The Year of Sorrow

In the 10th year of the Prophetic mission (around 619 CE), the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced one of the most painful periods of his life. This year, called Am al-Huzn – the Year of Sorrow – was marked by the loss of two essential people in his life: his beloved wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) and his protective uncle Abu Talib.

Two losses, one immense trial
Khadijah (RA) was not simply the wife of the Prophet ﷺ. She was the first to believe in him, the first Muslim, and his greatest source of moral, emotional, and financial support. She comforted him during the first revelation and constantly encouraged him in the face of persecution.

Her death broke the heart of the Prophet ﷺ. He said of her:

« She believed in me when everyone else denied me. She supported me with her wealth when everyone else abandoned me. »
(Hadith reported by Ahmad)

A few months after Khadijah, his uncle Abu Talib passed away. Although he never converted to Islam, he had been the Prophet’s ﷺ main protector against the attacks of the Quraysh. His death opened the way for more violent and direct persecution against the Prophet ﷺ.

After these two losses, the Quraysh became even more aggressive. The Prophet ﷺ found himself isolated in Mecca, without family support or a companion in life. He then tried to bring his message to Taif, where he was violently rejected and wounded.

This period was so painful that Allah granted him a spiritual consolation: the Night Journey and Ascension (Isra wa Miraj) – a divine miracle to strengthen his heart.

In today’s world, where many Muslims face loss, trials, or periods of abandonment, the Year of Sorrow remains a powerful source of inspiration:

Losing a loved one is not a punishment, but a step on the journey of faith.
The Prophet ﷺ endured abandonment, loneliness, and pain, but he never doubted Allah’s plan.
Patience (sabr), steadfastness (istiqamah), and trust in God (tawakkul) are the spiritual pillars we must cultivate.
The Year of Sorrow was followed by glorious events: Isra wa Miraj, the Hijrah to Medina, the birth of the organized Muslim community, and the great victories of Islam.

Thus, this trial was also a turning point. It teaches us that every pain holds wisdom, and that true faith is affirmed in adversity.