Muhammad From His Birth to His Marriage

Abdullah's Marriage to Aminah

Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (Father of the Prophet Muhammad) was a young and handsome man. The women of Mecca admired him greatly. He was also known for his noble character. Abdullah's reputation and desirability as a husband increased when he offered a hundred camels as a dowry for his future wife, which was a substantial amount. However, fate had other plans, and he was destined for an exceptional lineage.

Abdullah married Aminah bint Wahb (Mother of the Prophet Muhammad), a woman of noble lineage from the tribe of Banu Zuhrah. She was highly respected and esteemed among her people. Abdullah was around twenty-four years old when he married her.

Some historians suggest that Abdullah initially intended to propose to Aminah's cousin, but her father had passed away, and she was under the care of her uncle.

On the day of Abdullah's marriage to Aminah, his father, Abd al-Muttalib, married Hala, Aminah's aunt. This union led to the birth of Hamza, who would later become the Prophet Muhammad's uncle and a prominent figure in Islamic history.

After marrying Aminah, Abdullah spent three days with her at her family's home, following the Arab tradition of newlyweds staying at the bride's house.

Shortly after their marriage, Abdullah embarked on a trading journey to Syria, leaving his pregnant wife behind. Various accounts differ on whether Abdullah married other women during this time or if other women offered themselves to him. However, verifying such details can be challenging.

Abdullah remained in Syria for several months, conducting his business. He planned to return to Mecca to reunite with Aminah. Unfortunately, on his way back, he fell ill in Medina, where his cousins resided. His companions continued their journey to Mecca and informed his father, Abd al-Muttalib, of his illness.

Upon hearing the news, Abdullah's brother, al-Harith, was dispatched to Medina to bring him back home. However, by the time he reached Medina, Abdullah had passed away and was buried there. His death left Aminah as a young widow, and she would give birth to their son, the Prophet Muhammad, while still mourning her husband's loss.

After Abdullah's death, Aminah remained in Mecca and took care of her infant son, Muhammad. Despite her sorrow, she held a special place in history as the mother of the Prophet Muhammad, who would go on to become the final messenger of Islam. Abdullah left behind five camels, a flock of sheep, and a servant named Umm Ayman, who would play a significant role in Muhammad's upbringing.

Although these possessions might not have indicated great wealth, Abdullah was a young man with the potential for financial success and prosperity, and his father, Abd al-Muttalib, was still alive at the time, so Abdullah had not yet received any inheritance.

The Birth of Prophet Muhammad (570 CE)

Aminah's pregnancy continued until she gave birth, following the natural course of childbirth. When the time came for her to deliver, she sent a message to Abdullah's father, Abd al-Muttalib, informing him of the birth of his son. Upon hearing this joyful news, Abd al-Muttalib was overcome with happiness. He mentioned his son, Abdullah, and felt immense joy for the future generations to come. He hurried to Aminah's house and took the newborn child into his arms, then he walked to the Kaaba and named the child Muhammad.

At that time, the name Muhammad was not common among the Arabs, but it was known. The infant was returned to his mother, and she awaited the arrival of the wet nurses from the Banu Sa'd tribe, as was customary among the noble families of Mecca.

Historians have debated the exact year of Muhammad's birth, with most agreeing that it occurred in the Year of the Elephant (570 CE). Ibn Abbas, however, claimed that he was born on the Day of the Elephant. Others suggest that he was born fifteen years before the Year of the Elephant, while some argue that he was born shortly after it, estimating the difference to be around thirty or even seventy years.

The birth month of Muhammad is also a topic of debate, with many historians asserting that he was born in the month of Rabi' al-Awwal. Some claim he was born in Muharram, while others favor Safar, Rabi' al-Thani, or even Rajab. Some even argue that he was born during Ramadan.

There is also disagreement regarding the exact day of his birth, with suggestions ranging from two nights of Rabi' al-Awwal to eight nights or nine. However, the majority consensus is that he was born on the twelfth night of Rabi' al-Awwal, a view supported by Ibn Ishaq and others.

The time of day Muhammad was born, whether during the day or at night, is another point of contention among historians. Likewise, there is no consensus on the exact location of his birth in Mecca.

Kossan Dubrfal, in his book on the Arabs, suggests that Muhammad was born in August 570 CE, during the Year of the Elephant, in his grandfather Abd al-Muttalib's house in Mecca.

On the seventh day after his birth, Abd al-Muttalib ordered the sacrifice of a sheep. He invited the men of Quraysh, who came and partook in the feast. When they inquired why he had chosen the name Muhammad for the child, he replied that he wished for him to be praised in both the heavens, by God, and on earth by God's creation.

