The moment this news reached the people of Makkah, the entire city was thrown into a state of uproar, because there was not a single man or woman of the Quraish who did not invest his entire capital into this trade caravan. Therefore, on hearing this news, all the people of Makkah were gripped by a state of panic, and a thousand fully-equipped men set out. Abu Jahal was the commander of this army.

Fully laden with instruments of amusement and accompanied by singing women, drums, tambourines and other musical instruments, the Quraish puffed up with arrogance and pride, emerged from Makkah with all their splendour and glory, as Allah Ta‘ala depicts:

وَلَا تَكُوْنُوا كَالَّذِيْنَ خَرَجُوْا مِنْ دِيَارِهِم بَطَرًا وَرِئَاءَ النَّاسِ

(O Muslims!) Do not be like those (disbelievers) who came out from their homes arrogantly and showing off (their power and might) before people. (Surah Anfaal v. 47)

Almost all the leaders of the Quraish participated in this campaign. Only Abu Lahab, for some reason, was unable to join the expedition. He sent Abu Jahal’s brother, Aas bin Hishaam, in his place instead.

Aas bin Hishaam was in debt to Abu Lahab for the amount of four thousand dirhams. Due to being bankrupt, he was unable to repay this debt. Under pressure of this debt, he agreed to go to battle on behalf of Abu Lahab.

(Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 2/59)