Understanding The Prophet's Life
From Issue: 588 [Read full issue]
Trade Partners
Since his young age the Prophet (peace be upon him) was engaged in trading on partnership basis. He used to take the goods of Makkan businessmen to Syria and Yemen and got his share in the profit. After his marriage to the wealthy widow Khadijah it was his source of income. The husband and wife had their joint business venture. After assuming the responsibility of Messengership he devoted himself fully to the cause of Islam. He did not have any time to carry on trade. Therefore, he sent his goods through leading Quraysh leaders and non-Quraysh brokers to market.
Ibn Kathir has narrated from Uthman ibn Abi al-Salt on the authority of Tabarani and Ayman that: Abu Sufyan went on a business trip to Syria along with his friend, Umayyah ibn Abi al-Salt and returned to Makkah after two months. He then went to Yemen for the same purpose and returned after five months. People called on him in order to find out about their investments. The Prophet too, visited him while his wife Hind was playing with her children. He greeted Abu Sufyan and felicitated him on his safe return. He discussed with him his travel and stay there yet asked him no question about this share. When he returned, Abu Sufyan told Hind: 'I marvel at this man. I do like him. Every Qurayshi who had given me his goods enquired about it. However, he did not ask me any questions.'
It is clear from the above report and other similar reports that the Prophet continued to trade even after Prophethood. His link with Abu Sufyan in this trade activity brings home the following points: First, he entered into business partnership with such a leading Makkan trader and Quraysh chief as Abu Sufyan. Moreover, it points to his excellent social relations with him. The Prophet had trust in Abu Sufyan's integrity as a trader and his business acumen. However, he did not rely only on Abu Sufyan for his trading. For no businessmen could rely on only one person. Among his other trade partners the following feature prominently: Abdullah ibn Abi al-Hamsa al-Taymi, al-Saib ibn Abi al-Saib al-Sayfi Makhzumi and Qays ibn al-said Mackhzumi.
Compiled From:
"The Prophet Muhammad : A Role Model for Muslim Minorities" - Yasin Mazhar Siddiqi, pp. 99-101