He endeavoured to escape the persecution in Mecca by taking refuge in Taif, but was so badly treated there when his views became known, that he was glad to return, and upon promising to confine his proselytising efforts to strangers, was allowed to stay under the protection of one of the leading citizens.  He carried on his work among strangers with such success, that before long a strong community had grown up in the town of Medinah.  The rapid increase of this section of his disciples may be accounted for by the very unsettled condition of the place.  Civil and religious strife had been for a long time aggravated by the aggressive attitude of a large section of Jews, so that circumstances were more favourable to the reception and growth of Islam than in Mecca, where there was more peaceful organisation, and where the existence of the ancient Kaaba, or dwelling place of the gods, made men more jealous of their old religion.

In the appointment of a man to lead the new community, Mohammed exhibited his characteristic insight into the abilities of men.  He selected a follower thoroughly convinced of his master’s claims, whose zeal in the earlier days had led him to forsake friends and family by flight into Abyssinia—­a man full of enthusiasm and energy.  In a comparatively short time the new religion became quite popular, and idolatry was despised.  An incident indicative of the progress is seen in the visit of seventy of the Medinah disciples to Mohammed in Mecca.  They met him secretly in the mountains, by night, and made solemn, binding vows of allegiance, in which they promised “to fight men of all colour in order to defend the faith.”  It is highly probable that at this meeting the prophet was invited to join them in Medinah, but for the present he preferred his native town.

Somehow the story of the night meeting leaked out, with the result that persecution was redoubled, and many of the less wealthy followers were forced to flee to Medinah.  They were there well received and cared for, and were afterwards honoured by being designated the “refugees,” while those who received them were similarly honoured in being named the “helpers.”  Thus the brotherhood of believers insisted on by Mohammed began to assume practical form, and men of different tribes were united in one common bond—­a brotherhood so powerful that its enemies in Mecca were filled with alarm.  They had no longer to deal with a man whose views could be despised.  They were menaced by a growing force that threatened to overwhelm them.  Steps were taken to overthrow the danger, and elaborate arrangements were made for the assassination of the prophet.  He somehow obtained news of the plot, and escaped the would-be murderers, who came while he was supposed to be in bed, by climbing through a window.  Accompanied by the faithful Abu Bakr and a few of his more intimate followers, he made his way to one of the mountain caves, where he stayed until the immediate danger had passed.  Then the little company commenced the journey to Medinah, a task so fraught with danger and hardship that Mohammed shrank from it, in spite of the Meccan evil, and was compelled to attempt it only by the pressure of his friends.