WHO WROTE THE QURAN

in the safety of the desert. Running after the arrows, herding animals,riding and swimming, all kept him very fit. Herding livestock made him feelvery responsible. No one at that time had the faintest idea that this brilliant,lovely child would one day become the greatest leader of mankind.As he grew, the clear days and nights of the desert offered a vast view ofNature. Allah teaches us through the Quran but we also learn from Hisother Book, the Universe around us. Muhammad closely observed thewonders of Nature around him. He understood that there is great disciplinein the Universe. The sun rose in the East and set in the West everyday. Themoon and the stars appeared at night. Seasons changed in regularsequence. Seeds grew into plants. He knew in his heart that there could beonly One Creator and Sustainer to keep such remarkable order anddiscipline in the Universe. He was surrounded by adults and children whoworshipped the sun, the moon, the stars, rocks, idols and trees. There werehundreds of idols in the Ka'bah. They thought that the angels were thedaughters of God. Jews and Christians in Arabia assigned children to Godsuch as Osiris and Jesus, respectively. Even as a child, Muhammad neverworshipped any of these false gods.THE FANCY DRESS SHOW: One day, when he was a teenager, youngsterspromised to take him to a nice place. In fact, it was an immodest fancydress and dancing show on stage. Muhammad did not waste any time. Heturned back home alone and never went to any shows again.When others wasted their time in vain talk and senseless play, Muhammadthe exalted, was helping people. He helped the elderly, the sick and thewidows with their needs. He even milked their cows and goats and fed anyhungry animals. He always did his own chores and even repaired his ownshoes. Everyone in town loved him. They called him Ameen (Trustworthy)and Sadiq (Truthful).GRANDFATHER AND UNCLE: The grand old man of Makkah, AbdulMuttalib died at the age of 82. Muhammad (S) was about 8 years old at thattime. A son of Abdul Muttalib, Abu Talib raised Muhammad (S) from thenon.When the exalted Prophet was born, he was named Muhammad by hiscelebrated grandfather. This was a very special name since no one everhad this name before. People asked Abdul Muttalib, "Why a brand newname?" He responded, "I want this child to be praiseworthy." Muhammadmeans the praised one.When Muhammad (S) was 12 years old his uncle Abu Talib, started takinghim with trade caravans to Syria. Makkah was an important business center60