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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Role of Holy Imams in Revival of Religion Awaiting the Last Prophet The Hermitage Of Bahira The Monk Every year, just as usual, the Quraishite merchants made their annual trips to Syria and Yemen. Occasionally, Abu Talib the leader and Sheikh of Quraish also participated in these commercial journeys. The Holy Prophet (s.a.w) who was in the care of his honoured uncle Abu Talib after his grand-fathers' death, accompanied him on one of these journeys.

The Prophet was only about twelve years old when he travelled to Syria. The Quraishite caravan was ready to embark. Abu Talibs' nephew held onto his uncles' hand and insisted and pleaded that they take him along. Even though the kind and great Sheikh of Quraish knew of the discomforts and dangers in the journey he couldn't disappoint his nephew, whom he loved very much.

The caravan embarked, but before reaching its destination, on the outskirts of Bostra 268 a certain events occured which interrupted Abu Talibs travel plans. For many years the Christian monotheist monk 269 named (Bahira) had a hermitage in the land of Bostra and spent his time there in worship. He was well-read in the religious texts of old. It is known that generations of Christian monks had lived in this hermitage who each succeeded another at his death.

A book was passed on to each of them which was handed down as a priceless heirloom, all of their knowledge being culminated in this book. Every year the Quraishite caravan stopped near this hermitage to rest but they never saw Bahira and couldn't get in touch with him. This year however upon arriving there they saw Bahira who had come out of the hermitage to invite them to have something to eat. A man of the Quraish remarked to him; "Bahira, by God what you have done today is indeed mystifying.

For many years we have been passing by your monastery and you never did such!" Bahira replied: "Yes, you are correct, but now you are my guests and I wish to honour you and prepare a meal for you". Everyone gathered for the meal while only the Holy Prophet remained with the cargo because of his tender age. When the Christian scholar and monk looked at his guests and failed to see the one after whom he sought, he said: "Quraishites, none of you must be absent from my meal".

They answered him: "Everyone is here except a young boy who has remained behind to watch over the cargo". He said: "No! all of you must come".