Ancestors

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Abdul Muttalib – Son of Hashim


Introduction to Abdul Muttalib

Abdul Muttalib was the grandfather of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (S). His mother's name was Salma and his father was Hashim.
Abdul Muttalib was born in Madina. His mother named him Shibah. He was very young when his father Hashim died. When Hashim was about to die, he told his brother Muttalib, "Go to Madina and bring my son Shibah to Makka."
Muttalib went to Madina and brought his nephew Shibah back to Makka with him. When the people saw the young Shibah with his uncle, they thought he was his slave, and called him Abdul Muttalib, which means slave of Muttalib. Although Muttalib tried to explain that the boy was his nephew, the name stuck, and from that time onwards, Shibah was always known as Abdul Muttalib.
Muttalib continued to manage his brother Hashim's duties until Abdul Muttalib was old enough to take over.
Abdul Muttalib took over the duties of Saqaya and Rifada when his uncle Muttalib died. He had many good qualities and made many changes to the lives and habits of the Quraish. Some of these were:

1. He was the first man to make Nazr and fulfil it. A Nazr is where a person promises Allah that, if his wish is granted, he will perform a certain good deed.
2. He stopped the custom of marriages between close relatives like brother and sister, mother and son, etc.
3. He started the rule of cutting off the hand of a thief.
4. He stopped the people from drinking alcohol.
5. He discouraged the terrible practice of burying daughters alive.
6. He set the fine of 10 camels for killing a person by mistake.
7. He was the first to give 1/5 (Khums) of treasure in the way of Allah.
Abdul Muttalib lived for 82 years and his good leadership earned him the title Sayyidul-Bat'ha, which means Chief of Makka.

The Well of Zam Zam

The well of Zam Zam had existed since the time of Prophet Ibrahim (A). It was a sign of Allah's Mercy to Prophet Ibrahim's (A) wife Hajira and son Prophet Isma'il (A). This blessed well exists even today.
After Prophet Isma'il (A), the tribe of Jarham settled around the well of Zam Zam and used its water for their needs. When they grew rich and powerful in Makka, they did not take care of the well and overused it, so it dried up.
By the time Abdul Muttalib was born, people only knew that the well of Zam Zam existed, but nobody knew where it was anymore.
One day Abdul Muttalib received instructions in a dream to dig up Zam Zam and was given some signs as to where it was. He took his eldest son Harith, and after digging for four days, they managed to find the entrance of the well.
The Quraish claimed that the well belonged to the whole tribe so everyone should have the honour of digging the well. Abdul Muttalib wanted to dig up the well himself, so that he could arrange the distribution of water to everyone, especially the pilgrims, in an organised way.
They could not reach a decision, so they decided to go to a famous wise person in Syria and follow whatever he said.
Every clan sent one person to represent itself. Abdul Muttalib with his son and companions were in one caravan and the others were in another.
During the long journey Abdul Muttalib's caravan had run out of water so they asked the other people for some, but were refused. The situation was such that Abdul Muttalib thought they would die and asked everyone to dig their grave so that when the first person died the other would bury him, and it would only be the last person who would remain unburied. They all dug their own graves.
After some time Abdul Muttalib decided that it was better to keep searching than to die in such a way. By Allah's Mercy, they soon discovered water. Thus, they were able to quench their thirst and fill their waterskins. The other group requested for water. The companions of Abdul Muttalib tried to refuse, but Abdul Muttalib said that if they did that, then there would be no difference between the two.
Seeing the kindness of Abdul Muttalib, the other group said that the miracle of discovering water in the middle of the desert was proof from Allah that the well of Zam Zam belonged to Abdul Muttalib. They did not go on any further and returned to Makka at once.
On his return, Abdul Muttalib dug deeper in the well and found some treasure - two gold deer, some swords and battle armour. The Quraish again claimed a share of the treasure and were prepared to fill up the well if they did not get it. It was decided to draw lots, and the result was that the two gold deer went to the Holy Ka'ba and the rest to Abdul Muttalib, and the Quraish got nothing.
It was then that Abdul Muttalib gave 1/5 of his share to be spent in the way of Allah.

Abdul Muttalib's Nazr

When Abdul Muttalib was digging the well of Zam Zam, he felt that his position amongst the Quraish was weak because he had only one son. At that time he made a Nazr, a promise to Allah, that if he got 10 sons, he would sacrifice one of them to Allah.
Allah blessed Abdul Muttalib with many children. He had 12 sons, some whose names were Harith, Abu Talib, Hamza, Abbas, Abu Lahab and Zubayr. He also had 6 daughters.
When the number of his sons reached ten, Abdul Muttalib knew it was time to fulfil the Nazr. Although it was very difficult for him to sacrifice and lose one of his beloved sons, he did not want to break his promise to Allah. After discussing the matter with his sons, he decided that one would be selected by drawing lots. When the lots were drawn, the name of Abdullah, the father of our Holy Prophet (S), came up.
Abdullah was the youngest and most loved son of his father, but Abdul Muttalib did not turn away from his duty and took Abdullah to the place of sacrifice. However, his family and the people of Quraish were very sad at the thought of losing the young Abdullah and begged Abdul Muttalib to find another solution.
When the problem was put before a wise man, he suggested that a lot should be cast between Abdullah and 10 camels. In case the lot still fell to Abdullah, a further 10 camels should be added and the lot cast again. This should be repeated till the lot fell to the camels.
In those days the penalty for the accidental killing of a person (blood price) was 10 camels, and the Quraish liked this solution. After a great deal of persuasion, Abdul Muttalib agreed.
A lot was cast between Abdullah and 10 camels but the result was Abdullah. The number was increased to 20, but still Abdullah's name came out. The number was increased by 10 until it reached 100. Finally when a lot was cast between Abdullah and 100 camels, the lot fell to the camels. The people were overjoyed, but Abdul Muttalib was not sure he had fulfilled his duty to Allah. So he drew the lots three more times, and each time it fell to the camels.
Finally, Abdul Muttalib was satisfied that his action was correct. He ordered that 100 camels belonging to him should be slaughtered that same day in front of the Holy Ka'ba and no person or animal should be stopped from eating the meat.
In this way Allah protected Abdullah, who later was to become the father of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (S). One year before Aamul Feel (The Year of the Elephant), Abdullah got married to Aamina, daughter of Wahab. Aamina was to become the mother of the Holy Prophet (S).
One year after his marriage, Abdullah was returning from trade in Syria and fell ill in Madina. When Abdul Muttalib heard about it, he sent his son Harith to go and see him. By the time Harith arrived, Abdullah had died. He was buried in Madina. He died two months before his great son was born.
The Holy Prophet (S) used to say, "I am the son of two sacrifices, Prophet Isma'il (A) and Abdullah".

