Hazrat Sayyedah Khadijah — Page 25
25 25 Moreover inter-marriages between Banu Haashim and Banu Muttalib with the rest of the Quraish tribes were prohibited. The Makkans said that they would lift the ban only when those two clans denounce the Holy Prophet saw and hand him over to them. In pursuance of this agreement, the Holy Prophet saw along with a small band of Muslims together with the people of Banu Haashim and Banu Muttalib, with the exception of Abu Lahab and his family, were compelled to retire to a narrow valley called Shi‘b Abi Taalib. This was a small enclosure that belonged to Abu Taalib. The supply of food and all other necessities of life were cut off. The boycott imposed terrible sufferings upon the besieged, particularly the women, children and the old people. Even when the foreign merchants came to Makkah with their commodities, Quraish would not allow them to sell anything to the besieged. The cries of hungry children were audible outside. Many a time these people were forced to feed themselves on the leaves of thorny bushes, which were growing in the valley. Many hearts were moved at the sight of such hardships and they tried to supply food to their relatives in spite of the threats. Sometimes they succeeded but most often they failed miserably. It is related that once Hakeem bin Hizaam, grandson of Khuwailid, carried some provisions to deliver to his aunt Khadijah ra , but he was spotted by Abu Jahl, who blocked his way. There was a brief scuffle but Abu Jahl did not allow him to go further so Hakeem returned heavy hearted. The blockade went on for about three years. As a result the health of Hazrat Khadijah ra and many other notables deteriorated. One day the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah