Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had informed his uncle, Abu Taalib, that besides the name of Allah Ta‘ala, ants had eaten the entire document on which the oppressive resolution was written. Accordingly, Abu Taalib came to the Quraish and informed them of what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had mentioned.

Abu Taalib then made a proposal saying that if the claim of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was proven to be true, then the disbelievers should cease their persecution. On the contrary, if his claim is proven to be false, then Abu Taalib and the Banu Haashim would hand Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) over to the disbelievers. The disbelievers agreed to this proposal and sent for the document to be brought.