The Prophet (s.a.w.) as a Shepherd

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Shaykh ‘Utsman Nuri Tufbas wrote, in “The Prophet Muhammad Muswthafa the Elect (s.a.w.)”, that the Prophet (s.a.w.) worked as a shepherd before joining his uncle, Sayyidina Abu Thalib ibn ‘Abd al-Muththalib (r.a.) in trade.  Shepherding was a profession that was held in high esteem by the Arabs; it was not uncommon to see even the children of the rich grazing sheep.  Imparting unto them the precious skills of ruling and administering, shepherding, as confirmed by the following hadits, has moreover been the profession of all prophets well before their responsibilities of prophethood: “All Messengers Sent by Allah (s.w.t.) have been shepherds of sheep.” 

It is reported that some companions then asked the Prophet (s.a.w.) whether or not he had also been occupied in that line of work, to which he plied the reply: “Yes, indeed. I used to tend the sheep of the Makkans in return for a pay.”  This is recorded in Swahih al-Bukhari, and Sunan ibn Majah. 

Another similar hadits states, “Musa was Sent as a prophet while tending sheep.  Dawud was Made a prophet while he was tending sheep.  I also used to tend my family’s sheep at Ajyad, when I was Granted prophethood.”  This is found in Thabaqat al-Kabir, of Shaykh Abu ‘Abdullah Muhammad ibn Sa’d (r.a.).  The young Muhammad (s.a.w.) is reported to have been twenty-five years of age when he worked as a shepherded the sheep owned by Makkans. 

Raised in the following hadits, which describes it as a virtuous occupation: “A person in one of the most propitious lines of work is he who grazes his sheep on a hilltop or in a valley; who furthermore performs his swalah, gives his alms, worships his Lord until the day he dies, and constantly does good to others.”  This is recorded in Swahih Muslim, and Sunan ibn Majah. 

The path of solemnity and compassion, and the capacity for reflection are paved for shepherds, as indicated by the hadits below: “Serenity and solemnity follow shepherds.”  This is recorded in ash-Shaykhayn.  Looking after sheep, and shielding them from wild animals, nurture, in the shepherd, emotions of mercy and protectiveness, favourable towards the flourishing of virtues a prophet must possess, like patience when facing the possible disrespect, and ignorance of his people, and compassion to all the Creations of Allah (s.w.t.).