Breastfeeding Arrangements

Aminah awaited the arrival of wet nurses from the Banu Sa'd tribe to take care of Muhammad, following the customary practice of noble families in Mecca. This tradition is still observed among the nobility of Mecca, where newborns are sent to the desert on the eighth day after their birth, and they do not return to the city until they are around eight to ten years old. Several desert-dwelling tribes, including the Banu Sa'd, are renowned for providing wet nurses.

In anticipation of the wet nurses, Aminah entrusted her child to Thuwaybah, a servant woman from her uncle Abu Lahab's household, who breastfed him for a while. Later, he was breastfed by his uncle Hamzah's wife. Both women became his foster mothers, even though Thuwaybah nursed him for only a short time. Muhammad held them in high regard throughout their lives. When Thuwaybah passed away in the seventh year after his migration to Medina, Muhammad inquired about her son, whom he had been fostered with. He learned that the child had passed away before her.

The wet nurses from the Banu Sa'd tribe arrived in Mecca to offer their services in breastfeeding infants. They often hesitated to accept orphans as they hoped for financial support from the children's fathers. Orphans, on the other hand, had little hope of receiving such support, so none of these wet nurses accepted Muhammad as their foster child. Instead, each chose a child from a family that could provide them with ample rewards.

Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb

Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb, from the Sa'di tribe, initially hesitated to take Muhammad as her foster child, just as other women had rejected him due to the uncertainty of his circumstances. During those challenging times, many mothers turned away from her. However, when the tribe members decided to leave Mecca, Halimah was concerned about returning without an infant to breastfeed, as there was a belief that fostering an orphan would bring blessings.

Halimah spoke to her husband, Harith ibn Abd al-Uzza, saying, "I dislike returning with my companions without a baby. I will take that orphan (referring to Muhammad)". Her husband replied, "Do not worry; you can take him; perhaps Allah will bless us through him". Halimah took Muhammad and accompanied her tribe to the desert. She later narrated that she found great blessings in him since she took him. Her livestock became fat, her goats produced more milk, and everything she had saw an increase in blessings from Allah.

Muhammad stayed in the desert for two years, where Halimah breastfed him, and her daughter, Shaima, cared for him. The fresh desert air and the rugged life of the nomads contributed to his rapid growth, enhancing his physical appearance and beauty. When he completed his two years, Halimah took him to his mother briefly, and then they returned to the desert, either at the request of Muhammad's mother or out of Halimah's desire to keep him safe from the diseases in Mecca. Muhammad stayed in the desert for another two years, enjoying the freedom and purity of the desert environment. During this time, he played and grew without the constraints of urban life.

The Story of Shaq al-Sadr

The story of "Shaq al-Sadr" (the opening of the chest), one of the miracles of the Prophet Muhammad refers to an incident related to the young Muhammad, in which it is claimed that his chest was opened and cleansed by two individuals described as "angels" or "men in white". This story has been a subject of debate and scrutiny among scholars and historians due to its lack of strong historical evidence and its limited acceptance within Islamic tradition.

According to the narrative, when Muhammad was a child of around two years old, he was in the desert with his foster brother. Two men dressed in white clothing approached them, laid Muhammad down, and opened his chest. They examined him and then closed his chest, leaving him unharmed. Various versions of this story exist, but they generally concur on this main idea.

Nevertheless, many scholars, both from Muslim and non-Muslim perspectives, consider this story to be weak and question its authenticity. They argue that it lacks a reliable chain of transmission and that the incident might not have occurred as described. Some regard it as a later invention or a misinterpretation with spiritual or symbolic significance rather than a literal event.

It is important to note that this story is not a fundamental part of Islamic belief or practice. Muslims typically do not rely on it for their understanding of Muhammad's prophethood. Islamic teachings primarily focus on the Quran and authentic Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet) as the sources of guidance and belief. The story of "Shaq al-Sadr" is a subject of historical debate and interpretation and does not hold the same religious significance as core Islamic beliefs and teachings.

Muhammad in the Desert

Muhammad lived among the Banu Sa'd tribe until he was five years old, immersing himself in the vast desert environment, embracing a spirit of freedom and personal independence. During his time with this tribe, he learned the Arabic language in its purest form, perfecting his linguistic skills. He would later say to his companions:

"I can speak like you; I am a Quraishi and was nursed among the Banu Sa'd ibn Bakr".

