Rasool Muhammad and Khabbab bin Arat

[tammyswofford]

Respected Arnold:

There is a story about Khabbab bin Arat and a conversation he had with Rasool Muhammad during the early Makkan period. Bin Arat was told that the day would come when an elderly lady would travel from San'a (southern Yemen) to Hadr Mawt (northern Yemen) carrying gold, with no fear for her safety, but only the fear of Allah.

Supposedly, this came true during the life of the Prophet. What is the name of this woman? Also, did not Prophet Muhammad's father die returning from a caravan trip to Yemen to purchase dates for his father, Abdul Muttalib? Am I remembering that story correctly.

One more thing: Historians place the date of death of the father of Muhammad anywhere between three months prior to about three months after his birth. Was he born into a fatherless state, or did he in fact have a living father at the time of his birth?

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Tammy Swofford