Kordoba Cordoba - Muslims are certainly familiar with the Shafa hill which is located approximately 130 m to the south of the Grand Mosque. Moreover, this hill has now been built with a round roof which forms a dome-like shape, making it easier for Muslims who are performing sa'i.

Safa is not only the starting point for the Sa'i (Islamic pilgrimage), but also witnessed numerous important events, including those related to the Prophet Muhammad's preaching and spreading Islam. Therefore, it is a shame for Muslims who are unaware of the history of this place.

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READ ALSO: Bukit Shafa and Bukit Marwah in Sa'i History

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The story of the Messenger of Allah preaching openly on Mount Shafa 

At first the Prophet Muhammad SAW carried out his da'wah in secret until finally he did it openly. At that time the Messenger of Allah invited the Quraysh openly about the teachings of Islam on the hill of Shafa with high voices.

This call is a warning which is usually used to report an enemy attack or major event. In Sirah Nabawiyah by Syaikh Shafiyyurrahman Al-Mubarakfuri, he said that this call was made after Abu Talib promised to protect the Prophet Muhammad SAW in conveying the revelation of Allah SWT.

Until finally one day the Prophet Muhammad stood on this hill and shouted so that all the Quraish tribes gathered. At that time, Rasulullah SAW invited them to be monotheistic and believe in his message and believe in the last day.

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Imam Bukhari also narrated part of this story from Ibn Abbas who said "When the verse 'And give warning to your close relatives' (QS Asy Shua'ara: 214) the Prophet Muhammad climbed onto the Shafa and shouted 'O children of Fihr, O children of Adi!' which is shown for all the Quraysh tribes.

They all gathered, and if anyone was unable to attend, they would send a messenger to see what was happening. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) continued, "What would you think if I told you that there was an army of horses surrounding you in this valley? Would you believe me?".

"That's right. We have never had any experience with you except honesty," they answered. The Prophet Muhammad said, "Indeed, I warn you before the painful punishment comes.".

Abu Lahab then said "woe to you forever, is this what you gathered us for?". After the Prophet Muhammad SAW finished delivering his warning, the people dispersed with various responses. 

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ALSO READ: Between Mount Shafa and Marwah: Reading Prayers and Remembrance during Sa'i

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Quraysh figures who opposed the Prophet 

After preaching secretly for approximately three years, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) finally received a command from Allah SWT to preach openly. One way to do this was by inviting important figures from the pagan Quraysh to Mount Safa.

However, this preaching received much criticism, with some staunch opponents, including Abu Lahab, Abu Jahal, and Umar ibn Khattab. After the Prophet Muhammad delivered a speech on Islamic teachings, he was subjected to harsh treatment and insults from them.

Moreover, Abu Lahab, who was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, strongly opposed this preaching. After Abu Lahab said "woe to you, O Muhammad forever, is this why you have gathered us all here?", Allah SWT said in Surah Al-Lahab.

Even after the events on Mount Safa , the Quraysh leaders began making various attempts to stop the preaching of Islam. One such attempt was to ask Abu Talib to persuade the Prophet Muhammad to stop his preaching.

 There were also attempts to offer wealth and thrones and carry out acts of physical violence against Muslims. Seeing this, Rasulullah SAW finally began to order Muslims to emigrate as a form of effort to save themselves from the cruelty of the Quraysh. 

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Various Events That Have Happened on Mount Shafa

Mount Safa was not only the site of the Prophet Muhammad's first open preaching, but also witnessed several other significant events. These events undoubtedly bear witness to significant historical significance in the Islamic world. Here are some of these events:

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READ ALSO: History of the Kaaba in Mecca Since its Founding

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1. A gathering place after the Prophet succeeded in preaching 

Besides being a place for the Sa'i, this hill was also a gathering place after the Prophet Muhammad's successful preaching. At that time, the Prophet Muhammad returned to Mecca to liberate the city and ordered Khalid ibn Walid and his companions to enter through the lowlands. After they gathered on this hill, a declaration of peace and an apology took place.

2. Silent witnesses of those who fought against the Prophet's conversion to Islam

After preaching openly, the Prophet Muhammad began to be expelled, hurt, until someone fought him. But in the end these evil people converted to Islam. They gathered around Shafa and took allegiance to convert to Islam.

Finally these people acknowledged monotheism and the message brought by the Prophet Muhammad SAW. This is all kinds of information about the Shafa hill which is a historical witness to the time when the Prophet Muhammad SAW preached to spread Islam.