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what is today known as Saudi Arabia. His mother's name was Aminah and his father was Abdallah. His father, Abdallah died several weeks before Muhammad's birth, leaving Muhammad fatherless. Muhammad's mother, Aminah also passed away when he was only five years old. He was raised by his paternal uncle, Abu Talib.
Even as a young child, Muhammad already was different from his peers. He was calm and serene by nature. He avoided social and religious celebrations that encouraged disgraceful behaviors. Speaking the truth came naturally to Muhammad, he never imbibed intoxicants, and he always returned what was not his. He avoided the popular festivals, which he viewed as idolatrous, loud, and filled with idle talk. His good nature was well known, and he was content to earn his livelihood by the sweat of his brow. Under the guardianship of Abu Talib, he grew into adolescence and took up the job of tending camels . Later in life he married a wealthy widow.
From his early years, Muhammad enjoyed solitude. He frequently visited a hill, named Heera, in the wilderness near Mecca. He would stay in a cave there, subsisting on a few items which he would bring with him. In this cave he would spend days in worship and prayer to God (Allah). Descriptions of
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