The evenings of Mecca echoed with songs of praise for this remarkable young man. Merchants and trading magnates spoke of him for hours on end, their conversations stretching deep into the night. For the people of Mecca, any day without seeing this twenty-four-year-old felt as dull as tarnished coins. Without this dignified and graciously handsome youth, even their finest gatherings lost their luster. This was the Al-Amin—the Trustworthy One—whom merchant yearned to employ. This was the kind of family man that young women dreamed of marrying. While the entire city bloomed with joy at the sight of Muhammad, only one heart filled with clouds of anxiety. Abu Talib had good reason for his worry.
Abu Talib was the loving sanctuary, the sheltering tree for this orphaned young man. Their family had walked the scorching paths of poverty for years. To make matters worse, Mecca was now gripped by famine. Every source of income had dried up.
People were traveling to Syria for trade opportunities. Abu Talib contemplated sending his beloved nephew on such a commercial journey. The poor uncle harbored one pure desire: financial security for his precious golden boy.
Abu Talib shared his aspirations with Al-Amin: "My son, our financial situation is extremely dire right now. Many wealthy merchants are seeking trustworthy managers to handle their goods in Syria. Khadija, daughter of Khuwaylid, has been appointing members of our family to manage her wealth in trade. She surely holds you in high regard too. If we approach her, there should be no objection. It pains me greatly to send you so far away, but our circumstances..."
Muhammad agreed with his uncle's assessment, though his response was characteristically humble: "If she's interested, let her send word. I'll serve as her representative in trade."
Khadija was the beloved daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad and Fatima bint Zaid. She was wealthy enough to be called the queen of Mecca. She had grown to become the most honorable and distinguished woman in the city. The people held her family in the highest esteem and deepest respect. Khadija devoted herself wholeheartedly to alleviating people's hardships and providing them shelter from life's storms. Beginning her business alongside her father, she eventually took complete control of the enterprise. Gradually, she became one of the most prominent wealthy individuals in all of Mecca—a rich woman who served as comfort to the poor.
When word reached Khadija that Abu Talib wished to send Muhammad as leader of a trading expedition to Syria, she was absolutely delighted. How joyous this news was! She would gladly agree a thousand times over to send Mecca's most trustworthy heart as her representative to Syria.
"I never expected that Muhammad would accept leadership of my trading venture," she sent word back to Abu Talib, who was overjoyed by her response.
"I know of your trustworthiness, your goodness, and your noble qualities," Khadija conveyed to Muhammad. "If you're willing to lead my trading caravan to Syria, I'll pay you double what I give others." Muhammad accepted her proposal and informed his uncle of all the arrangements.
"My son, this is a tremendous opportunity—a good means of livelihood," Abu Talib said, blessing his nephew and sending him on his journey.
Yet the aging guardian harbored secret fears: would Jews or others harm his beloved boy in foreign lands? But the elderly father had no other options before him.
Lady Khadija was filled with immense joy. She had acquired exactly what every merchant desires—a trustworthy person. He was no ordinary human being. Many people had shared countless miraculous stories about him with her.
She summoned her servant Maisara: "You must accompany him on this journey. Obey him completely. Don't let him want for anything. Report back to me every detail of the trip."
A great chapter of history was about to unfold.
