Life and Teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
2. The Life of the Prophet Muhammad
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Now the guardianship of Muhammad passed to Abu Talib, his
uncle, who was a merchant. Once when Abu Talib was preparing
to go to Syria on a trading journey, Muhammad expressed a keen
desire to accompany him. Though he was very young to undertake
such a difficult journey, Abu Talib was so full of affection for him
that he could not refuse, and agreed to take him on the journey.
Their trade caravan halted in the city of Bursa in Syria. There
was a Christian monk by the name of Bah rah living there in a
monastery. He had read in the ancient books about the emergence
of an Arab prophet. He recognised in Muhammad the signs of
prophethood. He knew at once that he was the boy who had been
destined to become the last of the prophets.
The monk invited the whole caravan to his monastery and
asked Abu Talib, “In what way are you related to this child?” He
said, “He is my son.” Bah rah said, “It cannot be. His father should
not be alive.” Then Abu Talib informed him that his father was no
longer alive. Bah rah advised him to return with his nephew
immediately and to protect him from enemies. He said, “By God, if
he is recognised, he will surely be harmed.”
Ibn Ishaq writes, “Muhammad entered his adulthood as if God
Himself was protecting him from the widespread evils of the period
of ignorance.” By this time he was well-known in Makkah for his
good morals, gentle disposition and sincerity. In fact, he was called
Al-Amin (trustworthy) and As-Sadiq (truthful) by his compatriots.
