Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 88
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 88 sufferings, particularly on women, children and old people. No one could venture forth from the Shi’b except in the season of pilgrimage, when, all enmities being hushed, the besieged were at liberty to join freely in the ceremonies. The failing stock of t he Hashimites, replenished only by occasional and surreptitious ventures, reduced them to misery and distress. The wailing of the famished children within the Shi’b was audible outside. Many hearts were moved at the sight of such hardship, and mourned over the hostilities that gave them rise. Among these, and among the relatives of the isolated band, were some who ventured, in spite of threats, to introduce from time to time small quantities of provisions by stealth at night. Hakim, grandson of Khuweilid, u sed also, though the attempt was sometimes perilous, to carry supplies to his aunt, Khadija. The sympathies of many were thus aroused by the sufferings of the besieged, but the cause of Islam did not make much progress during the period of this weary seclusion, which had its expected effect in cutting off the city from the personal influence of th e Holy Prophet and his fellow Muslims. His efforts were of necessity confined to the members of his own clan, who, though not believing in his mission, were resolved to defend his person; and to strengthening the faith of those who believed in him. The exemplary bearing of the Holy Prophet and his Companions under these trying circumstances, and the spirit of clanship that knit together all who had shut themselves up with him, must have secured in some degree the general countenance of the Hashimites , and may have added some few followers from their ranks. But the weary years of confinement dragged on with