That is why when he was only twelve...

That is why when he was only twelve, his uncle, Abu Talib thought of taking him along the trade caravans.[2] It should be noted that there are many shortcomings in this book, as the writer is from Europe who gathered material from general sources. Yet “Maktab-e-Islam” has published a book about it wherein he has been quoted and hence we have quoted here some historically important and valuable things.

In one of his several trade journeys he was passing through Jordan when a Christian monk came out of his monastery and saw Muhammad, who was then only eleven years old. The monk who knew Abu Talib came to the latter and said, “O Abu Talib! Take back this boy to Mecca . Otherwise, if any Jew sees him he will kill him on any excuse.

If it is not possible for you to take him back to Mecca , take him to Syria , then take extra care of him.” The clergy had read in Bible some signs of the last Messenger of God, which he could see in Muhammad (s.a.w.s.). So he congratulated Abu [1] From Persian translation by Zabeehullah Mansoor,pp. 304 [2] Ibid Talib saying, “Your nephew has a very bright future.

Take utmost care of him in every possible manner.” After returning from the journey, as Abu Talib had become very tired, Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) used to take his flock of sheep and goats every morning for grazing in the wilderness. He stood for the whole day in the hot sun taking care of the animals. Years before he was made the divine messenger by God, people of Mecca used to call him Amin (trustworthy) and Saboor (Extremely patient). In Arabic, ‘Amin’ also means absolutely faithful.

In the days of his youth, traders wanted him to sell their goods and to take his due remuneration. Muhammad did sell their trade goods but always took less than what was due to him as reported by Qais ibn Zaid. Ibn Hanbal writes: After returning from his trade journeys Muhammad always ascertained about his friends. If he found someone in distress, he distributed a portion of his hard-earned money to the needy.

This was indeed exemplary on the part of a trader or businessman.[1] The Pact of Hilful Fuzul This event took place in the earlier days of youth of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.). This nobly active youth gathered the youths of the tribes like Bani Hashim, Bani Asad, Bani Zuhra, Bani Qaiyim in the house of an old gentleman named Abdullah ibn Jazan and formed an organization in which oath was taken from every youth that he would help every [1] Musnad, Cairo , 1368 H.E., Pg.