مقاطعة بني هاشم
The Boycott of Banu Hashim
5-3 BH (617-619 CE)
Shi'b Abi Talib (Valley of Abu Talib), Makkah شعب أبي طالب – مكة
The Quraysh imposed a total economic and social boycott on Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib, confining them to the valley of Abu Talib (Shi'b Abi Talib). A document was drawn up and hung inside the Ka'bah, declaring that no one would trade with them, marry from them, or have any social dealings with them until they handed over Muhammad ﷺ. The boycott lasted approximately three years, during which the Muslims suffered severe hunger and hardship.
Why this matters
Despite the crushing conditions — the cries of starving children could be heard from outside the valley — not a single member of Banu Hashim betrayed the Prophet ﷺ. The boycott ended when the document in the Ka'bah was found to have been eaten by termites, leaving only the words 'Bismika Allahumma' (In Your Name, O Allah). Several Qurayshi nobles also objected to the boycott's cruelty.