616-619 CEmajor

Boycott of Banu Hashim

حصار شعب أبي طالب

Map: Shi'b Abi Talib, Mecca (21.4267, 39.8278)

The Quraysh imposed a total social and economic boycott on Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib, drafting a document that forbade marriage, trade, and social interaction with them. The Muslims were confined to the valley of Abu Talib (Shi'b Abi Talib) for three years, suffering severe hunger. Children could be heard crying from starvation. The boycott ended when termites ate the unjust document, leaving only 'In Your Name, O Allah.'

Sources

  • Ibn Hisham's Sirah
  • Ibn Sa'd's Tabaqat
  • Ibn Kathir