The Physical Assault on Muhammad by the Quraysh

Title: The Physical Assault on Muhammad by the Quraysh: An Academic Analysis of Historical Accounts

Source Reference:
“Maisha ya Nabii Muhammad” (The Life of the Prophet Muhammad), by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Farsy, Page 57, Paragraphs 1–2.

Introduction

The historical narrative found in “Maisha ya Nabii Muhammad” authored by Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Farsy, a well-respected Islamic scholar in East Africa, recounts a critical event during the early conflicts between the Muslims and the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. One such encounter, often referred to in traditional Islamic sources as the Battle of Uhud, depicts the Prophet Muhammad suffering a serious physical assault at the hands of the Quraysh. This analysis will translate and explore the implications of this account.

The Event Described

In Paragraph 1 of Page 57, Sheikh Farsy narrates that during a major battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh—presumably the Battle of Uhud—the Muslim forces were overwhelmed. The Quraysh launched a fierce counterattack, during which the Prophet Muhammad was physically assaulted. The following injuries are recorded:

• Muhammad was struck with stones.

• His teeth were broken.

• Iron nails (or weapons) were embedded into his cheeks.

• He lost consciousness and was presumed dead.

In response to this attack, his companions rushed him to safety in the hills to protect him from being killed by the advancing Quraysh forces. The cause of this violent confrontation is attributed to Muhammad's mission of converting pagan Arabs to Islam.

Dialogue Between Abu Sufyan and the Companions

Paragraph 2 provides an intriguing record of what transpired immediately after the battle. The leader of the Quraysh, Abu Sufyan, called out loudly:

“Is Muhammad alive or dead? Is Muhammad alive or dead?”

The Prophet instructed his companions not to respond. Abu Sufyan called out again:

“Is Abu Bakr alive or dead?”

Still, there was no response.

Then he asked for the third time:

“Is Umar alive or dead?”

Again, silence followed.

Thinking they had all perished, Abu Sufyan declared:

“By Allah, all of them must be dead.”

At this point, Sayyiduna Umar, unable to bear the false statement, raised his voice and responded:

“All those whom you have mentioned are alive, and they are ready to meet you and your army at any time.”

Theological Reflection

This account invites critical reflection: Where was divine protection at this moment of brutal attack upon the Prophet of Islam? Why would a prophet, said to be the "Seal of the Prophets," be subjected to such physical humiliation—losing his teeth and being presumed dead? Such reflections are common in interreligious debates, especially in Christian-Muslim apologetics, where divine protection over God's messengers is often emphasized.

Concluding Remarks

While Muslim sources present this as a testament to Muhammad’s perseverance and the trials of prophethood, others view the event as problematic when assessing divine providence and prophetic invincibility. The term “kibogoyo” in Swahili (meaning "toothless" or "disfigured") is used in some interpretations to describe the Prophet's physical condition post-battle, though such descriptors should be approached with scholarly care and respect in academic or interfaith discussions.

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Translated and Adapted by:
Max Shimba Ministries Org
For theological and historical studies in Islamic-Christian dialogue.