Chief of the Prophets — Page 41
Chapter Three 41 to Makkah to take him back, he preferred to stay with Muḥammad sa. When Muḥammad sa noticed the sentiments of Zaid, he hurried to the Ka‘bah and loudly announced the freeing of Zaid. As the Qur’ānic prohibition regarding adopted sons had not been revealed yet, Muḥammad sa made him his adopted son. Zaid came to be known by the name of Zaid bin Muḥammad. However, after the prohibition, he was again known by the name of Zaid bin Ḥārithah. But this did not result in any loss of love between the two; rather, his love of Muḥammad sa continued to grow. ‘Alī bin Abū Ṭālib ra in the House of Muḥammad sa As mentioned before, after the death of ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib his family had weakened, and Abū Ṭālib was going through grave hardship. Observing his challenges, Muḥammad sa counselled with his other uncle ‘Abbās ra to adopt the sons of Abū Ṭālib. ‘Abbās ra liked the idea and both approached Abū Ṭālib. Abū Ṭālib decided to keep Aqīl with him since he dearly loved him, and agreed to give them the other two sons. Muḥammad sa took ‘Alī ra into his guardianship and ‘Abbās ra took Ja‘far. His Appearance Now our narration has reached the time when Muḥammad sa was a young man, therefore, it is appropriate to describe his blessed profile. He was of medium height, had a handsome body, fair but glowing red complexion, hair somewhat curled, big head, broad chest, fulsome hands and feet, broad palms, round face, high forehead and nose, black and bright eyes, and long eyebrows. He had a dignified walk, and talked with great calmness. His face was always reflective of his state of pleasure or grief. Blessed Dreams on Approaching His Prophethood Muḥammad sa from his childhood distanced himself from participating in public gatherings. The state of the nation would make his heart cry, and he would pray to God, the Exalted, for their reformation. In those days, he was totally consumed day and night in worshipping