Second Trading Journey to Syria for Khadijah

Before their marriage, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy and respected merchant of Quraysh, hired the young Muhammad to lead her trade caravan to Syria. She sent her servant Maysarah to accompany him and observe his conduct. The journey proved extraordinarily profitable, returning with nearly double the usual gains. Maysarah reported to Khadijah remarkable qualities he observed in Muhammad: his impeccable honesty in business dealings, his gentle treatment of people, and a cloud that shaded him from the sun during the journey. A monk named Nastura in Syria also recognized signs of prophethood. Impressed by these reports and by Muhammad's character, Khadijah sent her friend Nafisah bint Munabbih to propose marriage on her behalf.