Muhammad:

Early Childhood

MUHAMMAD'S LINEAGE

       Muhammad's lineage goes back to Prophet Ibrahim, through Prophet Isma'eel.  It was Prophet Ibrahim with his wife Hajar (Hagar) who traveled from Palestine to the rugged area later to be called Mecca.  Many years later Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma'eel built the Ka'ba, dedicating it to the worship of the Creator, Allah (swt).  With the passage of time Mecca became a town of great importance, a town on the route of trade.

       The Arabs of the time were settlers of towns as well as Bedouins.  Mecca was ruled by Benu Khuza'a for several centuries until Qusay, by the middle of the 5th century, was able to return the rule to the Meccans under his leadership.

       Qusay was a capable leader, and through his lineage the leadership of the area continued.  Of that lineage was Hashim, a far sighted person renowned for his wisdom.  Through many treaties he was able to organize the vital trade between the south (Yemen) and north (Syria) on a secure basis.  He was able to arrange for treaties of mutual benefit and defense with tribes strategically situated along the vital routes of trade.  Mecca was strategically located along that route, the security of which was vital to all.  Hashim was of the Quraish clan, the famed family from which Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was born.  The treaties brought prosperity, prestige and security to the area, especially to Quraish, the leaders.

       But there was Abraha, one of the officers of the Abyssinian Empire.  He ruled over Yemen and built a house of worship there in an attempt to divert people away from the Ka'ba.  But the Ka'ba was built by Prophets Ibrahim and Isma'eel centuries before, it was highly revered by the public, and people visited there to perform "Pilgrimage".

       In spite of Abraha's efforts, people continued to go to Mecca, more or less ignoring Abraha's directives.  This was something Abraha took as a challenge to his power and authority.  He was indignant, felt slighted; he wanted to put a stop to that.  Therefore, Abraha decided to conquer Mecca and destroy the Ka'ba.  His army was very large, and it was supplied with a good many elephants.  As the army approached Mecca, Abraha was confronted with Abdul Mut'talib, who calmly replied to the questioning Abraha that the Ka'ba had its own Lord who would defend it.  Puzzled and baffled, Abraha continued in his plans of aggression.  But Allah destroyed Abraha and his forces in a most dramatic way, thus increasing the reputation of Mecca.  It was then that Abdullah, the son of Abdul Mut'talib married Amina, who was from Yathrib.  Yathrib lies about 300 miles to the north of Mecca.

       It was not too long after their marriage that Abdullah left for Syria on a business trip, during which he got sick and died.  In the mean time, his wife Amina discovered that she was pregnant, and by the time her husband died she was already a few months ahead in her pregnancy.  She stayed in Mecca, in the house of her father-in-law Abdul Mut'talib.  Abdul Mut'talib took care of Amina, and was very happy when she gave birth to a boy.  He called the boy Muhammad to be praised in both worlds, as he affirmed.

       The custom in those days was for the well-to-do families to hire wet-nurses who lived in the desert area to feed and care for the babies, so that the fresh air and the simple ways of life would help produce strong, healthy children.

       It was customary for many ladies to visit Mecca to serve as wet-nurses with pay, eying especially the rich.  That was not the case with the new baby Muhammad, since this baby was an orphan, yet his grandfather was the Custodian of the Ka'ba.  As it turned out, one of the ladies who came to Mecca to serve as a wet-nurse was Halima, of the Benu Sa'ad tribe.  This tribe was not only well known, but highly respected.

 

Lineage  

 

MUHAMMAD ON THE WAY  

Muhammad and Halima were heading toward Mecca.  Halima was the lady who took care of Muhammad in her tribe, Benu Sa'ad.  Muhammad, being only five years old, was very excited because he was going to be with his mother Amina and his grandfather Abdul Mut'talib.  Yet, at the same time, Muhammad was feeling somewhat sad, because he was going to leave behind not only Halima but also people with whom he had lived for the past five years.

       When they were on the horse's back, Muhammad's mind kept going back to the many wonderful times he had with his nurse mother Halima and her tribe.  He thought of the many children he had played with, and the good friendships he formed; he thought of Halima who took care of him so nicely and gently.  He remembered the various hills and valleys, the sheep as they grazed, and the gentle breeze of the spring.

       Halima was tender and very loving.  She showered Muhammad (pbuh) with affection and love.  She fed him when he was hungry, took care of him when he cut himself, and even when he tripped and hurt his toes.

