As the Holy Prophet (S) grew up, the people around him noticed that this young man was not like others of his age. The people admired his character and bravery and all the Quraish liked him.

In his youth, the Holy Prophet (S) accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on trade journeys to Syria and Yemen. He soon gained a reputation in Makka for his good business sense, his honesty and trustworthiness.

People were so impressed by the qualities of the Holy Prophet (S), that they began to call him As-Sadiq (the Truthful) and Al-Ameen (the Trustworthy).

When the Holy Prophet (S) would pass them, people would say:

"There goes the young man who behaves equally well with the high and the low. He is considerate to his equals, respects the elders and always shows love and affection to the children. He never speaks a lie or misuses anything entrusted to his care. He does not look at women with an evil intent and is never rude to anybody. He does not backbite or spend his time in finding faults in people."

Such was the character of our Holy Prophet (S), and in later years even his enemies would still leave their belongings with him for safekeeping when they went on a trip away from Makka.

The Holy Prophet (S) also spent part of his youth as a shepherd.

Thus, by the time he was 25 years of age; the Holy Prophet (S) had built himself a good reputation in Makka and had gained the trust and affection of the people around him.

The Holy Prophet (S) built a good reputation in Makka. In what ways did he manage to do this?