Choosing a Profession

Choosing a Profession

Having lost his parents and his grandfather, Muhammad , who was in the care of his uncle Abu Talib, came of age with practically no inheritance. At first, he tried to make a living tending goats for Banu Sa’d, but then upon his return to Makkah he tended goats for the Quraysh for a small sum. The choice of occupation was significant. Later, after becoming a prophet, Muhammad remarked, “There has been no prophet who has not tended sheep.” Noted for his trustworthiness, honesty and piety, he came to be called “Al-Ameen” (the Trustworthy).

The journey to Syria on business for Khadeejah

Mohammad’s reputation led Khadeejah bint Khuwaylid to entrust him with her merchandise to sell in Syria. As a wealthy business woman from a noble family of the Quraysh, she would hire men to conduct business on her behalf. And so it happened that the young Muhammad journeyed to Syria with her slave Maysarah. The trip was extremely successful and profitable, and upon his return to Makkah, Muhammad gave Khadeejah her profit.