His rule extended to a large part of the civilized world but his household effects consisted of a bed and a water container made of leather. He received tributes from a number of countries in the shape of gold, silver and other commodities. But he would not sleep unless he distributed all of it amongst the needy people. If he did not have anything to give to the needy, he would borrow and give them. He never ever refused a needy person. Even on his deathbed many of his personal effects were found mortgaged because he had borrowed money for the needy. He never filled his stomach any day of his life. For many days there was nothing to cook in his house. Often when he found that there was nothing to eat, he used to fast. On many occasions, although he himself had not eaten anything and was hungry, if some needy person came, he gave him whatever was available and he himself remained hungry. And, he was the ruler of a number of countries.

He was born an orphan. His mother also died while he was a child. He was brought up by his grandfather and later by his uncle. He was very generous by nature but always short of resources and hardly able to provide for his family. Mohammed started to earn his livelihood from a very young age; he served as a shepherd boy to some neighbors. At the age of ten he accompanied his uncle to Syria when he was leading a caravan there. No other travels of Abu Talib (His uncle) are mentioned, but there are references to his having set up a shop in Mecca. (Ibn Qutaibah Ma'arif). It is possible that Muhammad helped him in this enterprise also.

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