عام الحزن
The Year of Sorrow ('Am al-Huzn)
Sha'ban/Ramadan, 3 BH (619 CE)
Makkah مكة المكرمة
Within a short period, the Prophet ﷺ lost both Abu Talib — his uncle and protector — and Khadijah — his beloved wife of 25 years and his greatest supporter. Abu Talib died without accepting Islam despite the Prophet's ﷺ plea. Khadijah passed away in Ramadan of the same year.
Why this matters
These twin losses left the Prophet ﷺ more vulnerable than ever. Abu Talib's protection had been the primary barrier preventing the Quraysh from physically harming him. Khadijah had been his emotional anchor, the first believer, and his confidante. The Prophet ﷺ called this period his greatest sorrow. Allah later consoled him with the Night Journey.
Quran references
إِنَّكَ لَا تَهْدِى مَنْ أَحْبَبْتَ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَهْدِى مَن يَشَآءُ
Surah Al-Qasas, 56
Indeed, you do not guide whom you love, but Allah guides whom He wills. (Revealed regarding Abu Talib)
Hadith references
Sahih al-Bukhari, #3816
Narrated by: Aisha
“The Prophet ﷺ said: 'Allah did not grant me anyone better than her (Khadijah). She believed in me when people rejected me, she supported me with her wealth when people deprived me, and Allah granted me children through her when He did not through other women.'”