunger and hardship in the valley of Abu Talib.
  • The boycott lasted for about three years.
  • Some fair-minded Makkans later opposed the boycott and helped end it.
  • This event shows the Prophet’s ﷺ patience and the loyalty of those who protected him.
Year of SorrowPersonal Loss

The Year of Sorrow

  • After the boycott, the Prophet ﷺ suffered two major losses.
  • Khadijah رضي الله عنها passed away; she had supported him emotionally, spiritually and financially.
  • Abu Talib also passed away; he had protected the Prophet ﷺ from Quraysh violence despite not accepting Islam according to the mainstream Sunni account.
  • The loss of both supporters made the Prophet’s ﷺ position in Makka much more difficult.
  • This period is remembered as the Year of Sorrow because of the deep grief and increased danger.
  • The Prophet ﷺ continued his mission despite personal pain, showing perseverance and trust in Allah.
RejectionTa’if

Visit to Ta’if

  • The Prophet ﷺ went to Ta’if to seek support and invite its people to Islam.
  • The leaders of Ta’if rejected his message and treated him harshly.
  • They encouraged people to insult and stone him until he was injured.
  • Instead of cursing them, the Prophet ﷺ prayed to Allah and showed mercy.
  • When offered punishment against them, he hoped that their descendants might one day worship Allah.
  • This event is one of the strongest examples of his patience, forgiveness and commitment to guidance.
  • For exams, Ta’if is very important for questions on difficulties, patience and mercy.
Spiritual SupportIsra and Mi‘raj

Isra and Mi‘raj

  • After severe hardship, Allah honoured the Prophet ﷺ with the Night Journey and Ascension.
  • The Isra refers to the journey by night from Masjid al-Haram to Masjid al-Aqsa.
  • The Mi‘raj refers to the ascension through the heavens.
  • The Prophet ﷺ met earlier prophets and witnessed signs of Allah’s power.
  • The five daily prayers were given as an obligation for Muslims.
  • The event comforted the Prophet ﷺ after rejection and grief.
  • It also tested the faith of believers; Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه affirmed the Prophet’s ﷺ truthfulness.
New HopeAqabah

First Pledge of Aqabah

  • The Prophet ﷺ continued inviting tribes to Islam during the pilgrimage seasons.
  • People from Yathrib listened to the message and showed interest.
  • At the First Pledge of Aqabah, a group from Yathrib accepted basic Islamic teachings.
  • They pledged to worship Allah alone, avoid major sins and obey the Prophet ﷺ in good actions.
  • The Prophet ﷺ sent Mus‘ab ibn Umayr رضي الله عنه to Yathrib to teach Islam.
  • Mus‘ab’s teaching helped Islam spread among the tribes of Aws and Khazraj.
  • This pledge prepared the ground for the future Muslim community in Madinah.
ProtectionSecond Aqabah

Second Pledge of Aqabah

  • The following year, a larger group from Yathrib pledged support to the Prophet ﷺ.
  • They promised to protect him as they would protect their own families.
  • This pledge changed the situation from private support to political and communal protection.
  • It opened the way for Muslims to migrate from Makka to Yathrib.
  • The people of Yathrib later became known as the Ansar, the Helpers.
  • This event marks the beginning of a new stage in Islamic history.
622 CEHijrah

Hijrah from Makka to Madinah

  • As the threat from Quraysh increased, Muslims began migrating to Yathrib.
  • The Quraysh plotted to kill the Prophet ﷺ to stop Islam spreading.
  • Ali رضي الله عنه slept in the Prophet’s ﷺ bed to return people’s trusts and to help conceal the plan.
  • The Prophet ﷺ left Makka with Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and took refuge in the Cave of Thawr.
  • The Qur’an refers to this moment with the words of reassurance: “Do not worry; Allah is certainly with us” (meaning guide, Qur’an 9:40).
  • After staying hidden, they continued the journey and eventually reached Quba and then Madinah.
  • The Hijrah ended the Makkan phase and began the Madinan phase of Islam.

Subtopic Revision Boxes

Open each box for detailed, exam-friendly bullet notes. These help students prepare separate 10-mark and 4-mark answers.

1. The Prophet’s ﷺ Main Message in Makka

Core teachings

  • Allah is one; He alone deserves worship.
  • Idol worship is false and cannot benefit or harm people.
  • Humans are accountable before Allah and will face the Hereafter.
  • People should avoid injustice, cruelty, dishonesty and oppression.
  • The poor, slaves, orphans and women deserve dignity and fair treatment.
  • Faith should transform personal conduct and social behaviour.

