The sad year in Islam is known as the Year of Sorrow (Arabic: عام الحزن, romanized: 'Ām al-Ḥuzn).
Understanding the Year of Sorrow
In Islamic tradition, the Year of Sorrow (or Year of Sadness) is a particularly difficult period marked by profound loss for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This year is specifically identified by two significant deaths that occurred within a short timeframe:
- The passing of his beloved first wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. Khadijah was his first convert, a constant source of support, and a pillar of strength during the early, challenging years of his prophethood.
- The death of his uncle and protector, Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib. Although Abu Talib did not accept Islam, he was the chief of the Banu Hashim clan and provided crucial protection to Prophet Muhammad against the hostility of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca.
The loss of these two key figures left the Prophet vulnerable both personally and in his mission to spread Islam, hence the designation as the Year of Sorrow.
Key Details
According to the Islamic tradition cited in the reference:
- Name: Year of Sorrow (عام الحزن, 'Ām al-Ḥuzn)
- Significance: The year Muhammad's wife Khadijah and his uncle and protector Abu Talib died.
- Approximate Timing (CE): Coincided approximately with 619 CE.
- Timing after Revelation: The tenth year after Muhammad's first revelation.
This year marked a turning point, increasing the hardships faced by the Prophet and the early Muslim community in Mecca.
