Compiled by: Hafiz Muhammad Anwar Zahid (Hafizahullah)
Dar al-Nadwa was the place where the Quraysh would gather to discuss important matters and make decisions. Thus, due to the growing concerns regarding the Prophet (ﷺ), they convened a meeting in that location.
One person suggested imprisoning the Prophet (ﷺ) and setting guards at the door, as was done with poets like Zuhayr and Nabighah, who eventually died in captivity. However, Shaykh Najdi (Iblis in disguise) rejected this idea, saying, "By Allah, this plan will not work! If you do this, his followers will unite and attack you suddenly, freeing him and killing you all. You will be left helpless, so think of another plan."
Another person proposed expelling the Prophet (ﷺ) from Makkah. They believed that once exiled, he would wander aimlessly, and after his departure, they could restore their mutual bonds of love and the Muslims who had converted would return to their original ways.
However, Shaykh Najdi again rejected this idea, stating, "By Allah, this plan is even worse than the first. You are unaware of Muhammad’s eloquence and character. Wherever he goes, he will win people over with his sweet words. He will unite a tribe, return, and crush you under his cavalry, seizing your lands and power."
Shaykh Najdi responded, "Indeed, Abu al-Hakam, your suggestion is excellent and comprehensive. This is the best plan. Execute it!" The decision was then finalized, and they left the meeting.
The conspirators remained at the door until morning, only to find Ali (رضي الله عنه) in the bed instead of the Prophet (ﷺ).
"And [remember, O Muhammad] when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you, or kill you, or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners."
(Al-Anfal 8:30)
[References: Dala’il al-Nubuwwah by al-Bayhaqi, Al-Tabari in his Tafsir, Ibn Hibban, and others. The narrations all have weaknesses in their chains.]
Dar al-Nadwa:
Ibn Ishaq (رحمه الله) narrates that when the Quraysh noticed that a significant number of people from other towns were joining the ranks of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and many respected locals had migrated for the sake of their religion, leaving behind worldly wealth and possessions, they became greatly concerned. Allah had granted the Muslims a place of safety where they could live peacefully, and they realized that the Prophet (ﷺ) also intended to join them soon. This development alarmed the Quraysh, as they feared that the unity of the Muslims could lead to their own decline and downfall. Therefore, they decided to hold a consultation meeting at the house of Qusayy ibn Kilab, which was known as Dar al-Nadwa.Dar al-Nadwa was the place where the Quraysh would gather to discuss important matters and make decisions. Thus, due to the growing concerns regarding the Prophet (ﷺ), they convened a meeting in that location.
Iblis' Presence at the Council:
Ibn Ishaq, narrating through a reliable chain from Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما), mentions that the day on which this meeting was held came to be known as "Yawm al-Zahmah" (Day of Crowding). As the leaders headed towards the meeting, Iblis, disguised as an old man, stood at the door. When the Quraysh chiefs saw him, they asked, "Who are you, old man?" He replied, "I am from the people of Najd. Upon hearing of your concerns, I thought it appropriate to join your meeting to offer advice, which might benefit you." The Quraysh welcomed him and invited him inside.Participants of the Meeting:
Among the notables present at this consultation were:- From Banu Abd Shams:
- Utbah ibn Rabi'ah
- Shaybah ibn Rabi'ah
- Abu Sufyan ibn Harb
- From Banu Nawfal ibn Abd Manaf:
- Tu’aymah ibn Adi
- Jubayr ibn Mut’im
- Harith ibn Amir ibn Nawfal
- From Banu Abd al-Dar ibn Qusayy:
- Nadr ibn Harith ibn Kalladah
- From Banu Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza:
- Abu al-Bakhtari ibn Hisham
- Zam’ah ibn Aswad
- Hakim ibn Hizam
- From Banu Makhzum:
- Abu Jahl ibn Hisham
- From Banu Sahm:
- Nabih and Munabbih, the sons of Hajjaj
- From Banu Jumah:
- Umayyah ibn Khalaf
Various Proposals:
The attendees discussed how the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) had gathered a growing number of followers, both from among them and outsiders. They expressed concern that if this growth continued, the Muslims would eventually overpower them, erasing their religion and traditions. Thus, they sought a plan to safeguard their future and prevent any potential disaster.One person suggested imprisoning the Prophet (ﷺ) and setting guards at the door, as was done with poets like Zuhayr and Nabighah, who eventually died in captivity. However, Shaykh Najdi (Iblis in disguise) rejected this idea, saying, "By Allah, this plan will not work! If you do this, his followers will unite and attack you suddenly, freeing him and killing you all. You will be left helpless, so think of another plan."
Another person proposed expelling the Prophet (ﷺ) from Makkah. They believed that once exiled, he would wander aimlessly, and after his departure, they could restore their mutual bonds of love and the Muslims who had converted would return to their original ways.
However, Shaykh Najdi again rejected this idea, stating, "By Allah, this plan is even worse than the first. You are unaware of Muhammad’s eloquence and character. Wherever he goes, he will win people over with his sweet words. He will unite a tribe, return, and crush you under his cavalry, seizing your lands and power."
Abu Jahl's Wicked Proposal:
Abu Jahl ibn Hisham then said, "By Allah, I have a suggestion that no one else has thought of." The Quraysh eagerly asked him to share his idea. He proposed, "We should select a strong youth from each of our tribes, give them swords, and have them strike Muhammad (ﷺ) together while he is asleep. This way, his blood will be divided among all tribes, and the Banu Hashim will not be able to seek revenge. They will be forced to accept blood money, and thus we can rid ourselves of this threat permanently."Shaykh Najdi responded, "Indeed, Abu al-Hakam, your suggestion is excellent and comprehensive. This is the best plan. Execute it!" The decision was then finalized, and they left the meeting.
The Warning of Jibril (عليه السلام):
Jibril (عليه السلام) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and informed him of the plot, advising him not to sleep in his usual place that night.The Command to Ali (رضي الله عنه):
When the night grew dark, the conspirators gathered outside the Prophet’s (ﷺ) house, waiting for him to sleep so they could carry out their plan. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed Ali (رضي الله عنه) to lie in his bed, wearing his green cloak, assuring him that no harm would come to him. The Prophet (ﷺ) used to sleep in that same cloak.The Departure of the Prophet (ﷺ):
Ibn Ishaq narrates that as the Quraysh gathered outside his house, Abu Jahl was among them, mocking the Prophet's message. Meanwhile, the Prophet (ﷺ) took a handful of dust, recited the opening verses of Surah Yaseen, and sprinkled it over their heads as he walked past them unnoticed. Allah had blinded them to his presence.The conspirators remained at the door until morning, only to find Ali (رضي الله عنه) in the bed instead of the Prophet (ﷺ).
Allah’s Revelation:
Regarding this incident, Allah revealed the following verse:"And [remember, O Muhammad] when those who disbelieved plotted against you to restrain you, or kill you, or evict you [from Makkah]. But they plan, and Allah plans. And Allah is the best of planners."
(Al-Anfal 8:30)
Hadith Verification:
The chain of narration for this story is weak.[References: Dala’il al-Nubuwwah by al-Bayhaqi, Al-Tabari in his Tafsir, Ibn Hibban, and others. The narrations all have weaknesses in their chains.]