These five years spent in the desert left a lasting and positive impact on his character. Likewise, his relationship with Halima and her family remained one of affection and honor throughout his life.

In the year 2 A.H. (After Hijra), after Muhammad's marriage to Khadijah, Halima came to visit him and brought along a gift, including a camel carrying water and forty sheep.

Every time Halima approached him, Muhammad would spread the corner of his cloak for her to sit on, a gesture of utmost respect. Additionally, Halima's daughter, Shaima, who had been under the care of the Banu Hawazin tribe following the siege of Ta'if, was brought back to Muhammad. He recognized her, treated her with kindness, and reunited her with her family as she wished.

Under the Care of His Grandfather, Abdul Muttalib

Muhammad returned to his mother after those five years in the desert. It is said that Halima sought him out while she was visiting her family, but she couldn't find him. She then went to Abdul Muttalib, Muhammad's grandfather, and informed him that she had lost sight of him near the higher areas of Mecca. Abdul Muttalib then sent someone to search for him, and he was eventually located and returned to him, possibly by Warqa bin Nawfal, according to some accounts.

Abdul Muttalib took responsibility for caring for his grandson Muhammad. He lavished him with affection and provided him with all the care he needed. This elderly man, who was not only a leader of the Quraysh but also of all Mecca, had a special resting place next to the Kaaba. His sons would sit around this spot, showing respect for their father. However, when Muhammad arrived, Abdul Muttalib would beckon him to sit beside him on the resting place, allowing Muhammad to sit and even lean against him. Abdul Muttalib displayed great affection, preventing Muhammad's uncles from trying to move him away from where they sat.

Orphanhood

What further endeared the grandfather to his grandson was that Aminah, Muhammad's mother, took her son to Medina to meet him with his cousins from Bani Al-Najjar. Along with them was Umm Ayman, the maidservant whom Abdullah had left behind. When they arrived in Medina, Muhammad sought the house where his father had passed away and the place where he was buried. This was the first tangible experience of orphanhood imprinted on the young boy's heart.

Aminah might have told him extensively about his beloved father, who had left her after spending only a few days with her, with the intention of returning to her among his relatives. The Prophet, after his migration to Medina, used to recount to his companions the story of that first journey to Medina with his mother. It was a story filled with love for the city and sadness for those graves it held.

As they had settled in Yathrib (Medina) for a month, Aminah decided to return to Mecca. She rode a camel, along with others who were accompanying her. However, during their journey between the two cities, Aminah fell ill and passed away. She was buried there. Umm Ayman returned to Mecca with the child, now an orphan, feeling the weight of orphanhood more acutely than ever.

He had heard from his mother's lamentations about the pain of losing his father while still a fetus. Now, he had seen with his own eyes his mother departing, much like his father had done, leaving his small body to bear the full burden of orphanhood.

This experience further strengthened the bond between Muhammad and his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib. Yet, the memory of orphanhood remained a deep and painful one in his heart, so much so that it is mentioned in the Quran when Allah says: "Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge? And He found you lost and guided [you]". (Quran, Surah Adh-Dhuha, 93:6-7)

The Death of Abdul Muttalib

Perhaps the memory of this event was slightly overshadowed by the fact that Abdul Muttalib did not live much longer. He passed away at the age of eighty, while Muhammad was still just eight years old. Muhammad grieved for the loss of his grandfather in the same way he had grieved for the loss of his mother. His mourning was so intense that he continued to weep and follow his grandfather's funeral procession to its final resting place. Even after Abdul Muttalib's passing, Muhammad remembered him with great affection and reverence. Muhammad's uncle, Abu Talib, took over the responsibility of caring for him and provided for his welfare and protection, a duty that extended beyond Muhammad's prophethood and continued until Abu Talib's death.

The death of Abdul Muttalib was a significant blow to the entire Hashim clan. He was a man of great determination, strength, wisdom, noble character, and influence among the Arabs. He used to provide food and water for the pilgrims, help the people of Mecca in times of need, and uphold the values of generosity and hospitality. Yet, none of his sons could match his stature in these regards. Some of his sons were poor and incapable of matching his deeds, while others were wealthy but less inclined to his level of generosity. It was this contrast that allowed the Umayyads to aspire to the position Abdul Muttalib had held without fearing competition from the Hashim clan.

Under the Guardianship of His Uncle Abu Talib

The responsibility of caring for Muhammad fell upon Abu Talib, even though he was not the eldest of Abdul Muttalib's sons. Harith was the eldest, and Abbas was the wealthiest, but Abu Talib was known for his nobility and respect among the Quraysh. Abdul Muttalib entrusted him with Muhammad's guardianship after his death.