       Muhammad remembered the tents he used to sleep in, and the children he played with.  He remembered the sheep and the cattle ever so noisy, especially early in the morning, and he remembered the skies so clear at night.  Muhammad also remembered the heat of the days and how the sweat dripped down his cheeks.  He also remembered the cold days during winter, and how when it rained the tents oozed, and dripped. "Oh how wonderful those years were!" Muhammad thought.

       While he and Halima were on the horse's back, Muhammad heard a dog barking at a distance, the dog was with a camel caravan, loaded with goods, and they were heading north.  There were many people in that caravan and everything was proceeding slowly.  It was an interesting thing to see.

 

HALIMA ON THE WAY  

       Halima was on the horse's back, with one hand on the rein, the other hugging Muhammad firmly.  She was feeling sad because Muhammad was going to be with his mother.  Her heart was heavy with the thought of separation.  Halima had taken good care of Muhammad for the past five years and she loved him very much, but now they were going to be separated.  Her mind was loaded with conflicting thoughts, and it was such that she hardly noticed the caravan pass by.

       Halima went back in her memory to a special day five years earlier, when she and a group of women were heading toward Mecca.  Their purpose was to pick up babies born to important families, to take care of them and to nurse them for about two years.  That was the custom in Arabia in those days.  The reason for this was to give the baby a healthy beginning.  The desert air, the sunshine, and being away from town were good things for a child's health.

       

SHE FINDS MUHAMMAD  

       Five years before, when Muhammad was born, Halima had gone from one wealthy house to another, trying to find a baby to care for as a hired wet-nurse.  She didn't succeed until at last she found baby Muhammad.  He was good looking, lovely, with sweet smiles.  Sadly, his father had died before baby Muhammad was born, therefore Halima was worried because usually the child's family supported the wet-nurse.

       Abdul Mut'talib, who was Muhammad's grandfather, assured Halima a number of times that he would pay her well, since he had a great deal of love for that baby.  He told her he was willing to pay her very well, and that she wouldn't be disappointed.  Halima happily accepted, and she was very glad she did.  Her experience with baby Muhammad proved to be extremely happy—it became memorable.

       Halima's memory was quite vivid when it came to the care of Muhammad.  She remembered well how her horse seemed to be trotting with pride as she and baby Muhammad left Mecca to join the group of women waiting for her.  Though each of those women had a baby, they were looking at her with mockery, because Muhammad was an orphan.

       Halima also thought that Muhammad's presence in the tribe of Benu Sa'ad proved such a blessing.  The skies rained more than usual and the pastures became rich and the sheep fat; the milk was plentiful and the whole tribe seemed to have done well.  There was plenty of everything, but best of all it was the presence of baby Muhammad that really counted.

       

HIS DISPOSITION IS VERY NICE  

       Muhammad didn't seem to demand much, and his disposi­tion made him the apple of her eyes.  Halima was sweet and tender toward Muhammad, and she loved him very much.  As he grew, the children around seemed to sense something special in Muhammad, therefore they treated him with admiration, love, and respect.

       Halima noticed that as Muhammad grew, his command of Arabic was great, something that gave her a sense of pride.  She was proud of him too, because of the way he played with other children, since he was an honest and a straightforward boy.  She saw that Muhammad did not fib or tell a lie, never was he in any mischief, neither did he hurt anyone, nor even kill a crawling insect!

       Those memories were coming to Halima while she and Muhammad were on the horse's back.  The horse was moving slowly but surely.  She thought of how unhappy she was going to be by leaving Muhammad, and she felt the warmth of the tears rolling down her cheeks.

       

TOWARD MECCA  

       In a desert, such as that of Arabia, you can see clearly from far away.  This is because the land is flat, consisting mainly of sand.  There are few trees in a hot desert, because where it doesn't rain much trees cannot grow easily.

       While Muhammad and Halima were riding, and while both of them were deep in their thoughts, Muhammad saw something unusual on the horizon.

       "What is that, Mama?" Muhammad asked abruptly.  Upon hearing him, Halima just about jumped, her train of thought was suddenly interrupted.  She answered with a lump in her throat and a quiver in her voice, "That is Mecca dear.  That is where your mother and grandfather are anxiously waiting for us."

       Slowly but surely they approached Mecca, and as they were doing so, the buildings seemed to become taller and taller.  Finally they entered Mecca, and they went through the main street.  The streets were narrow and winding, and the houses were built back to back, without gardens or trees.  There were a few large houses built on the side of the mountains.  Some children were playing here and there.  In some streets the shops were selling clothes, household goods, or other interesting items.

