Islam_in_Focus_text

Bringing the severe boycott to an end was no indication
of peace or anticipation of tranquility on the part of the in-
fidels. On the contrary, pressure and persecution continued
with a rapid increase, but it was all in vain as far as Muslims
were concerned. Finally, the infidels convened a summit
conference behind closed doors to discuss what to do next to
eliminate Islam and get rid of Muhammad once and for all.
A unanimous resolution was adopted to select a strong man
from every tribe and murder Muhammad in his bed. The
mission of Muhammad was not destined to end at that level.
So, God instructed him to leave Mecca, his dear hometown,
and migrate to Medina to reunite with the native Muslims
and the earlier emigrants who had fled from Mecca to Medi-
na (see Qur'an, 8:30; 9:40). This was the Great Event of Hij-
rah or Emigration with which the history of Islam began and
by which the Muslim Calendar goes,
Fleeing from Mecca, the Muslims were forced by a va-
riety of circumstances to leave behind practically all their
properties, belongings and even families. As soon as they
settled in Medina, Muhammad resumed his peaceful preach-
ing and his gracious invitation to Islam. Some natives re-
sponded favorably to the Call of God and immediately be-
came full-fledged members of the Muslim Community.
Others did not embrace Islam but maintained their tradition-
al beliefs. And because Muhammad was dedicated to digni-
fied peace and reform, he concluded treaties with the non-