17to speak, and how to resort to diversion to escape evil temptations. For
those Companions, as for us, in all ages and societies, this teaching
method is most valuable and reminds us that a moral sense should be
developed not through interdiction and sanction but gradually, gently,
exactingly, understandingly, and at a deep level.
In the ensuing ycars, young 11uhammad became a shepherd to earn his
living, looking after flocks on the outskirts of Mecca. He later mentioned
this experience to his Companions, poruaying it as a common feature
characteristic o f prophets: '''T here was no prophet who was not a shep-
herd: He was asked: 'And you toO, IVlessenger of God?' rle answered:
'And m yself as wel1.',, 22
As a shepherd, young Muhammad learned solitude, patience, co ntem-
p lation, and watchfulness. Such gualities were necessary to all prophets to
carry o m their missions among their people. He also acguired a deep
sense of independence in his life and work, which enabled him to be most
successful in the trader's calling he was soon to take up.