The Message of Islam — Page 17
The Life of The Holy Prophet of Islam 17 voluntarily agreed to a life of simplicity and benevolence in the company of her husband. She was so devoted to him and had come to admire him so deeply that when, fifteen years after their marriage, he received the Divine Call, she responded to it imme- diately, and was a constant source of comfort and support to him throughout the remaining ten years of their life together. As time passed, Muhammad saw spent more and more time in contemplation and meditation. He possessed a sensitive mind and a grave and serene disposition. He felt keenly the distress of every fellow being, and reacted very sharply to it, affording such relief and assistance as were within his power. On one occa- sion, he observed an old slave labouring hard to fulfil his task of drawing water in a heavy bucket for tending his master’s garden. Muhammad saw went to his assistance and drew up a quantity of water, which gave relief to the old man for a short while, so that he could rest and husband his failing strength. Muhammad saw spoke cheering and comforting words to him, and on parting from him, said kindly: ‘Whenever you feel you are in need of help, you may call on Muhammad. ’ Many such incidents are on record. What affected his mind most deeply and painfully, however, was the moral and spiritual decline into which his people had fallen, and from which he could see no way of rescuing them, save through Divine guidance and help. For the purpose of com- muning with himself and imploring the light and guidance of the Supreme Being concerning the problems that troubled his mind and soul, he formed the habit of retiring, for several days at a time, to one of the hills a few miles out of Makkah. There he occupied himself in prayer and contemplation. Taking with him a modest supply of dates and water, he would spend his days and nights in