The Holy Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and the Caravan of
the Quraysh*

Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was a child of eight when his
grandfather, `Abdul-Muttalib, passed away. At the time of
his death, `Abdul-Muttalib instructed his son, `Abu Talib, to
take good care of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and to protect him,
"Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) is an orphan who has been denied the
blessings of a mother and a father", he said "I entrust him to
you for you to protect him and guard him well. He has a
brilliant future and will obtain a great, position."
Abu Talib accepted his father's instructions and took
charge of Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) as directed, and cared for him
like a loving father.
Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) was about twelve years old when he
accompanied his uncle, Abu Talib, on a journey to the city of
Damascus with a trading caravan of the Quraysh. For a child
of twelve like Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) this journey was tough and
difficult, but looking at the wonders and beauties of nature,
the mountains and plains, reduced for him the weariness and
hardship. For Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) seeing the great wide
deserts, the highlands and the lowlands, the towns and the
villages, was very enjoyable.
The caravan arrived near the town of "Basra".
At that place there was a house of worship that had been
built from ancient times, in which there was always one of the
wise men of the Christians engaged in worship, waiting to see
the Last Prophet of God. The Prophet `Isa and the previous
prophets had told about the coming of "the Last Prophet of
God" and about his special signs.
That house of worship was called "Dayr" and at that
time "Buhayra" was living there engaged in worship
As the caravan came into view from a far ,Buhayra came
out of Day! and witnessed things that amazed him. The
caravan halted near Dayr for a rest and the men lit fires and
became busy preparing their meal. Buhayra watched the
people of the caravan very carefully, and, again, amazing
things caught his attention. Despite the fact that he never
paid attention to caravans, this time he invited the people of
the caravan to be his guests.
As they entered Dayr, he welcomed them and looked at
the faces of his guests very carefully, as if looking for someone
lost. Suddenly he cried, "Dear child! Come closer so I can see
you... Hm,...It seems it is him...Come closer!"
The young lad had caught his attention. He held him,
bent down, put his hands on his shoulders, and for a while
looked at his face from close up.
He asked what his name was. He was told
"Muhammad".
For a while he stood silently gazing at Muhammad
(P.B.U.H.) then he sat down in front of him with great respect. He
held his hands and asked him questions. He was very
inquisitive and thorough; he spoke to Abu Talib and he asked
the others questions too.
He had found his "lost one", and he looked very happy.
He looked at Abu Talib and said, "This child has a
brilliant future and will attain a great position.
"This child is the very Prophet of whose coming the
previous Prophets have given glad tidings.
"I have read his signs in the scriptures. He is the Last of
God's Prophets. Soon he will receive his Prophetic mission
and his religion will spread throughout the world. Know the
worth of this child and make every effort to guard and protect
him."
After resting, the caravan loaded up and departed.
Buhayra had come out of Dayr and was watching
Muhammad (P.B.U.H.) and shedding tears. After an hour, the
caravan could no longer be seen, and Buhayra returned to his
room, sat down alone, and buried himself in thought.