ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books A Glance at the Life of the Holy Prophet of Islam Chapter 3: Childhood and Youth Some Scenes From The Prophet's Childhood And Youth A Few Scenes Muhammad went through the difficulties of orphanhood in his childhood with the support of his high-spirited grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and his affectionate uncle, Abu Talib. It seems that the heart-rending pains of orphan hood must have severely tormented his pure delicate soul.

It is logical to believe that these sufferings were necessary for the foundation of his supreme character and that such difficulties taught him how to resist the hardships of life and to bear the heavy responsibility later to be put on his blessed shoulders. As time went on, Muhammad grew up and his childhood gave place to youth, when instincts and potentials bloom.

Although he was deprived of a mother's care and a father's affection, he received affectionate care and attention from Abu Talib, who, due to his moral attitudes and in obedience to his father's emphatic order, protected and supported him. In fact, Muhammad represented three things to Abu Talib: a son, a reminder of his brother, Abdullah, and of his father, Abdul Muttalib. So the Prophet became a beloved member of Abu Talib's family, lived in his house, and was treated as his own son.

To the Prophet, Abu Talib was an affectionate father, a loyal uncle, and a compassionate preceptor. These two - uncle and nephew - were so fond of each other that their lives seemed to be intertwined. This very intense affection had caused Abu Talib to refuse to ever part from him. He would take his hand in his own and go with him to the famous Arab markets of `Akaz, Majnah, and Zil-Majaz.

Even when he was to accompany the caravan on travelling on business from Makkah to Damascus, he could not bring himself to part with his nephew. So Abu Talib took him along to Damascus. Riding on a camel, the Prophet started the long journey to Yathrib and Damascus. [^1] Bahira's Interview With The Prophet On the day the Quraysh caravan was nearing Basra, [^2]Bahira, a devout monk, caught sight of it through his monastry's window.

He observed the caravan shaded by a little cloud that kept pace with it. Bahira came out of his monastry, stood in a corner and instructed his servant, `Go and tell them that today they are all my guests'. All came to him but the Prophet, who was standing beside the property and equipment of the caravan.