Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 35
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 35 of about fifty yards in diameter. The door for entering the Ka’aba was placed near the Black Stone on the eastern side, several feet above the ground. The building occupied somewhat less space than its dilapidated and roofless predecessor. The excluded are a lay to the northwest, without the sacred walls, and is known as the Place of Ishmael. In the meantime, Muhammad’s family had grown. A sister of Khadija was married to Rabi’, a descendant of Abd Shams, and had borne him a son who was named Abul Aas, who was now grown up and was respected for his uprightness and mercantile success. Khadija wa s fond of him, and looked upon him as her own son. Muhammad and she agreed to marry their eldest daughter, Zainab, who had just reached the age of womanhood, to Abul Aas. The union proved to be one of real affection. Somewhat later the two younger daughter s, Ruqayya and Um Kulthum, were given in marriage to Utba and Utaiba, sons of Abu Lahab, uncle of Muhammad. Fatima, the youngest, was yet a child. Shortly after the rebuilding of the Ka’aba, Muhammad comforted himself for the loss of his infant son, Qasim, by taking over the care and upbringing of Ali, son of his uncle, Abu Talib. A season of severe scarcity had been experienced, and Abu Talib was pu t to shifts for the support of his numerous families. Perceiving his difficulties, Muhammad repaired to his uncle, Abbas, and proposed to him that they should each take care of one of the sons of Abu Talib. Abbas agreed, and they went to Abu Talib who, on hearing them, gave them the choice of any two of his sons, excepting Akil and Talib. So Muhammad took Ali and