One Quraishite said...

One Quraishite said: "We deserve to be scolded because we have failed to bring along with us the son of Abdullah ibn Abdul Mutalib". They brought the Prophet to the table. The priest only looked at this young guest. He was paying close attention to this young Quraishite, his actions, movements, height and facial characteristics.

When the meal was over and all had taken their leave he said: "Young man, I want you to answer all of my questions by the legitimacy of Lat and Uzza!" The Prophet replied: "Do not request anything of me in the name of Lat and Uzza, by God I swear that I look on nothing else with such hatred and enmity!". Bahira said: "Then swear by God that you will inform me of what I will ask you". The Prophet said: "Ask whatever you wish".

Bahira asked about the things he felt when he was asleep or awake and received answers which corelated with all he had expected. Then he looked at the Prophets' back in order to find the mole between his shoulders which would later be called the seal of prophethood. He found it just as he expected and in the place he knew it should be. After this inspection he turned to Abu Talib and said: "What relation is this young man to you?" Abu Talib answered: "He is my son".

Bahira said: "He is not your son. His father should not be living". Abu Talib said: "Yes, he is my brothers' son". Bahira asked: "What happened to his father?" Abu Talib answered: "His father died when his mother was pregnant with him". Bahira said: "You spoke the truth. Take your nephew back to his own city and fear the Jews' plots and grudges against him and be on your guard.

I swear by God that if they see him and come to know and recognize what I know about him and recognize in him he will be in danger. This nephew will come to attain an exalted position in the future". 270 The Second Journey To Syria The Prophet was now twenty five years of age.

Not only because of his being one of the grand children of the honoured Sheikh and leader of the tribe but also because of his outstanding qualities and superior character, he had obtained special esteem and was known by the nik-name, Amin (Trustworthy). One day in that very year Abu Talib said to him: "Nephew, I am a man of little worldly wealth, times are hard and I have suffered many years of hard-ship and still suffer them.