The First Journey to the Levant

Abu Talib loved Muhammad as if he were his own son. He held him in high esteem and affection and treated him with love and care. Despite Muhammad being only twelve years old at the time, he expressed a sincere desire to accompany his uncle on a trading journey to the Levant (the region of the eastern Mediterranean). Abu Talib initially hesitated, fearing the hardships of travel and desert crossings, but Muhammad's earnest desire won him over. The young boy joined the caravan, and they traveled until they reached Busra in southern Syria.

During this journey, Muhammad met a Christian monk named Bahira, who recognized signs of prophethood in him, which were mentioned in Christian scriptures. Some accounts suggest that the monk advised against continuing the journey into the Levant, fearing that the Jews there might recognize the prophetic signs and harm Muhammad.

On this journey, Muhammad's eyes beheld the vastness of the desert and the brilliance of the stars in its clear skies. He passed through cities, valleys, and places like the dwellings of Thamud, listening to the tales of the Arabs and their ancient stories. During his stay in the Levant, he also learned about the beliefs and practices of the Christians, gaining insights into their scriptures and understanding their religious arguments and debates. All these experiences, combined with his remarkable qualities of intelligence, observation, memory, and contemplation, prepared him for the momentous mission that lay ahead: conveying the message of guidance and truth to all of humanity.

Abu Talib did not gain much wealth from this journey, and he did not undertake such journeys again. He was content with his share, and he remained in Mecca to provide for his numerous children. Muhammad, too, continued to live with his uncle, satisfied with his share and undertaking responsibilities appropriate for his age. When the sacred months arrived, he would either stay in Mecca with his family or accompany them to the nearby markets, such as Ukaz, Majnah, and Dhul-Majaz. There, he would listen to the poets and orators, captivated by their eloquent verses and stories, and evaluate their arguments with a discerning heart. He often found himself pondering the truth amid the idolatry that surrounded him, seeking answers to profound questions.

Harb al-Fijar

As for Harb al-Fijar, just as Muhammad learned the desert routes with his uncle Abu Talib and listened to poets and orators with his family in the markets around Mecca during the sacred months, he also learned the use of weapons. He stood alongside his uncles in the Harb al-Fijar, a war that erupted among the Arab tribes. It was called "Fijar" because it occurred during the sacred months when Arab tribes refrained from fighting and held trade markets at 'Ukaz, between Taif, Nakhlah, Majannah, and Dhul-Majaz, near Arafat, for trade, boasting debate, and pilgrimage at their idols in the Kaaba. The 'Ukaz market was the most famous among the Arabs, where poets recited their poems and preachers delivered sermons. In this market, Jews, Christians, and idol-worshipers freely expressed their views because it was during the sacred month.

However, Al-Buraidah ibn Qais Al-Kinani did not respect this sanctity when he killed 'Urwah al-Rahhal ibn 'Utba Al-Huza'ini during it. The reason was that Al-Nu'man ibn Al-Mundhir used to send a caravan each year from Al-Hirah to 'Ukaz, carrying musk and bringing back leather, ropes, and Yemeni fabrics. Al-Buraidah offered himself to lead the caravan as a protector for his tribe, Kinanah. At the same time, 'Urwah Al-Huza'ini offered himself to lead a caravan as well and to take a shortcut through Najd to reach the Hijaz. Al-Nu'man chose 'Urwah. However, later Al-Buraidah informed Bishr ibn Abi Khazim that the Hawazin tribe was planning to seek revenge against Quraysh. Hawazin followed Quraysh before they entered Al-Haram, and a battle erupted. Quraysh retreated from the victorious Hawazin towards Al-Haram, and Hawazin warned them of future hostilities at 'Ukaz the following year.

This battle, known as Harb al-Fijar, lasted for four years, and at its end, they reached an agreement where the side with fewer casualties would pay blood money for the excess deaths beyond their own. Quraysh paid the blood money for twenty men from Hawazin, but Al-Buraidah, as an example of stubbornness, did not contribute to it.

The historical accounts do not precisely specify Muhammad's age during Harb al-Fijar. Some say he was fifteen years old, while others claim he was twenty. The discrepancy may arise because the battle extended over four years, beginning when he was around fifteen and concluding when he was near twenty.