       

MUHAMMAD MEETS HIS MOTHER  

       At some distance, Muhammad saw a lady with a look of expectation.  Standing by her was a kindly old gentleman just as anxious looking as she was.  A few other people were around too, waiting yet talking to each other.  The whole group hurried toward Halima and Muhammad, as soon as they saw them coming.  What excitement for everybody!

       Muhammad's heart beat fast.  He felt Halima's hands to be firmer around him as if to say, this is the end.

       "Is that my family?" Muhammad managed to say.

       "Yes, sweetheart," Halima answered, her voice chocked with emotion.  "You are a lovely child and the best child I have ever taken care of, and you have the best family.  Your mother and grandfather are wonderful, and you come from the Hashim clan, which is part of the famous Quraish tribe.  I am so glad I could keep you with me for five years, rather than only two.  I am grateful for that, and I am going to miss you very much."

       The two sides were approaching each other, there was an excitement in the air, a happy feeling.  Abdul Mut'talib received Muhammad gently, then he helped Halima to dismount.  Muhammad was soon hugged and loved by his mother, whose eyes were full of tears, the tears of joy.  His grandfather, Abdul Mut'talib waited anxiously and patiently for his turn, then he tenderly kissed the boy Muhammad many times.

       

AWAY THEY GO  

       The whole group, Muhammad, Halima, Abdul Mut'talib, and Amina (Muhammad's real mother), walked to the house.  The horse was left outside while Muhammad and Halima washed the dust off.  They were hungry and tired, so they had their dinner soon after arrival.

       Halima kept telling Muhammad's mother Amina, and his grandfather Abdul Mut'talib, about her past experiences with Muhammad.  She kept telling them about the many, many things of the past and everyone was all ears, listening attentively, and enjoying what they heard.  She told them how nice Muhammad's behavior was, how lovable he was, and how he played with other children without any trouble.

       Muhammad soon learned that the kindly old man, Abdul Mut'talib, was his grandfather.  Both seemed to hit it off right from the start, and they became attracted to each other right away.  He found out that his grandfather was the Keeper of the Ka'ba, since he was the head of the Quraish tribe.  Muhammad also discovered that the people respected Abdul Mut'talib a great deal, and that the Ka'ba was a meeting place of some sort.

       The Ka'ba is a large cubic structure, covered with black cloth.  People of that time went there and worshipped in a special way.  Muhammad thought the way people worshipped was silly, since they talked to stones, the idols, which looked ugly.  The people knelt in front of the stones, their idols, and they kept asking the idols for health, wealth, and happiness.  They even offered sacrifices, bringing food and other gifts, just for the sake of offering!  Muhammad became curious and he giggled inside, seeing the people talk to ugly looking stones, and doing what they did, while the stones didn't reply and could do nothing.

       

MUHAMMAD GETS USED TO LIVING IN MECCA  

       Soon however, Muhammad got used to living in Mecca.  Though he missed the desert, Halima, and her children, he found Mecca fascinating.

       There used to be what is called Ukadh gathering (State Fair).  In that gathering, people came from all around Arabia to be at the fair.  Many of them brought goods and merchandise to sell or barter, and there was always some degree of bargain­ing.  Some people, called poets, stood up and recited their poems, and the admirers oohed and aahed.  Not only that, but people visited the Ka'ba to pay tribute to their idols, to be blessed by those stones.  After some time, the fair was over, and everyone went home.  Ukadh gathering was like a state fair where people traded, advertised and socialized.  It was held every year at the same time.

       However, Muhammad found out too that during Ukadh gathering some people became quarrelsome, if not nasty, and often foul language was used.  Some people even threatened others, and  for only minor things.  He found out too that people bragged about their tribes, which made others resent them.  There was a lot of friction going on.  In other words there

were many unhappy things going on in Mecca and at its fairs, although those fairs were fascinating.

       

HIS GRANDFATHER LOVES HIM A GREAT DEAL  

       Though grandpa Abdul Mut'talib was quite old, he became quite attached to the young boy Muhammad.  In return, Muhammad loved his grandfather a great deal.  He felt encouraged to play with the old man and have a nice time.  They enjoyed the company of each other very much.

       Their friendship grew stronger and stronger, and it became so strong, that Muhammad was even allowed to be on the prayer rug of Abdul Mut'talib.  This was a rare honor to be given a child.  It also became quite usual to see them together, hand in hand, wherever grandfather Abdul Mut'talib went.  Both were happy with the strong bond, the bond of love and affection.

       

HIS MOTHER TELLS HIM STORIES  

       At home with mother Amina, Muhammad the boy was the center of her affection and love.  She took care of him well, feeding him, giving him comfort and warmth, and letting him rest whenever he needed it.

