Bahira' saw the caravan in the distance and was amazed to
see that over it was a large white cloud. It was the only cloud
in a clear blue sky and it appeared to be shading one of the
travelers. The monk was even more surprised to see that the
cloud seemed to follow the caravan but disappeared when the
person it was shading sat down under a tree. Bahira’ knew
from the scriptures that a prophet was expected to come after
Jesus and it had been his wish to see this prophet before he
died. Realizing that what he had just seen was a miracle, he
began to think that his wish might, after all, come true.
The monk sent an invitation to the Meccans to come and
eat with him. The Arabs were surprised because they often
passed by and Bahira’ had never invited them before. When
the group was all together for the meal, the monk said, 'Is this
everyone?’ 'No', someone said, 'a boy was left watching the
camels.' Bahira’ insisted that the boy should join them. The
boy was Muhammad (pbuh). When he arrived Bahira’ said
nothing, but watched him all through the meal. He noticed
many things about his appearance which fitted the description
in the old manuscripts. Later on he took him aside and asked
Muhammad (pbuh) many questions. He soon found out how he
felt about the idols in the Ka'bah. When Bahira tried to make
him swear by them, as the Arabs used to do, Muhammad
(pbuh) said, 'There is nothing in this world that I hate more'.
They talked together about Allah and about Mohammed’s life
and family. What was said made Bahira certain that this was
indeed the Prophet who would follow Jesus.
Then the monk went to Abu Talib and asked him how he
was related to Muhammad (pbuh). Abu Talib told him that
Muhammad (pbuh) was his son. Bahira replied that this could
not be so because the boy was destined to grow up an orphan,
and he ordered Abu Talib to watch over Muhammad (pbuh)
with great care. There are many stories told about
Mohammed’s youth. Some tell of how he used to take the
family's sheep to graze and was always kind to them. While
they grazed he would sit thinking about the mysteries of
nature. Unlike those around him1 he never worshipped the
idols and never swore by them.
see that over it was a large white cloud. It was the only cloud
in a clear blue sky and it appeared to be shading one of the
travelers. The monk was even more surprised to see that the
cloud seemed to follow the caravan but disappeared when the
person it was shading sat down under a tree. Bahira’ knew
from the scriptures that a prophet was expected to come after
Jesus and it had been his wish to see this prophet before he
died. Realizing that what he had just seen was a miracle, he
began to think that his wish might, after all, come true.
The monk sent an invitation to the Meccans to come and
eat with him. The Arabs were surprised because they often
passed by and Bahira’ had never invited them before. When
the group was all together for the meal, the monk said, 'Is this
everyone?’ 'No', someone said, 'a boy was left watching the
camels.' Bahira’ insisted that the boy should join them. The
boy was Muhammad (pbuh). When he arrived Bahira’ said
nothing, but watched him all through the meal. He noticed
many things about his appearance which fitted the description
in the old manuscripts. Later on he took him aside and asked
Muhammad (pbuh) many questions. He soon found out how he
felt about the idols in the Ka'bah. When Bahira tried to make
him swear by them, as the Arabs used to do, Muhammad
(pbuh) said, 'There is nothing in this world that I hate more'.
They talked together about Allah and about Mohammed’s life
and family. What was said made Bahira certain that this was
indeed the Prophet who would follow Jesus.
Then the monk went to Abu Talib and asked him how he
was related to Muhammad (pbuh). Abu Talib told him that
Muhammad (pbuh) was his son. Bahira replied that this could
not be so because the boy was destined to grow up an orphan,
and he ordered Abu Talib to watch over Muhammad (pbuh)
with great care. There are many stories told about
Mohammed’s youth. Some tell of how he used to take the
family's sheep to graze and was always kind to them. While
they grazed he would sit thinking about the mysteries of
nature. Unlike those around him1 he never worshipped the
idols and never swore by them.