Abu Talib made many observations on the habits of Muhammad.

Abu Talib made many observations on the habits of Muhammad. Some of these are quoted below: Whenever Muhammad had a meal, he always started by saying "Bismillah .... i.e. I begin with the name of Allah, and finished by saying Alhamdu lillah .... i. e. all praise to Allah. " He said that they were so touched by this fine habit of Muhammad that the whole family adopted his manner. Abu Talib noted Muhammad saying his prayers in a way not known to him before.

He asked his nephew to explain to him the method of his worship. When he heard the reasons for the rituals, he was so pleased that he urged his sons to join Muhammad in his ritual worship. It is quoted from Abu Talib that Muhammad never told lies nor fabricated events. He did not waste his time nor indulged in unproductive activities. He liked solitude, and devoted some of his time for meditation. He spoke to others with courtesy and respect.

He was so honest in his dealings that he became known as "Al Ameen" (the most honest and trustworthy person). Trips to Syria with Abu Talib Muhammad accompanied his uncle twice on trading trips to the city of Damascus, in the then Roman province of Syria. Many traditions are quoted by several authors regarding these trips. On the first trip he was only thirteen years of age.

A Christian monk named Bahera observed Muhammad closely and cautiond Abu Talib to take particular care of the youth, for he saw signs of greatness in him. On the second trip, now fully grown to manhood, he met the same monk again. This time Bahera told Abu Talib that he saw signs of prophethood in his nephew and that he should protect him from harm.

Trips to Syria in the employment of Khadija Khadija was a wealthy busineswoman who used to send out reputable traders to Syria to conduct trading business on her behalf. She was a very kind hearted lady who spent a lot of her wealth on social services amongst her tribe. One of her widowed cousins named Hala lived in her household with her three daughters, and she brought up these girls after her death. Abu Talib wanted to introduce his favourite nephew Muhammad into an independent trade.

At the same time, Khadija had heard about the honesty of Abu Talib's nephew. On the recommendation of Abu Talib, she gave an appointment to Muhammd to lead her trade caravan to Syria. During this trip, he was accompanied by Khadija's personal servant, Maisarah.