The Prophet’s Character

The Prophet’s Character

1985 3 March 19 The Prophet’s Character (405) According to the French philosopher, Voltaire (1694-1778), “No one is a hero to his valet.” The reason for this is that a valet has access to a person’s private life, and in private life no one is perfect. Those close to a person do not usually have such a high estimation of a person as those further removed. That is why they cannot come to think of him as a hero. But, as Soren Smith has written, this rule does not apply to the Prophet of Islam. History shows that the closer one became to him, the more one was taken by his fine qualities.

Zaid ibn Haritha was the son of Haritha Ibn Sharaheel, a member of the tribe of Kalb. His mother’s name was Suda bint Thalaba. She belonged to a branch of the Tai tribe called Bani Ma’an. When Zaid was eight years old, Suda took him to her parent’s home. There some people of the Bani Qayn Ibn Jasr tribe attacked their camp. Amongst the booty that they plundered was Zaid. They then took him to the Ukkaz fair and sold him. The buyer’s name was Hakim Ibn Hazam, a nephew of the Prophet Mohammad’s wife, Khadija. He brought the child to Mecca and presented him to his aunt as a slave. When the Prophet was married to Kahdija, she entrusted Zaid, who was then 15 years old, to his service. The boy’s uncle soon learnt of his whereabouts. They came to Mecca to recover him, and take him home with them. They met the Prophet, and said that they would give any compensation that he required, provided that he returned the child to them. The Prophet said that he did not want any compensation; if Zaid wanted to go with them, they could take him. He called Zaid, and asked him if he knew these people. Zaid said that he did: they were his father and uncle. “They want to take you with them,” the Prophet said. “If you want, you can go home with them.” “I won’t leave you to go anywhere,” Zaid replied. His Father and uncle were incensed on hearing this. “What, do you prefer slavery to freedom?” they asked. “Do you want to forsake your own folk, and live amongst others?” “I cannot prefer anyone to Mohammad,” Zaid replied, “not after seeing the qualities that he has.” His father and uncle then returned to their home.