An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 86
86 the. He would not find fault and would not pry in their private affairs. He would talk only about things that were useful. When he talked, the companions heard silently, their heads bent down as if birds were perched on them. When he became silent, only th en would they talk. When he was talked to he would listen quietly until the talker had finished. If people laughed over something he too would smile. If an outside talked rough, he was patient with him. He did not like to hear himself praised. But if anyon e thanked him for whatever he received from him, he accepted his thanks. He would never interrupt anyone while he talked until he became silent. He was exceedingly generous, most truthful, very kind hearted and the best company. ” The Prophet had a number of children. All except Fatima died during his life. Most of them died early. Zainab, his eldest daughter, died in the eighth year of the Hijra. She was married to Abul As bin Rabi. She left behind a daughter and a son. The Prophet was very fond of the grand daughter. She was named Imama and was married to Ali after the death of Fatima. Two daughters, Ruqiyya and Ume - kalsum, were married to Uthman, one after the other. Uthman had migrated to Abyssinia with Ruqiyya where both lived for some time. Fatima was married to Ali in the second year of Hijra. She died six months after the Prophet’s death. She left behind two sons, Hassan and Hussain, and two daughters Ume - kalsum and Zainab. The Prophet treated members of his family with utmost