Aladdin was born to Cassim and an unnamed woman. When Aladdin was only an infant his father left him and his mother. Soon after his father left Aladdin’s mother was captured by bandits when Aladdin was only two years old and was presumed dead. Due to being orphaned so early, Aladdin never received a formal education, and thus was forced to learn to survive in the streets of Agrabah. Lacking other means, he steals only to survive, but his good heart often moves him to give what he has stolen to others who need it more than him. Aladdin is also often seen with his best friend Abu (a monkey).