Surah Al-Anfaal (8) — Ayah 30

(Ayah 30) {وَ اِذْ يَمْكُرُ بِكَ الَّذِيْنَ كَفَرُوْا … :} When almost all the Companions had migrated to Madinah and only the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr, Ali (may Allah be pleased with them), and a few scattered Muslims remained in Makkah, the disbelievers became concerned that if Muhammad (peace be upon him) also escaped from their grasp, he would become such a danger to them that would be beyond their control. Thus, a meeting was held in their Dar al-Nadwah, in which suggestions and opinions were sought. Allah Almighty has summarized their discussion: one opinion was to imprison him and not let him leave until death; to this, the possibility was raised that his companions might take action and free him. Another suggestion was to kill him; to this, the danger of fighting with his clan, Banu Abd Manaf, was raised. Another suggestion was that they themselves should expel him from Makkah, wherever he wished to go, at least they would be rid of him; to this, the danger was raised that with his truthfulness, trustworthiness, good character, and eloquence, he would gather people and attack them. Finally, it was decided that a young man from each tribe should be chosen, and all of them should besiege his house at night; as soon as he came out, they would all attack together and finish him off. Whom would Banu Abd Manaf fight? In the end, they would agree to blood money. Jibreel (peace be upon him), by Allah’s command, informed him of their plot and also told him that Allah had granted him permission to migrate. That night, he did not sleep in his bed, but instead had Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) sleep in his place. The disbelievers waited all night, but Allah, with His secret plan, foiled the disbelievers’ plot and brought him out safely. The next day, he migrated in the company of Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him). This story is mentioned in all the books of Seerah, and this is its summary according to the Noble Qur’an.

Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) narrates: “On the night of migration, Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) risked his life; he wore the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) cloak and slept in his place.” [ أحمد : 330/1، ۳۳۱، ح : ۳۰۶۲۔ مستدرک حاکم : 4/3، ح ۴۲۶۴۔ وصححہ الحاکم و وافقہ الذھبی ] For details of the migration incident, see Surah At-Tawbah (40).