Halimah

• The Holy Prophet (S) lived in the desert with Halimah for five years and she looked after him very well.
• During this time he learnt about handling animals and also trained in archery. In this happy atmosphere he grew up strong and healthy.
• Halimah regarded him as very special, because ever since he had come under her care, she was showered with the blessings of Allah and became rich.

• When he was five years old, Halimah returned the Holy Prophet (S) to the care of his mother Lady Aamina.
• Lady Aamina decided to go to Madina to visit the grave of her husband, Abdullah, and also meet some of her relatives. She took the Holy Prophet (S) along with her and stayed for one month.
• On the way back to Makka, Lady Aamina fell ill at a place called Abwa. After a short time she died and was buried there.

• The Holy Prophet (S) was now an orphan and Abdul Muttalib took him under his wing.
• The young boy was very dear to his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, because he reminded him of his son Abdullah.
• Abdul Muttalib made sure that the Holy Prophet (S) did not feel unwanted.

The Holy Qur'an mentions this event as follows:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?      (Suratu Dhuha, 93:6)

Abu Talib

• The Holy Prophet (S) was only eight years old when he lost his grandfather. Before his death, Abdul Muttalib made his son Abu Talib responsible for taking care of the young child.
• This was a duty, which Abu Talib carried out fully for the rest of his life.
• The loss of Abdul Muttalib made the Holy Prophet (S) very sad, and he kept weeping up to the very edge of the grave and never forgot his kindness.
• There were many reasons why Abdul Muttalib chose Abu Talib as the guardian of the Holy Prophet (S). Abu Talib and Abdullah were born of the same mother. He was also well known for his generous nature. He treated the Holy Prophet (S) better than his own sons, and never let him feel lonely.
• Holy Prophet's (S) aunt, Fatimah binte Asad, the wife of Abu Talib and mother of Imam Ali (A) looked after him as if he was her own son.

When the Holy Prophet (S) was twelve years old, Abu Talib took him on a trade journey. During the journey they stopped at Basra. There was an old Christian monk whose name was Bahira, who lived in an old monastery in Basra. The monk never used to speak but when he saw the Holy Prophet (S), he broke his silence and asked, "Who is this boy?" Abu Talib answered that he was his nephew. Bahira then said, "This boy has a brilliant future. He is the same Prophet whose coming has been foretold in the Heavenly Books. His religion will spread throughout the world. However, you must guard him from the Jews, because if they learn about him, they will kill him". Thereafter Abu Talib was always careful about the safety of his nephew.