Life of Prophet Muhammad

at the news of the birth and gave his grandson the name Muhammad, meaning “the praised one”. As was the practice of the Makkan nobility in those days, the newborn babies were sent to the desert to be nursed by paid foster mothers. The desert area was far from the city and was considered healthier. Muhammad was handed over to a wet nurse, Halima Al-Sadiya, who belonged to the Banu Sad tribe. Muhammad remained in charge of Halima until the age of five. He learnt Arabic in its purest form from her tribe. When he returned from this desert life to his mother after five years, she decided to take him to visit his uncles in Yathrib. Yathrib (now known as Madinah) is an oasis famous for its palm groves. Aminah was accompanied on the trip by Umm Aiman, her servant. After a month’s stay in Yathrib, Aminah set out to return to Makkah. However, on her way back, she fell ill and died. She was buried in Abwa. Muhammad was brought back home by Umm Aiman. Muhammad’s grandfather adopted him and took care of him. He looked after him with great affection.