Page:The Mohammedan system of theology (IA mohammedansyste00neal).pdf/61

 verts in seven years must have been considerable, judging from the absence of eighty-three men and eighteen women, who retired to Ethiopia: his party was further fortified by the accession of his uncle Hamza, and Omar, who afterwards signalized himself so much in the cause of Islamism. Notwithstanding every attempt of the Koreish to crush the obnoxious sect, it increased under opposition.

An event occurred in the tenth year of his mission, likely to prove of serious consequence to Mohammed and his followers, and this was the demise of his kind friend and patron, Abu-Taleb, at the advanced age of four-score years: the afflicting blow was succeeded by the death of his wife Khadijah. The Koreish, free from restraint, used every effort to crush the rising sect, but the fame and pretensions of Mohammed had gained ground not only at Mecca, but Me-