       Muhammad loved to hear his mother tell him stories, especially at night.  He would lie in bed, the room dark, and his mother sitting by him talking.  Everything around was serene and quiet.  He was especially interested to hear about his father, Abdullah.

       Muhammad learned that his father was a handsome, polite young man—well liked by people.  Muhammad also learned that his father had been on a trip to Yathrib (later called Medina) when he became very sick.  The sickness became so bad that he could hardly move.  He was in bed for many days, becoming weaker and weaker, until finally he could not make it, and he passed away.

       "When did he die Mother?" Muhammad asked sadly.

       "Even before you were born, dear." Amina answered with emotion, having tears in her eyes.

"Maybe we better visit the grave," then she added, "Perhaps we can see my relatives in Yathrib too."

       "That is a good idea.  I'll go with you, of course." Muhammad answered excitedly.

       

A VISIT TO MEDINA (YATHRIB)  

       Muhammad's mother and another lady, Umm Ayman, were quite busy packing—preparing for the coming trip.  The 6-year-old Muhammad was also busy helping them.  Early next morning, the group mounted camels and they left Mecca heading toward Medina.

       The road was curvy as it went along the high rugged moun­tains, the trip was slow and tiresome.  The desert was beautiful, especially in the early morning and late evening.  The desert sand was everywhere, and it blew with the wind, pricking the faces and hands.  The nights were quiet and cool, and the skies were very clear.  Everything around was quiet, espe­cially at night.

       After about three weeks of travel, they arrived in Yathrib (Medina).  They were made most welcome by their host, the family of Amina.  Muhammad played with children his age, but soon he became the center of admiration by everyone.  He was quiet, nice, and not demanding.  He never was troublesome nor caused any mischief.  Everyone loved him very much.

       Muhammad liked Yathrib (Medina) and his many relatives over there.  He knew they were nice to him and he appreciated that.  Yathrib (Medina) was a town of many houses close to each other, and many narrow winding streets, but unlike Mecca, there were many orchards and many groves around.  It was colder, much colder in Yathrib than in Mecca.

       After a few enjoyable weeks in Yathrib it was time to go back to Mecca.  While they were packing, Amina started to feel sick, but she thought the sickness was mild and she was able to travel.

       

MUHAMMAD'S MOTHER DIES  

       A few days after leaving Yathrib (Medina), Amina's sickness became serious, and it became so severe that she could hardly move, let alone travel.

       She was weak, pale, and grey, and could hardly move.  Without a doctor's care, as they had none in those days, Amina's condition became critical.  Not long afterwards, Amina, the mother of Muhammad, died.

       She left the six-year-old boy Muhammad grieving over her loss, the loss of both mother and father.  Oh how lonely he must have felt!  Muhammad had just finished visiting the grave of his father, and now he was to leave his mother behind.

       Amina was buried, and Muhammad felt a vacuum, a deep painful feeling, now that her presence was missing—it was an unhappy, sad feeling.  The grieving Muhammad and the other lady continued their journey to Mecca, but with hearts laden with pain and sadness.

 

IN MECCA  

       Abdul Mut'talib learned of the unhappy news and he became extremely sad.  His affection for Muhammad by now grew even deeper and his protection was valued even more by Muhammad.  As time passed, Muhammad noticed that his grandfather was aging, the lines in his face were becoming deeper, and he tired easily.

       It was two years since Amina passed away, Muhammad grew to be eight years old.  He was busy observing the way people in Mecca were living.  He saw that some were very rich, but most others wretched and terribly poor.  He noticed the fights, the bad language used, the unfairness of some to others.  He noticed how many people used to get drunk and act silly and stupid.  He was aware of how some people stole, and how others bragged about killing innocent people.  All that seemed to hurt Muhammad inside, though he was only eight years old.  There were no schools in those days, no schools at all.  Muhammad, therefore, like most children of his time, did not learn how to read or write.  A person like that is called Ummii, meaning unlettered.

 

ABDUL MUT'TALIB DIES  

       Abdul Mut'talib was almost eighty years old, he became very sick and weak.  He was so sick that he could hardly move in bed.  He sensed that it was terminal and everyone around was worried.  He lay in bed, surrounded by his children, who were grown up by now, and who were trying to take care of him the best they could.

       Abdul Mut'talib looked around until his eyes rested on the eight-year-old Muhammad, and a tender smile showed on his face.  He wanted to hold Muhammad and play with him, but he could hardly move since he was very sick.  Abdul Mut'talib then said to his son Abu Talib, "Take custody of my beloved boy, Muhammad."