During Harb al-Fijar, Muhammad's role remains debated. Some claim he collected arrows that fell from Hawazin and handed them to his uncles to return to their enemies, while others suggest he actively participated in the fighting and launched arrows himself. As the battle extended over four years, both accounts could be valid, with him initially collecting arrows and later engaging in combat. The Messenger Muhammad himself later recalled this period, saying, "I was present at Fijar along with my uncles, and I participated by shooting arrows. I did not like it".

After Harb al-Fijar, Quraysh and Mecca experienced discord and rivalry among different groups. Muhammad, despite his family's involvement in the tribal conflicts and the disputes surrounding Mecca, remained separated from them, observing the luxury that others indulged in with a longing gaze, as he yearned for knowledge, light, and guidance—the way of life manifest to those who followed the truth, who recognize its signs and the knowledge gifted to them. Thus, his soul was drawn to seek perfection and righteousness, free from the frivolities that the people of Mecca indulged in.

Being deprived of formal education that some of his peers among the aristocracy enjoyed further fueled Muhammad's desire for knowledge. His profound soul, which would later shine its light on the world, inclined toward perfection and self-discipline. Even from an early age, he displayed a sense of honor and trustworthiness, which earned him the title "Al-Ameen" (the trustworthy)".

Moreover, what further deepened his inclination towards contemplation and reflection was his occupation of herding sheep during his adolescent years. He used to tend to the sheep of his family and the sheep of the people of Mecca, and he found joy in this task. He would say, "God did not send a prophet except as a shepherd".

He also mentioned, "Moses was sent while he was a shepherd, and David was sent while he was a shepherd. I was sent, and I used to tend the sheep of my family in Ajyad".

A wise-hearted shepherd, while under the open sky during the day and gazing at the twinkling stars at night, finds moments for thought and contemplation. In those tranquil moments, he would ponder the universe, seeking to understand what lies beyond it. He would sense that he himself, as long as he possessed an intelligent heart, was not entirely separate from this cosmos.

Wasn't he breathing the same air as this world? If he stopped breathing, he would perish. Didn't the rays of the sun give him life, and the radiance of the moon connect him to the skies and the entire universe? These constellations and worlds he observed in the open expanse of the universe, all interconnected in a precise system, made him attentive and vigilant, ensuring that no wolf would threaten any of his sheep and that none would stray in the vast wilderness. What kind of vigilance and strength would safeguard the entire world's order? This kind of contemplation and reflection diverted him from worldly desires, raising him above them by what he demonstrated in Mecca: his trustworthiness as "Al-Ameen" (the trustworthy).

This is indicated by the story of Muhammad herding sheep alongside a companion. One day, he told his friend that he wished to descend to Mecca, indulge in youthful pleasures under the cover of night, and ask his friend to guard his sheep. However, as soon as he reached the heights of Mecca, his attention was captured by the sounds of a wedding celebration. He stopped to listen, then fell asleep. He descended to Mecca for the same purpose another night, but the melodious sounds of music, like celestial melodies, filled his ears. He sat down to listen and soon fell asleep until morning. What could these temptations do to a heart refined and a soul dedicated to contemplation? How could these temptations, which we described and which offered pleasure that others sought after, compare to his status, which remained and would forever be known as "Al-Ameen"?

All of this signifies that his heart, full of intellect, was always drawn towards thinking and contemplation, away from the allurements that Mecca offered. It elevated him, as he never found a pleasure more satisfying than the pleasure of thinking and contemplation.

The Life of Thought and Contemplation

The life of contemplation and the thought of his work as a shepherd were not the kind of life that brought wealth or opened doors to luxury. Muhammad was never concerned with material wealth, nor did he aspire to it. Throughout his life, he was among the most ascetic individuals, disinterested in worldly pleasures. Why would he pursue them when he was naturally inclined toward asceticism?

Muhammad had no need for an extravagant lifestyle. His greatest source of satisfaction was derived from contemplating the beauty of the universe and the invitation it extended to engage in reflection. This profound pleasure, which is only known to the few, was Muhammad's source of joy since his early years and remained engraved in his soul, calling him to lead a life of asceticism. It was initially sparked by the loss of his father while he was still in the womb, followed by the death of his mother and then his grandfather. This pleasure didn't require wealth; instead, it demanded a rich inner life, allowing a person to focus on self-improvement and thrive in the realm of thoughts.

Had Muhammad chosen to abandon his responsibilities and contemplate this pleasure, he would have led a peaceful life similar to that of contemplative shepherds, who internalize the universe within themselves and whose hearts contain the entire world. However, his uncle, Abu Talib, recognized that he was a partner in the poverty that burdened many in their family. He decided to find a means of income for his nephew that was more lucrative than herding sheep.

