Convergence and Divergence of Quraysh Leaders in Dealing with the Prophet (PBUH)

Mecca's political masterdom and power on the eve of Islam's emergence was in the form of gentocracy, and the sheikhs of the Quraysh household were gathering in Dar al-Nadveh to deal with the problems that arose. Their encounter with the mission of the Prophet (PBUH) repeatedly led the Quraysh leaders to form a council and discuss ways to counter the influence of Islam. The comments, the way of the verbal and practical clashes, the differences and the categorization of the heads and the elders of the Quraysh, indicate that they did not share same views in dealing with the Prophet (PBUH) on many occasions and they encountered divisions and divergences. The present article intends to analyze the Quraysh leaders' convergence and divergence in dealing with the Prophet (PBUH) by presenting historical evidence and data. The Quraysh leaders' confrontation with the Prophet (PBUH) appeared to be more convergent when it was in the form of negotiation and it was done peacefully and it was more divergent at times leading to pressure, violence, restraint or conflict.