Abdullah Ibn Umar’s (ra) Trip with the Prophet (saw)

Abdullah Ibn Umar(ra) was in the company of the Prophet ﷺ on a journey, riding a troublesome camel belonging to 'Umar. The camel used to go ahead of the Prophet, so Ibn Umar's father would say, "O Abdullah! No one should go ahead of the Prophet ﷺ.” The Prophet ﷺ said to him, "Sell it to me." Umar(ra) said to the Prophet ﷺ "It is for you." So, he bought it and said, "O Abdullah! It is for you, and you can do with it what you like." [Bukhari]

When Abdullah ibn Umar was a child, he travelled with his father and the Prophetﷺ. Abdullah was riding his father’s camel. He was young and the camel fast, so it often got ahead of the caravan. Abdullah’s father had to catch him and return the camel, and he often scolded the child for passing ahead of the Prophet ﷺ. Seeing the father scold the child, the Prophet intervened and asked to buy the camel. The father did not accept the sale but tried to give it as a gift. However, the Messenger of Allah insisted and persuaded him to sell it. Having purchased the camel, the Prophet ﷺ gave it to Abdullah to do as he wished.

From many examples of the Prophetﷺ  with children, it’s clear that his style was never harsh but always kind, merciful and approachable in his manner towards them even if they did anything wrong, whether advertent or inadvertent. So while adults are bound by social etiquettes and good manners, he knew children are still learning. The Prophet ﷺ  was so well respected, a Sahabi would never dream of stepping ahead of him. So in eagerness to show respect, you could say Umar (ra) became strict with Abdullah and missed the fact he was just a boy riding an unruly camel. Yet this incident goes to show how keen the Prophet ﷺ was to maintain a positive rapport.

For kids, building such memories is a much better way to form a healthy, enduring relationship between an adult and a child, than just focusing on discipline. By buying then gifting the camel, the Prophet freed the child for a time from the bounds of etiquette to just enjoy the experience of travelling in his company. Is it any wonder Abdullah Ibn Umar (ra) grew to love the kind, humble Prophet ﷺ so?🌙

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