For about three years the Holy Prophet (sas) along with other Muslims, and the people belonging to Banu Haashim and Banu Muttalib remained in Shi‘b Abi Taalib in a pitiful condition. When the boycott was over, everyone among them went back to his dwelling to live a normal life, however the health of Abu Taalib as well as of Khadijah (ra) was failing.
Shortly after their return from the Shi‘b, the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, suffered two grievous bereavements. His uncle Abu Taalib and his beloved and faithful wife Hazrat Sayyedah Khadijah (ra), both passed away, one after the other. إِنَّا لِلّٰهِ وَإِنَّآ إِلَيْهِ رٰجِعُونَ [Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaihi raaji‘oon —‘Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return’].
There can be no doubt that their ill health was caused by the sufferings during their prolonged confinement in the Shi‘b.
Abu Taalib was more than eighty years old when he died. He was like a father to the Holy Prophet (sas). The Holy Prophet (sas) was very fond of him and he, too, loved his nephew deeply.
During the days of his illness, the Holy Prophet (sas) visited him regularly. So long as he was alive, the Holy Prophet (sas) had no need to fear violence or attack from the opponents. After his death there was no such human hand to protect him from his enemies.
Abu Taalib was a very good leader and the whole of Makkah mourned his death.
Hazrat Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her, was the solace and comfort to the Holy Prophet (sas) for a quarter of a century. When none believed in his mission and the people of Makkah employed every means to stop his message, Hazrat Khadijah (ra) remained his best companion and helper. She was always ready to do everything possible for the service of Islam. Her death was, thus, a severe blow to the Holy Prophet (sas).
She died at the age of sixty-five in the tenth year of Prophethood (619 AD) in the month of Ramadhaan and was buried in the Makkan cemetery of Hajoon. Hajoon is the name of a mountain, which lies towards the north of Makkah. All Muslims were present at her funeral. The Holy Prophet (sas), himself, placed the body into the grave. As the body was lowered into the grave every eye was wet with tears. It is related that the Holy Prophet (sas), too, burst into sobs. No funeral service was held because the funeral service was not established in Islam up to that time.
Throughout the rest of his life, the Holy Prophet (sas) cherished her memory tenderly and often recalled her loyalty and devotion to him.
The tenth year of hijra is known as the Year of Grief in the history of Islam because both Abu Taalib and Khadijah (ra) passed away during that year.
Centuries after the death of Hazrat Khadijah (ra), in 950 A.H a beautiful wooden dome was built on the grave, which, according to historical records, was repaired in 1298 A.H. It is believed that ‘Abdul Muttalib and Abu Taalib were also buried in the same cemetery. Nowadays, however, there is no sign of any tomb or gravestone on the graves. It is therefore difficult to locate their graves.