After
the death of Abdul Mutthalib, Muhammad was cared for by his uncle named Abu
Talib who loved him sincerely. Abu Talib took care of Muhammad with his other
childrens, even more seriously. Abu Talib put Muhammad's needs ahead of his own
childrens. Abu Talib was pleased with the personality of Muhammad who was
honest, kind, smart, and polite. Abu Talib continued to protect, care for, and
defend Muhammad until the end of his life, when Muhammad had become an
Messenger. Abu Talib was at Muhammad's side for no less than 40 years.
Abu
Talib was not the oldest brother of Abdul Mutthalib's childrens. The oldest
brother is Harith, but he is a poor person. While Abbas is a capable person,
but stingy. Therefore, Abu Talib only managed the irrigation sector in Mecca,
did not take care of the food sector. Although living a shortage, Abu Talib
remained respected among the Quraysh. Because of that Abdul Mutthalib gave
Muhammad's care to Abu Talib.
When
Muhammad was 12 years old, Abu Talib accompanied by him to trade in the land of
Sham. Crossing the dry desert between Mecca and Sham is not a light matter.
Actually Abu Talib did not think of inviting Muhammad to the land of Sham.
However, Muhammad stated sincerely that he was willing to accompany his uncle.
Because of the nephew's good intentions, Abu Talib did not feel hesitant in his
heart. So Muhammad joined a caravan group and traveled together.
According
to the customs of the Quraysh, during the summer they went to trade in the land
of Sham. Whereas in the winter they go to the land of Yemen. They get
protection from land authorities. This is a favor from Allah SWT given to them.
Surah
Quraisy verses 1-4:
لِإِيلَٰفِ
قُرَيۡشٍ ١ إِۦلَٰفِهِمۡ رِحۡلَةَ ٱلشِّتَآءِ
وَٱلصَّيۡفِ ٢ فَلۡيَعۡبُدُواْ رَبَّ
هَٰذَا ٱلۡبَيۡتِ ٣ ٱلَّذِيٓ أَطۡعَمَهُم
مِّن جُوعٖ وَءَامَنَهُم مِّنۡ خَوۡفِۢ ٤
1. For the accustomed
security of the Quraysh -
2. Their accustomed security [in] the caravan of
winter and summer -
3. Let them worship the Lord of this House,
4. Who has fed them, [saving them] from hunger
and made them safe, [saving them] from fear.
During
the trip, Muhammad saw a vast expanse of desert and a sky glittering with stars
at night. They went through the Madyan region, Wadit'l-Qura, and the remnants
of Thamud's heritage buildings. Muhammad listened carefully to the stories of
Arabs about the buildings and history of past civilizations. On the way,
Muhammad stopped in thick gardens. The scenery there is different from the
condition of Mecca, which is a sandy valley surrounded by hills. In this land
of Syria Muhammad learned news about the Roman empire, Christianity, and their
scriptures. He also knew about the Persian empire that worshiping fire. These
two empires were hostile to each other.
Even
though he was twelve years old, Muhammad had such a big soul, brain
intelligence, sharpness of mind, and had a good view of life and nature. All of
that was in preparation for Muhammad to accept the great treatise from Allah
SWT. He noticed the environment and examined it. He feels dissatisfied with all
the life he cares about and keeps trying to find the ultimate truth.
When
they arrived at the village of Bushra, which was the territory of Sham, they
were welcomed by a Christian priest named Buhaira. All groups rested and ate at
the invitation of the Buhaira, except Muhammad. While talking, Abu Talib told
about the personality and life of Muhammad to priest Buhaira. After knowing the
prophetic signs on Muhammad, priest Buhaira explained that Muhammad would be a
guide and human leader towards the path of Divine truth, as explained in his
religious scriptures. He warned Abu Talib not to bring Muhammad back to the
land of Sham for fear that the Jews would harm the child. Abu Talib decided to
order his men to bring Muhammad back to Mecca.
It
seems that Abu Talib felt that he did not bring much wealth from the results of
his journey. He had intended not to travel again, even felt enough with his
assets at that time. So he stayed in Mecca to take care of his children even
with little wealth. Muhammad also lived with his uncle. He did the work
normally done by people of his age. During the holy months, sometimes he is
with family, sometimes they go to the markets to listen to Arabic poems that
brought by poets. The poems tell about love, pride, ancestors, warfare, and the
services of figures. Jews and Christians also gave speeches about hatred
towards Arab paganism. They talked about the contents of the holy book of the
Prophet Moses or Prophet Jesus and invited people to follow their principles.
Muhammad had not been relieved by all that and kept looking for the truth.
Referensi:
·
Mubarakfuri,
Syekh Shafiyyur-Rahman, dan Haidir, Abdullah (Penerjemah). 2005. Sejarah Hidup dan Perjuangan Rasulullah.
Riyadh: Kantor Dakwah dan Bimbingan bagi Pendatang Al-Sulay.
·
Haekal, Muhammad
Husain, dan Audah, Ali (Penerjemah). Sejarah
Hidup Muhammad.
No comments:
Post a Comment