One day, Abu Talib heard about Khadijah bint Khuwaylid hiring men from Quraysh for her trade. Khadijah was a noble and wealthy woman who rented men to trade on her behalf, with the profits shared among them. Her wealth increased not only because of her business acumen but also because she belonged to the Banu Asad tribe. She had married twice into the wealthy Banu Makhzum, further enhancing her riches. She managed her wealth with the assistance of her father, Khuwaylid, and some trusted relatives.

Khadijah had rejected marriage proposals from several prominent figures in Quraysh, suspecting that they were more interested in her wealth than in her. She intended to focus on growing her wealth and refused to be swayed by the advances of men who were primarily attracted to her wealth. She resolved to increase her wealth, and her preparations for an upcoming trade journey to the Levant were well underway.

Abu Talib approached his nephew Muhammad, who was then 25 years old and said, "My nephew, I am a man with no wealth, and times have become difficult for us. I have learned that Khadijah has hired such and such men from Quraysh for her trade, and we are not content with you receiving anything less than what she gives to men with no sons. Would you like me to speak to her?" Muhammad replied, "I have no objection".

Abu Talib went to Khadijah and asked her if she would consider hiring Muhammad. He told her that he had heard that she had hired certain men from Quraysh for two shares, and they were not pleased with Muhammad receiving any less than four shares. Khadijah's response was, "If they had asked for more, I would have gladly agreed. How can I refuse the request of a close relative?"

Abu Talib returned to his nephew, informing him of the successful negotiation. He said, "This is the provision that God has provided for you".

Muhammad in Khadijah's Trade

Muhammad, accompanied by Maysarah, the servant of Khadijah, set out on a journey to the Levant as recommended by his uncles. The caravan embarked on its journey through the desert, passing by the valleys, cities, and lands that Muhammad had traversed with his uncle Abu Talib when he was only twelve years old. This journey stirred memories of his earlier expedition, deepening his contemplation and reflection on matters of worship and beliefs he had heard about, both in Sham (the Levant) and the surrounding markets near Mecca.

Upon reaching Busra, Muhammad contacted the Christian monks and scholars there. He conversed with a Nestorian monk and learned from him. It is possible that Muhammad engaged in discussions with these monks about the religion of Jesus, which, at the time, had various sects and factions, as mentioned previously. Muhammad, with his honesty and intelligence, was able to engage in trade on Khadijah's behalf more profitably than others had done before. Moreover, he gained the affection and admiration of Maysarah.

When it was time for the caravan to return, Maysarah said to Muhammad, "Muhammad, hurry to Khadijah and inform her of the blessings God has bestowed upon you, for she is aware of your character". Muhammad set out and entered Mecca around noon. Khadijah was in a high place, and she saw him approaching on his camel. As he entered her house, she received him with a welcoming smile.

She listened attentively as Muhammad eloquently recounted his journey, the profits from the trade, and the craftsmanship of Sham. She listened, delighted and impressed. Maysarah followed, narrating stories about Muhammad's excellent qualities and the beauty of his character, which expanded her knowledge of his virtues beyond what she already knew about the young man from Mecca.

Khadijah couldn't help but feel her heart drawn to this young man who had captivated her with his gaze and his words that had penetrated the depths of her heart. While in her forties and a woman of great honor and lineage, she now wished to marry this young man. She shared her thoughts with her sister and her friend, Nafisah bint Maniyyah.

Nafisah approached Muhammad secretly and asked him, "What prevents you from getting married?" Muhammad replied, "I don't possess the means to marry". She continued, "Even if that's the case, with beauty, wealth, honor, and capability all within your reach, shouldn't you answer the call?" He inquired, "Who is it?" Nafisah responded with a single word: Khadijah.

Muhammad hesitated at first, for he had been informed of Khadijah's rejections of prestigious marriage proposals in the past, suspecting that men were interested in her wealth more than her. However, he had shown signs of affection for Khadijah, even though she hadn't explicitly proposed marriage. When Nafisah confirmed her intentions, he swiftly accepted.

Khadijah did not delay and set a time for him to visit with his uncles, who would approach her family to discuss the marriage. She wanted to make it official and thus began a new chapter in Muhammad's life: the chapter of marriage and parenthood. It was a harmonious union between Muhammad and Khadijah, and for Muhammad, it marked the beginning of his journey as a husband and father, providing him with a new dimension of life that he hadn't experienced before.