Exam link

  • Use this section when answering why Quraysh opposed him or how Islam challenged Makkan society.
2. Early Converts and Dar al-Arqam
  • Early converts were important because they formed the first Muslim community.
  • Khadijah رضي الله عنها showed complete trust in the Prophet ﷺ and became the first believer.
  • Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه used his influence to invite others and support Islam.
  • Ali رضي الله عنه showed youthful courage by accepting Islam early.
  • Zayd ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه showed loyalty and faith.
  • Dar al-Arqam became a safe centre for learning, worship and community building.
  • This private stage shows wisdom: the Prophet ﷺ developed strong believers before open confrontation.
3. Public Preaching and Mount Safa
  • Open preaching increased public awareness of Islam.
  • The Prophet ﷺ used his reputation as al-Amin to make people recognise his truthfulness.
  • Mount Safa became a symbolic moment: the Prophet ﷺ warned people openly.
  • Abu Lahab’s reaction showed family opposition and public rejection.
  • The event teaches that truth may be rejected even when the messenger is known to be truthful.
  • For exams, mention both the method of preaching and the response of the Quraysh.
4. Opposition of the Quraysh
  • The Quraysh feared loss of religious authority because Islam rejected idols.
  • They feared loss of economic advantage connected to pilgrimage and trade.
  • They disliked Islam’s teaching that all people are equal before Allah.
  • They opposed moral reform because it criticised exploitation and injustice.
  • They feared the Prophet’s ﷺ message would weaken tribal customs and leadership.
  • They tried ridicule, negotiation, pressure, social isolation and violence.
  • Opposition increased as Islam became more visible and influential.
5. Persecution of Muslims
  • Muslims without tribal protection suffered most severely.
  • Bilal رضي الله عنه became a symbol of firm belief in Tawhid.
  • Sumayyah رضي الله عنها is remembered for sacrifice and steadfastness.
  • Ammar رضي الله عنه and his family suffered extreme pressure.
  • Some Muslims lost wealth, protection and family support.
  • The Prophet ﷺ himself faced mockery, threats and physical harm.
  • The response of Muslims teaches patience, faith, courage and moral discipline.
6. Migration to Abyssinia
  • The migration protected vulnerable Muslims from persecution.
  • It showed that Islam values religious freedom and safety.
  • The Negus is important because he acted justly and listened fairly.
  • Ja‘far رضي الله عنه explained Islam with confidence and wisdom.
  • The event showed the dignity of Muslims under pressure.
  • It also shows that Muslims may live peacefully under a just non-Muslim ruler if allowed to practise their faith.
7. Boycott, Year of Sorrow and Ta’if
  • The boycott shows collective punishment used by Quraysh against the Prophet’s ﷺ supporters.
  • The Year of Sorrow shows the emotional and political impact of losing Khadijah رضي الله عنها and Abu Talib.
  • Ta’if shows that the Prophet ﷺ continued da‘wah even when Makka became extremely difficult.
  • His response at Ta’if shows mercy, forgiveness and hope for future generations.
  • These events are useful for 4-mark answers about patience, forgiveness and trust in Allah.
8. Isra and Mi‘raj, Aqabah and Hijrah
  • Isra and Mi‘raj gave spiritual comfort and confirmed Allah’s support.
  • The gift of five daily prayers links this event directly to Muslim worship today.
  • The Pledges of Aqabah show that Islam was gaining a new base outside Makka.
  • Mus‘ab ibn Umayr رضي الله عنه played a major role in teaching Islam in Yathrib.
  • The Hijrah was not an escape from responsibility; it was a planned move to preserve and establish Islam.
  • The Makkan period ended with patience and sacrifice, while the Madinan period began with community leadership.

Visual Understanding: Makkan Period in 3 Movements

This helps students remember the whole period quickly before exams.

1. Building Faith

  • First revelation
  • Private preaching
  • Early converts
  • Dar al-Arqam
  • Tawhid and moral reform

2. Facing Opposition

  • Public preaching
  • Mockery and accusations
  • Persecution of Muslims
  • Abyssinia
  • Boycott and Ta’if

3. Preparing for Madinah

  • Isra and Mi‘raj
  • Invitation to tribes
  • Aqabah pledges
  • Migration plan
  • Hijrah to Madinah

Past-Paper Question Bank

Use these common question angles for practice. Link them with your topical past-paper page for Makkan Life.

