The Prophet of Mercy Website

2. The Lone Orphan.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was born an orphan. His father Abdullah passed away two months before he (peace be upon him) was born. When the Prophet (peace be upon him). was born, Aminah bint Wahb -his mother-, sent him to Abdul-Muttalib -his grandfather-, who was in the Ka’bah at the time. Abdul-Muttalib was the head of the Quraish tribe and was respected by all. The grandfather was overjoyed at the news and gave the baby, the name “Muhammad”, meaning “the praised one.”

It was the custom in Makkah for mothers to send their babies into the desert to be put in the care of a desert tribe, where they grew up in the traditional healthy outdoor environment. Halimah as-Sa’diyyah took the Prophet (peace be upon him). home and nursed him. Having looked after so many children before, she noticed something extraordinary about the child. During Muhammad (peace be upon him). stay with Halimah, she and her family received all kinds of blessings and favours from Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him). returned to his mother after five years of desert life. When he (peace be upon him). was six years old his mother, Aminah passed away.

As a young boy, he must have felt very sad and lonely at the loss of his mother. The Prophet  then went to stay with his grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib, who was extremely kind to him and looked after him with great love and affection.

After two more years, when the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).; was eight years old, his grandfather also died. Thereafter, Abu Tālib, the uncle of the Prophet (peace be upon him). took him under his care.

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