The Quraish realized that if they dont take any strict measures

against this call, it would be accepted by many. Therefore, they

began persecuting the Prophet PBUH and his followers. It was
the worst trial for early converts and poor ones; they were
starved, beaten and imprisoned. Slaves, such as Hazrat
Bilalwere made to lie down on the hot desert sand with a
boulder on their top and offered the options of either renouncing
their faith or suffer. Some died of the effects but none of them
turned away from Islam. One such example is the martyrdom of
Hazrat Sumayya. The Prophet PBUH was also treated harshly.
Rumours were spread about him, and rubbish was thrown on
him and abuses hurled. A woman used to specially wait for the
Prophet to pass by to throw rubbish on him. Once a Quraish
attempted to strangle the Prophet PBUH while praying. Another
time Abu Jahl placed filth on his back, and Abu Jahl's wife used
to put thorns on the path the Prophet PBUH was expected to
take. Despite these disgusting measures against the followers by
the chiefs- Abu Lahb, Abu Jahl, Atba, Waleed etc- they remained
steadfast. The Prophet PBUH continued his mission with
increasing determination.
In the 5th year of Prophethood, The sufferings of the Muslims reached to the extent that some of
the followers including Hz Usman and his wife had to migrate to Abysinnia, where the king
Najashi treated them kindly, but the Quraish pursued the immigrants and demanded them back.
However after Najashi heard Hazrat Jaffar's inspirational speech, he refused to send them back
and the Quraish returned with their mission failed. When the Quraish saw the day by day rising
prestige of the Muslims, they demanded the Banu Hashim to withdraw protection from the
Prophet PBUH, but when they were refused, the tribes of Makkah drew up a joint agreement
enforcing a complete economic and social boycott on the Banu Hashim in the 7th year of
prophethood. All the roads leading to the valley, in which they were forced to live, were blocked
and the little food they had was soon over. Then there was an extremely difficult period; the
valleys echoed with the cries of helpless people and children, feeding on boiled leather and
leaves. But they bore these difficulties patiently, and waited for Allah's help. They were finally
released after three years as some kind hearted unbelieves broke the agreement. However, due to
the effects of the hardships faced, the Prophet's wife Khadija died as well as his beloved uncle
Abu Talib passed away in the 10th year of prophethood. The Prophet PBUH was deeply grieved
 at both of these deaths as well as the followers shared his sorrow, and this year was given the
name of "The year of sorrow."

Seeing the Prophet PBUH lose protection, the Quraish increased their attacks on the Prophet
PBUH, and in order to search an avenue for support, he set out for Taif with Zaib bin Haris.
When they approached Taif, the Prophet PBUH told them about Allah and Islamic teachings, but
none responded them favourably. Instead the people of Taif violently drove them out of the city
with stones being thrown at them due to which they were injured. At the same time the Quraish
were sparing no chance to oppose the believers too inferior to stand up against them.
Consequently, the Migration to Yasrib was considered.

 #2

Oh and as for the part (b) about how the difficulties set lessons for us, we can write and explore
how:
*Our faith should be strong and we should maintain it ;How the early Muslims suffered and
some even died of the effects but didn't renounce their faith
* Always remain loyal to religion no matter how hard time it is...bravery; the reaction of the
boycotted banu hashim muslims
* Patience: in all these difficulties...how patience bears fruits as it did for Prophet PBUH and
followers in the form of success for Islam
* Forgiving...better to pray for people's guidance; the incident of Taif
* Obedience to the Prophet PBUH; the followers obeyed the Prophet PBUH despite severe
persecution