The Sealed Nectar | Part 14 | Muhammad's Birth and Forty Years Prior to Prophethood | To His compassionate grandfather
Excerpts from "The Sealed Nectar"
'Abdul-Muthalib brought the boy to Makkah. He had warm emotions towards the boy, his orphan grandson, whose recent calamity (his mother's death) added to the pain of his past bereavement. 'Abdul-Muttalib was more compassionate and loving was his grandson than with his own children. He never left the boy fell prey to loneliness, but always preferred him to his own children. Ibn Hisham reported: A mattress was put in the shade of the Ka'bah for 'Abdul-Muthalib. His children used to sit around that mattress in defence to their father, but Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam used to sit on it. His uncles would try to take him back, but if 'Abdul-Muttalib was present, he would say: "Leave my grandson.I swear by Allah that this boy will hold a significant position." He used to seat the boy on his mattress, pat his back and was always pleased with what the boy did.
When Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam was 8 years, 2 months and 10 days old, his grandfather 'Abdul-Muthalib passed away in Makkah. The charge of the Prophet now passed on to his uncle Abu Talib, who was the full brother of the Prophet's father.
Abu Talib took on the responsibility of his nephew in the best way. He placed him with his own children and preferred him to them. He singled the boy out with great respect and held him in high esteem. Abu Talib remained thus for 40 years, cherishing his nephew and extending all possible protection and support to him.
His relations with the others were determined in the light of the treatment they showed to the Prophet Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam.
Ibn 'Asakir reported on the authority of Jalhamah bin 'Arfutah who said: "I came to Makkah when it was rainless year, so the Quraish said: 'O Abu Talib, the valley has become leafless and the children are hungry, let us go and pray for rainfall.'
Abu Talib went to the Ka'bah with a young boy who was as beautiful as the sun, and a black cloud was over his head. Abu Talib and the boy stood by the wall of the Ka'bah and prayed for rain.
Immediately clouds from all directions gathered and rain fell heavily and caused springs to flow and plants to grow in the town and the country.