Da‘wah ‘Ammah The Public Call to Islam

Muslim History Series | Article # 7

Timeframe: Third year of Prophethood, around 613 CE
Core theme: The transition from private da‘wah to a public announcement that begins with his own clan

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) moved from private invitation to a public call after clear instruction from Allah. This shift changed the nature of the mission. Quiet teaching inside safe circles became open warning in front of family, tribe, and city.

The command to warn publicly

“And warn your closest relatives.” (Qur’an 26:214)
This verse marked the transition from da‘wah sirriyyah to da‘wah ‘ammah. The move was a direct command from Allah. It was not a human strategy or a change of personal style.

First step: Warn the family (Da‘wat al-‘Ashirah)

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) invited his close relatives from Banu Hashim to a private meal. The goal was to give the message to the inner family first.

Reports describe two attempts. The first meeting did not progress because Abu Lahab disrupted it with hostile words before the message could be delivered fully. A second meeting followed. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke clearly. Worship Allah alone. Lineage would not save anyone without faith and obedience. Family ties would not override personal responsibility before Allah.

Narrations for this scene say Abu Talib responded in a protective way at the clan level. He did not accept Islam then. He still promised protection for his nephew within the custom of tribal shielding. That protection mattered in the early public phase.

This family warning sets the stage for the Safa announcement to the wider Quraysh audience. The clan heard it first in a private setting. The city would hear it next in a public place.

Second step: Mount Safa

After the family had already been warned, the next step was public. The message inside the household was clear. The call now moved outside.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) went up Mount Safa. The location allowed people in Makkah to gather quickly. He called out “O Bani Fihr! O Bani `Adi!” addressing various tribes of Quraish till they were assembled. “Ya Sabahah” That was the alarm call people used when danger approached the city. People came to see what had happened. Some came in person. Some sent a messenger to listen and report back.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) spoke to the clans. He wanted no confusion about credibility. He pointed to the hill and set a test that everyone could understand. “Suppose I told you that there is an (enemy) cavalry in the valley intending to attack you, would you believe me?” The people answered “Yes, for we have not found you telling anything other than the truth.” that he had never lied. The point of the test was now public. The community agreed on his truthfulness in worldly matters.