Islam - Its Meaning for Modern Man — Page 21
21 generally known among them as “ El-Ameen ,” meaning “the Trusty,” or “the Faithful. ” At home he helped with the household chores, and outside he assisted his uncle by carrying out such tasks and duties as pertained to him or were assigned to him. On one occasion, at least, he accompanied his uncle in a trade caravan to Syria. During the course of this journey, Abu Talib observed that his young nephew possessed a reserved and retiring disposition, betrayed no inclination toward levity or indulgence, and was indeed a person of modesty and good sense ⎯ a sharp contrast to the behaviour of other young men of similar situation whom Abu Talib knew. While still a young man, Muhammad was employed as a trade agent by Khadeeja, a wealthy, middle-aged widow of Mecca in business on her own, and he proceeded in that capacity on one of two journeys with a trade caravan. He acquitted himself so well in the discharge of his duties that each venture brought considerable profit to his employer. She received favourable reports of his deportment, habits, and behaviour. This must have confirmed the good impression that she had herself conceived of the young man’s person and character, and she made up her mind to send him an offer of marriage. When the offer was communicated to Muhammad through his