Abu-Talib was named Sheikh al-Bat-ha.

Abu-Talib was named Sheikh al-Bat-ha. Our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) lived with his uncle. His uncle treated him kindly. Fatima binte Asad, his uncle's wife, treated him kindly, too. She preferred him to all of her sons. So, our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) grew with a good family. Abu-Talib's love for his nephew increased day by day because of his good manners and great politeness. For example, when the food was ready, the Orphan Boy reached it politely.

He said: "In the Name of Allah!" When he finished, he said: "Thank Allah!" One day, Abu-Talib missed his nephew Muhammad. So, he raised his hand from the food and said: "Till my son comes!" When Muhammad came, Abu-Talib gave him a cup of yoghurt. Mohammed drank out of the cup. Abu-Talib's sons drank out of it one by one, too. They were all full. The uncle admired that.

So, he said to his nephew: "Muhammad you are blessed!" The Good News Abu-Talib had heard good news from the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians). The good news was that a Prophet would appear very soon. So, he took care of his nephew very much. He thought that he would be a Prophet. So, he didn't leave him alone. When Abu-Talib wanted to go on a trade journey to Sham (Syria), he took our Master Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) with him. Muhammad was nine years of age then.

In Basra, a city situated on the road of the trade caravans, there was an abbey. A monk lived in the abbey. The monk's name was Buhaira. He was always looking forward to the appearance of a new Prophet whose time approached. When the monk looked at Muhammad, he realised that he would be the promised Prophet because he had the personality and expression of a Prophet. The monk began looking at the Meccan Boy's face very carefully. Meanwhile, the good news about Jesus Christ sounded in his mind.

The monk asked Abu-Talib about the Boy's name. So, Abu-Talib said: "His name's Muhammad." The monk became very humble at his holy name. So, he said to Abu-Talib: "Go back to Mecca. Protect your nephew from the Jews because he will be of great importance!" Abu-Talib came back to Mecca. He adored Muhammad. He was very careful of his safety. The Blessed Boy The years passed. Mecca and its villages dried up because there was no rain. The people came to Sheikh al-Bat-ha.

They asked him to pray to Allah for rain. They said: "Abu-Talib, the valley's become rainless. Our families are without food So come on and pray to Allah for rain." Abu-Talib went out. He had great confidence in Allah.