Highlight the difficult times in the early life of Muhammad (S. A. W) before his prophethood

Answer Details

The early life of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) before his call to prophethood was marked by a series of hardships and losses that shaped his character.

1. Death of his father before his birth: His father, 'Abdullah, died while his mother was still pregnant, so the Prophet was born an orphan and never knew his father.
2. Separation in early childhood: As was the custom of the noble Quraysh, he was sent to the desert to be nursed by Halimah of the Banu Sa'd, spending his early years away from his mother.
3. Death of his mother: When he was about six years old his mother Aminah died at Abwa' on the way back from Madinah, leaving him a complete orphan.
4. Death of his grandfather: He was then cared for by his grandfather 'Abdul-Muttalib, but the old man died two years later, when the Prophet was about eight.
5. Life under his uncle: He was taken in by his uncle Abu Talib, who was kind but poor, so the young Muhammad had to work, herding sheep for the Makkans for a small wage to support himself.
6. Hardship of trade and labour: He accompanied trading caravans to Syria and worked hard to earn a living, enduring the difficulties of desert travel.

Despite these trials he grew up truthful and trustworthy, earning the title al-Amin (the trustworthy). His early sufferings taught him patience, compassion for orphans and the poor, and reliance upon Allah, qualities that prepared him for his later mission.