What did Prophet Muhammad do for a living?
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had various occupations before being chosen as a prophet. One of his primary roles was as a shepherd, which was common among many prophets. In a narration, the Prophet himself stated: No prophet was sent by Allah except that he herded sheep. His companions asked, 'And you, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'Yes, I herded them for some pay for the people of Mecca.'
Sahih al-Bukhari 37:3.
Additionally, he engaged in trade. Al-Kafi mentions that The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) had a trade partner during the pre-Islamic period. When he was sent as a Prophet, his partner met him and said, 'May God reward you for being a peaceful partner who does not quarrel.' The Prophet said, 'And may God reward you from among partners, for you neither demand profit nor withhold loss.'
Al-Kafi 2:1284.
These roles reflect his integrity and fairness in dealing with others, qualities that were essential to his character and later contributed to his reputation as Al-Amin, the trustworthy.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 37:3
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 37, Hadith 3 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
The Prophet, peace be upon him, said: No prophet was sent by Allah except that he herded sheep. His companions asked, 'And you, O Messenger of Allah?' He replied, 'Yes, I herded them for some pay for the people of Mecca.'
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Al-Kafi 2:1284
Al-Kafi · Book 2, Hadith 1284 · Narrated by Abu Abdullah (peace be upon him)
The Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) had a trade partner during the pre-Islamic period. When he was sent as a Prophet, his partner met him and said, 'May God reward you for being a peaceful partner who does not quarrel.' The Prophet said, 'And may God reward you from among partners, for you neither demand profit nor withhold loss.'
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