“For indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
(Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6)
Bismillah
The Year of Sorrow (‘Aam al-Huzn, عام الحزن) was one of the most difficult periods in the life of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
It took place around the 10th year of Prophethood (619 CE) and was marked by immense personal and social hardships.
This year tested the Prophet (ﷺ) in ways no other period had before. Yet, it also marked a turning point in His ﷺ mission, leading to the eventual migration to Medina.
Background
During this year, the Prophet (ﷺ) faced three devastating losses:
1. The death of His ﷺ beloved wife, Khadijah (RA), who had been His ﷺ strongest supporter.
2. The death of His ﷺ uncle, Abu Talib, who had protected Him ﷺ from Quraysh persecution.
3. The painful rejection at Ta’if, where He ﷺ sought refuge and support but was met with hostility.
The Death of Khadijah (RA) – The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Greatest Supporter
Khadijah (RA) was not just the Prophet’s (ﷺ) wife—She (RA) was His ﷺ first believer, His ﷺ comforter, and His ﷺ pillar of strength.
From the moment He ﷺ received revelation, She (RA) reassured Him ﷺ, supported His ﷺ mission, and sacrificed Her (RA) wealth for Islam.
After 25 years of marriage, Khadijah (RA) passed away, leaving the Prophet (ﷺ) heartbroken.
Her loss was irreplaceable. The Prophet (ﷺ) once said:
“She believed in me when people denied me, she believed me, when people did not, she supported me with her money, when people deprived me, Allah has blessed me with her children and deprived me of the children of people.”
-Musnad Ahmed, 24864
Even years later, He ﷺ would continue to honour Her (RA) memory, reminding His ﷺ companions of Her (RA) kindness and faith.
The Death of Abu Talib – The Prophet’s (ﷺ) Protection
The Prophet (ﷺ) suffered another great loss—His ﷺ uncle Abu Talib.
Though it is disputed whether Abu Talib had accepted Islam, He ﷺ had been a father figure to the Prophet (ﷺ) and His ﷺ greatest protector against Quraysh persecution.
With Abu Talib gone, the Prophet’s (ﷺ) enemies saw an opportunity to intensify their oppression.
Without His ﷺ uncle’s protection, the Prophet (ﷺ) was publicly mocked, insulted, and even physically attacked.
This marked the beginning of some of the harshest persecution against Muslims in Mecca.
The Rejection at Ta’if – A Painful Experience
With Mecca becoming increasingly hostile, the Prophet (ﷺ) decided to seek support elsewhere.
He ﷺ travelled to Ta’if, a city about 60 km from Mecca, hoping its people would accept His ﷺ message.
Instead of welcoming Him ﷺ, the leaders of Ta’if rejected Him ﷺ harshly.
They mocked Him ﷺ, insulted Him ﷺ, and ordered the street children to throw stones at Him ﷺ.
The Prophet (ﷺ) was badly injured, bleeding from His ﷺ wounds as he left the city.
Despite this suffering, Allah’s (SWT) mercy was near.
Soon after, Jibreel (AS) came to Him ﷺ, offering to punish the people of Ta’if.
But the Prophet (ﷺ), in His ﷺ infinite mercy, chose to forgive them and prayed for their future generations to accept Islam—which they eventually did.
Finding Hope After the Year of Sorrow
Though this year was filled with hardship, the events that followed transformed the trajectory of Islam:
1. The Night Journey & Ascension (Isra’ & Mi’raj): Allah (SWT) gifted the Prophet (ﷺ) a miraculous journey to the heavens, strengthening his faith and granting him the command of Salah (prayer).
2. The Pledge of Aqabah: A small group from Medina embraced Islam, leading to the eventual migration (Hijra) and the rise of the first Muslim state.
The Year of Sorrow teaches us that even in our darkest moments, Allah’s (SWT) mercy is near.
Trials are a means of purification, and after hardship comes ease.
Lessons from the Year of Sorrow
1. Patience in times of loss – Even the Prophet (ﷺ) faced immense grief, yet he remained steadfast.
2. Trust in Allah (SWT) – Even when rejected by people, Allah (SWT) always provides a way.
3. Forgiveness over revenge – Instead of cursing Ta’if, the Prophet (ﷺ) prayed for their guidance.
4. Hardship leads to blessings – After difficulty, Allah (SWT) opened the doors of Medina and Islam flourished.
No matter how dark the trial, the light of hope always follows.
Conclusion
The Year of Sorrow (619 CE) was a time of immense grief for the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).
Losing his beloved wife Khadijah (RA) and his protective uncle Abu Talib, followed by the painful rejection at Ta’if, marked one of the lowest points in his life.
But Allah (SWT) was preparing him for something greater. Soon, Islam would find a new home in Medina, and the Prophet’s (ﷺ) mission would reach its most significant turning point.
This year teaches us that no hardship lasts forever—with patience, faith, and trust in Allah (SWT), ease will always follow.
Want to Learn More?
Explore more stories from the Seerah of the Prophet (ﷺ) on UmmahInspired.com.
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