Hadith of the Day - November 8th, 2008

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "Every Prophet has tended sheep''. He was asked: "And did you?'' He replied, "Yes, I tended them for a few carats for the Makkans.''
[Al-Bukhari]


Commentary: The Prophet (PBUH) used to graze the sheep of Makkans for a few carats (a carat is one-twentieth, or a bit more, of a dinar). This practice was indeed a Divine training for the Prophets so that it might be easier for them to deal with humans and forbear afflictions which came to them from men. A shepherd indeed needs greater patience and forbearance to look after his herd. This practice proved useful to the Prophets. Moreover, this Hadith is suggestive of the adoption of a lawful occupation, no matter how people may look askance at it. That was the reason why the Prophets took such occupations.