The Prophet as a Shepherd in His Youth

During his youth, Prophet Muhammad worked as a shepherd tending sheep for the people of Mecca in the surrounding hills and valleys. He later said: 'There was no prophet who was not a shepherd.' When asked if he too had been one, he replied: 'Yes, I used to tend sheep for the people of Mecca for a few qirats.' This humble occupation taught him patience, vigilance, responsibility for a flock, and an intimate knowledge of the Arabian landscape. Scholars have noted that shepherding prepared all the prophets for the greater task of guiding humanity, as it required constant watchfulness, gentle leadership, and the ability to manage different temperaments within a flock.