Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

The prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers were persecuted severely in Mecca by the wealthy class who saw Islam as a threat to their financial livelihood. The pagan gods would no longer occupy the principal position in Meccan spirituality. The revenue they received from pagan pilgrims would decline. This was the main source of income for the wealthy class. The more the Meccans persecuted the Muslims, the quicker Islam grew. Muslims were tortured daily and Muhammad (PBUH) was no exception. Muslim preachers and followers were massacred. The Muslims did not fight to defend themselves at this time. Some Muslims could not tolerate the persecution. One group emigrated to Abyssinia (Ethiopia). After Muhammad (PBUH) went to Medina, most Muslims emigrated to Medina to escape the harsh conditions in Mecca.