Bahira the monk

On a trade journey to Syria with Abu Talib, the boy meets the monk Bahira at Busra. Bahira recognises signs of prophethood in him and urges Abu Talib to take him back to Makkah.

As the book dates it: at age twelve

Who was there

• BBahiraA monk at Busra in Syria who saw signs of prophethood in the twelve-year-old boy.
• ATAbu TalibThe Prophet’s uncle and protector for some forty years, who stood by him through the boycott without leaving his old religion.