Early Life
Khabbab was from the Banu Tamim clan in Najd.
Before Muhammad started his mission and Khabbab was "obviously not yet in his teens", one of the Arab tribes raided their territory and took their cattle and captured women and children. Khabbab was among the youths captured. He was passed from one hand to another until he ended up in Makkah, in the slave market of that city.
A woman named Umm Anmaar who belonged to the Banu Khuza'a clan of the Quraish tribe in Mecca went there. She wanted to buy herself a youth for her domestic chores and to exploit his labour for economic gains.
As she scrutinized the faces of those who were displayed for sale, her eyes fell on Khabbab. She saw that he was strong and healthy and that there were clear signs of intelligence on his face. She needed no further incentive to purchase him. She paid and walked away with her new slave.
On the way home, Umm Anmaar and Khabbab had a conversation where Khabbab explained his background.
Umm Anmaar placed the young Khabbab as an apprentice to one of the blacksmiths in Makkah to learn the art of making swords. Khabbab learnt quickly and was soon an expert at the craft. When he was strong enough, Umm Anmaar set up a workshop for him with all the necessary tools and equipment for making swords. Soon he was quite famous in Makkah for his excellent craftsmanship. People also liked dealing with him because of his honesty and integrity. Umm Anmaar gained much profit through him and exploited his talents to the full.
In spite of his youthfulness, Khabbab displayed unique intelligence and wisdom. Often, when he had finished work and was left to himself, he would reflect deeply on the state of Arabian society which was so steeped in corruption. He was appalled at the aimless wandering, the ignorance and the tyranny which he saw. Since he was one of the victims of this tyranny, he would often think to himself;
- "After this night of darkness, there must be a dawn."
And he hoped for a brighter future.
Read more about this topic: Khabbab Ibn Al-Aratt
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