Our Beloved Master - His Early Life — Page 58
•oUR BELoVED MASTER• 58 when ‘Abdul-Mu tt alib was beckoned by death. When the Chief of the Quraish realized that he was about to die, he began to ponder about the fate of the innocent child who was only eight years old; he thought of the possible losses the child may have to suffer and the pitiable state of life he may have to endure. So, he desired to appoint one of his sons as his guardian and caretaker. He asked all his sons to come to him. They all came and sat in the presence of their ailing father. Addressing his grandson, ‘Abdul-Mu tt alib said, “My dear child, I have done all that was possible for me to do; given you a good upbringing and looked after your well-being. It is my greatest desire that you may become a very famous person and the whole world may praise your achievements. For this reason, I had named you Muhammad sa when you were born. It was my wish to witness your exalted position in my lifetime, but alas, this happiness was not a part of my destiny. I am about to die now and shall take this desire with me to my grave. All your paternal uncles are sitting in front of you at this time. Go to the one with whom you would like to stay after I am gone and he shall be your guardian and caretaker in future. ”