The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Allah did not send any prophet but shepherded sheep." His companions asked him, "Did you do the same?" The Prophet (ﷺ) replied, "Yes, I used to shepherd the sheep of the people of Mecca for some Qirats."
Exposition of Hadith from Sahih al-Bukhari 2262
This noble hadith from the Book of Hiring in Sahih al-Bukhari contains profound wisdom regarding the divine preparation of prophets through humble occupations before their commissioning to prophethood.
The Wisdom Behind Prophetic Shepherding
The profession of shepherding trains the soul in essential prophetic qualities: patience in solitude, compassion for creation, vigilance against predators, and gentle guidance of the flock. These mirror the qualities required for guiding humanity.
All prophets underwent this training to develop leadership through service rather than domination. The isolation of pastures provides ideal conditions for spiritual contemplation and connection with the Divine.
The Prophet's Specific Experience
When asked about his own experience, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) confirmed he shepherded sheep for the people of Mecca for Qirats (small coins), demonstrating his honesty in acknowledging humble beginnings.
This response shows the Prophet's humility and establishes that honest labor, regardless of its apparent stature, carries dignity. His remuneration in Qirats indicates the lawful nature of compensated work in Islam.
Spiritual Significance
The hadith teaches that worldly occupations do not diminish spiritual stature. Rather, they prepare individuals for greater responsibilities through character development and practical experience in managing creation.
This narrative also comforts ordinary believers that their daily labors can be spiritually meaningful when performed with sincerity and integrity, following the prophetic example.