Ibn Isḥāq relates that the Quraysh later began to incite one another against the Messenger of God’s (peace be upon him) Companions (ṣaḥāba) and those who had become Muslim with him. Each tribe attacked the Muslims within its own ranks and persecuted them, exerting every effort to turn them away from their religion. Allah also protected His Messenger through his uncle Abū Ṭālib against their persecutions. When Abū Ṭālib saw the tortures inflicted by the Quraysh upon the believers among the clans of Hāshim and ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib, he took action and called upon the clans of Hāshim and ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib to protect the Messenger of God and to ward off attacks from him. They gathered and responded to this call. However, the enemy of Allah, Abū Lahab, did not respond to this invitation.
Because they responded to this call, agreed with his view, and resolved to gather around and protect the Messenger of God, Abū Ṭālib praised the clans of Hāshim and ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib and encouraged them to continue this effort, reciting the following poem:
"If the Quraysh gather for a praiseworthy deed, ʿAbd Manāf is its confidant and sincere friend. If the nobles of ʿAbd Manāf come forth,
Among the Hāshimites, there are those more noble and senior than them.
If they boast one day, know that Muḥammad is their chosen one, their confidant, and their precious one. Every weak and strong man of the Quraysh,
Joined forces against us but could not prevail; they were disappointed. We have never accepted oppression. We straighten bent necks.
Every day we prevent undesirable deeds and protect the weak; we return the stones thrown at him.
Dried branches come to life with us; only with our support do they begin to be watered and flourish."