Persecution became more and more serious and more unbearable. Many Muslims had already left Mecca. Those who stayed behind had to suffer more than ever before. But Muslims swerved not a bit from the path they had chosen. Their hearts were as stout as ever, their faith as steadfast. Their devotion to the One God was on the increase and so was their hatred for the national idols of Mecca. The conflict had become more serious than ever. The Meccans convened another big meeting. At this they resolved on an all-out boycott of the Muslims: The Meccans were to have no normal dealings with Muslims. They were neither to buy from them, nor to sell them anything. The Prophet(sa), his family and a number of relations who, though not Muslims, still stood by him, were compelled to take shelter in a lonely place, a possession of Abu Talib. Without money, without means and without reserves, the Prophet's(sa) family and relations suffered untold hardships under this blockade. For three years there was no slackening of it. Then at last, five decent members of the enemy revolted against these conditions. They went to the blockaded family, offered to annul the boycott, and asked the family to come out. Abu Talib came out and reproved his people. The revolt of the five became known all over Mecca, but good feeling asserted itself again, and Meccans decided they must cancel the savage boycott. The boycott was over, but not its consequences. In a few days the Prophet's(sa) faithful wife, Khadija(ra), met her death, and a month later his uncle, Abu Talib.
The Holy Prophet(sa) had now lost the companionship and support of Khadija(ra), and he and the Muslims had lost the good offices of Abu Talib. Their passing away naturally also resulted in the loss of some general sympathy. Abu Lahab, another uncle of the Prophet(sa), seemed ready at first to side with the Prophet(sa). The shock of his brother's death and regard for his dying wish were still fresh in his mind. But the Meccans soon succeeded in antagonizing him. They made use of the usual appeals. The Prophet(sa) taught that disbelief in the Oneness of God was an offence, punishable in the Hereafter; his teaching contradicted everything they had learnt from their forefathers, and so on. Abu Lahab decided to oppose the Prophet(sa) more than ever. Relations between Muslims and Meccans had become strained. A three-year boycott and blockade had enlarged the gulf between them. Meeting and preaching seemed impossible. The Prophet(sa) did not mind the ill-treatment and the persecution; these were nothing so long as he had the chance to meet and address people. But now it seemed that he had no such chance in Mecca. General antagonism apart, the Prophet(sa) now found it impossible to appear in any street or public place. If he did, they threw dust at him and sent him back to his house. Once he returned home, his head covered with dust. A daughter wept as she removed the dust. The Prophet(sa) told her not to weep for God was with him. Ill-treatment did not upset the Prophet(sa). He even welcomed it as evidence of interest in his Message. One day, for instance, the Meccans by a general intrigue said nothing to him nor did they ill- treat him in any way. The Prophet(sa) retired home disappointed, until the reassuring voice of God made him go to his people again.