       Abu Talib agreed readily and he felt honored with this great trust.  Abdul Mut'talib became weaker and his condition became critical.  Then suddenly he became motionless, not breathing, and passed away.

       Everyone grieved, but Muhammad was the only one who knew how terrible it felt to be orphaned by father, mother, and now a grandfather!  He felt very, very sad, he was heart- broken at the loss.  He felt something warm coming down his cheeks, it was the warmth of his teardrops, the tears that sympathized with his own condition and with the condition of all the orphans and the destitute.

       

WITH ABU TALIB  

       Muhammad went to live with his uncle Abu Talib, who had many children of his own.  He

was able to gather more experience about living conditions of people in Mecca, and especially about those yearly gatherings in Ukadh and other sites.  Muhammad continued to be pained at what he saw and what he heard in the yearly Ukadh fairs, and never, ever did he want to join those people in what they said and did.  He kept it to himself, as if registering in his brilliant mind one event after another.  He did not associate with most boys around, since so many were wild and cruel.

       Muhammad was very happy to help his uncle's family in serving drinking water to the many people who came after Ukadh fair to the Ka'ba, since that duty fell in the hands of Abu Talib after the death of his grandfather, Abdul Mut'talib.  It was a way to take care of the physical need of the people, learn about them, but not participate in their activities.

       

BEING A SHEPHERD  

       Muhammad was anxious to become a shepherd.  The thought crossed his mind over and over again.  How good it was, he felt, to be trusted to take care of the sheep and be left alone to the beauty of nature, away from the distressing conditions of the Meccan environment!

       Caring for the sheep was not difficult, it was somewhat easy.  It taught Muhammad responsibility, and it gained him more experience in giving tender loving care to Allah's creatures.  He fed, watered, protected, and directed them to their usual destination.  While caring for the sheep, Muhammad found time to think, since he was left to himself, away from the bad habits of the Meccan people.

       Muhammad also learned that the people in Mecca regarded him in a different way—they held him in respect and admiration.  He wondered if that was because of his qualities—being straightforward, a person who never lied, who kept his promises, who was fair, friendly, and clean cut.  He wished from the bottom of his heart that the people of Mecca would become good and change their bad ways.  It was sad that those people lived the way they did.

  

QUESTIONS   

1. Name the lady who cared for Muhammad (pbuh) when he was a baby.

2. Halima took care of baby Muhammad; did she have children of her own?

3. How did other children regard Muhammad (pbuh) in Halima's house?

4. Halima noticed that during the years Muhammad was with them, they had plenty of produce and goods.  How do you explain that?

5. What is the name of the father of Muhammad (pbuh)?

6. Which town did the mother of Muhammad come from?

7. What was the habit at the time when a baby from a well-to-do family in Mecca was born?

8. When Muhammad was born, not a single lady came to take care of him at first.  Why?

9. Why did Halima pick up baby Muhammad to be his wet-nurse?

10. How old was Muhammad when he finally was reunited with his family?

11. Was Halima well paid for her care of Muhammad?

12. What was the disposition of Muhammad when he was a child?

13. Describe the deserts of Arabia.

14. What was the feeling the first time Muhammad was reunited with his family?

15. What is the name of the grandfather of Muhammad?

16. How old was Abdul Mut'talib when he took care of Muhammad?

17. Where did Muhammad live when he left Halima?

18. How was the feeling between Muhammad and his grandfather Abdul Mut'talib?

19. After having left Halima, did Muhammad get used to living in Mecca easily?

20. What is the name of Muhammad's mother?

21. Was Amina very old when Muhammad was born?

22. Did Amina tell her boy Muhammad (pbuh) many stories?

23. How old do you think Muhammad was when he and his mother went to visit Medina?

24. Who do you think young Muhammad met in Medina?

25. On the way back from Medina (Yathrib), something happened to Amina.  What was it?

26. How did Muhammad feel when his mother died?

27. How close did Muhammad become to Abdul Mut'talib after Amina died?

28. What tragic thing happened to Muhammad two years after his mother's death?

29. How old was Muhammad (pbuh) when his grandfather, Abdul Mut'talib, died?

30. How did Muhammad (pbuh) feel when his grandfather died?

31. Who took care of Muhammad when Abdul Mut'talib died?

32. Who was Abu Talib?

33. Did Muhammad (pbuh) have many uncles?

34. What did Muhammad (pbuh) learn when he was a shepherd?

35. What did Muhammad (pbuh) observe in Ukadh fair?