Question AngleWhat to IncludeHow to Score Higher
Describe the Prophet’s ﷺ public preaching in Makka.Private stage, command to preach, Mount Safa, warning relatives, Abu Lahab, Quraysh reaction.Explain why public preaching challenged Makkan beliefs and leadership.
Give an account of the opposition faced by the Prophet ﷺ in Makka.Mockery, accusations, pressure on Abu Talib, offers of compromise, physical abuse, social boycott.Separate opposition to the Prophet ﷺ from persecution of followers.
Describe the persecutions suffered by the early Muslims in Makka.Bilal, Sumayyah, Ammar, Yasir family, Khabbab, weak Muslims, loss of protection.Add examples and explain Muslim patience and faith.
Write about the migration to Abyssinia.Reason, just king, first/second migrations, Quraysh delegation, Ja‘far’s speech, Negus’s decision.Explain religious freedom, justice and interfaith respect.
Give an account of the Prophet’s ﷺ visit to Ta’if.Reason for going, rejection, stoning, injury, prayer, mercy, refusal to curse.Use it as a model of patience and forgiveness.
Describe Isra and Mi‘raj and its importance.Night journey, ascension, meeting prophets, five prayers, test of faith.Link the event to comfort, prayer and Allah’s support.
Describe the Pledges of Aqabah.Yathrib pilgrims, first pledge, Mus‘ab’s teaching, second pledge, promise of protection.Explain how Aqabah prepared the Hijrah and Madinan community.
Describe the main events of the Hijrah.Quraysh plot, Ali in bed, Abu Bakr, Cave Thawr, journey, arrival at Quba/Madinah.Explain planning, trust in Allah and the turning point in Islamic history.

Practice more through your topical page: Makkan Life Past-Paper Collection.

Full-Mark Answer Frames

Use these structures to turn notes into high-level exam answers.

Part (a): 10-Mark Knowledge Answer

  • Start with a clear opening sentence naming the event or period.
  • Write in chronological order: cause → event → response → outcome.
  • Name key people: Khadijah, Abu Bakr, Ali, Bilal, Sumayyah, Ja‘far, Negus, Abu Talib, Mus‘ab, Ansar.
  • Add accurate places: Makka, Dar al-Arqam, Mount Safa, Abyssinia, Ta’if, Aqabah, Cave Thawr, Yathrib/Madinah.
  • Use detailed examples instead of vague sentences.
  • Finish with the outcome or importance of the event in the progress of Islam.

Part (b): 4-Mark Understanding Answer

  • Make two developed reasons rather than four tiny points.
  • Connect the event to Muslim life today.
  • Use values: patience, courage, forgiveness, trust in Allah, justice, loyalty and sacrifice.
  • Explain why the Prophet’s ﷺ example matters, not only what happened.
  • Use phrases like “This teaches Muslims today that...” and “This is important because...”
  • Avoid simply repeating the story from Part (a).

Common Mistakes and A* Fixes

These mistakes frequently make answers weak. Avoid them carefully.

Weak Answer Mistakes

  • Writing events in random order.
  • Mixing Makkan and Madinan events.
  • Only saying “Quraysh opposed him” without examples.
  • Confusing Abyssinia with Madinah.
  • Ignoring Part (b) significance.
  • Using emotional language without accurate facts.

A* Answer Habits

  • Use chronological sequence.
  • Add names, places and outcomes.
  • Separate Prophet’s ﷺ difficulties from followers’ difficulties.
  • Explain motives of Quraysh clearly.
  • Connect every event to Islamic values.
  • End answers with significance for Muslims today.
Authentic Support and Careful Use

Useful References for Students

Use references carefully. Do not overload answers with quotations; use them only when they support the point.

Qur’an 9:40

Useful for the Cave of Thawr and Hijrah: meaning guide — Allah was with His Messenger ﷺ and his companion during danger.

Sahih al-Bukhari

Useful for first revelation and Hijrah details, especially Cave Hira and the Prophet’s ﷺ journey with Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.

Cambridge Marking

Top answers are structured, accurate, detailed and directly relevant. Part (b) requires understanding and reasoning.

Sources checked while preparing this page: Cambridge O Level Islamiyat 2058 syllabus and past-paper page, Sahih al-Bukhari references on first revelation and Hijrah, Qur’an 9:40, and your topical past-paper focus page.

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