Aamul Feel - The Year of the Elephant

Yemen is a country that neighbours Arabia. Just before the birth of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (S), the ruler of Yemen was a man called Abraha. When Abraha learnt that the Arabs looked upon the Holy Ka'ba with great honour, he decided to build a huge church in San'a in Yemen. When the church was built, he asked the Arabs to leave the Holy Ka'ba and come to his church instead.
The Arab tribes not only ignored this invitation, but one night a woman from the tribe of Bani Afqam even used the place as a toilet. In another incident, some Arab travellers sheltering in the church lit a fire to keep themselves warm and by mistake burnt the church down. As a result, Abraha was very angry and decided to destroy the Holy Ka'ba once and for all.
In 570 A.D. Abraha marched at the head of a huge army towards Makka. He camped outside Makka, and then sent a few of his people to capture the camels of the Makkans. Of the camels captured, around 200 belonged to Abdul Muttalib.
An officer from Abraha came to the Makkans, saying that he did not wish to hurt them but had come to demolish the Holy Ka'ba with his Elephant. Abdul Muttalib, the chief of the Quraish, said that they too did not want to fight Abraha. As for the Holy Ka'ba, it was the house of Allah and He would do whatever He pleased.
Abdul Muttalib then went with some of his sons to see Abraha. Abraha welcomed him with respect. He expected Abdul Muttalib to ask him not to destroy the Holy Ka'ba but instead Abdul Muttalib asked for the return of his camels. Abraha was surprised that Abdul Muttalib was talking about camels when the Holy Ka'ba itself was going to be destroyed.
In response to Abraha's remarks, Abdul Muttalib gave a famous reply, saying: "I am the owner of the camels. The House too has a Master who looks after it." On hearing this, Abraha shook his head and proudly replied: "There is none powerful enough to stop me."
On his return, Abdul Muttalib ordered the people to leave Makka and go to the hills for safety. He then prayed to Allah to protect them and the Holy Ka'ba from any harm.
The next morning Abraha prepared to march towards Makka. All of a sudden, a flock of birds appeared from the side of the sea, holding tiny stones in their claws and beaks. Each bird held three stones and they showered the stones on the army of Abraha in such a way that the Elephant and many men were soon dead. One of the stones hit Abraha on his head and he was so frightened that he ordered the remaining men in his army to retreat at once. Many of his men died on the way back and Abraha himself reached San'a with the flesh falling from his body and died a painful death. This dreadful and miraculous event is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an in the following verses:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
Have you not seen how your Lord dealt with the People of the Elephant? Did He not cause their plan to go astray? He sent down upon them flocks of birds, who showered them with stones of baked clay. So they became like straw eaten up by cattle.
(Suratul Feel, 105:1-5)

THE BIRTH OF THE HOLY PROPHET (S)

The Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad Al-Mustafa (S), was born after sunrise on Friday the 17th of Rabiul Awwal 570 A.D. in Makka. He was born in the Year of the Elephant, when Abraha tried to destroy the Holy Ka'ba.
The parents of the Holy Prophet (S) were Abdullah son of Abdul Muttalib and Aamina daughter of Wahab. Abdullah died two months before his son was born and was buried in Madina. The Holy Prophet (S) belonged to the respected family of Bani Hashim from the tribe of Quraish.
Abdul Muttalib decided to bring up the Holy Prophet (S) under his own care. On the seventh day of the birth of his grandson, he slaughtered a sheep to show his gratitude to Allah for blessing him with a healthy grandson. Many people were invited to take part in the celebrations.
In this gathering, Abdul Muttalib announced to the people that he would name the child "Muhammad", which means "One who is worthy of praise". When the Quraish asked him why he was keeping such an unusual name, he replied that he wanted his grandson to be praised in the heavens and on the earth.
Before this event, the Holy Prophet's (S) mother had already named him "Ahmad". Allah has referred to him by both names in the Holy Qur'an.
The Holy Prophet (S) was breastfed by his own mother Aamina for three days only. As was the custom in those days, he was then given to a foster-mother to nurse. Two women had this honour.
They were:
Suwaybah. She was a slave of Abu Lahab and nursed the Holy Prophet (S) for four months. The Holy Prophet (S) and his wife Bibi Khadija (A) always regarded her with great kindness throughout her life. When the Holy Prophet (S) returned from the battle of Khaybar he learnt of her death and was saddened by it.
Halimah. She belonged to the tribe of Sa'd bin Bakr. She brought up the Holy Prophet (S) outside the city of Makka in the desert. Here he grew up strong and healthy and learnt the pure Arabic language of the desert. He stayed with her for five years.

THE CHILDHOOD OF THE HOLY PROPHET (S)

The Holy Prophet (S) lived in the desert with Halimah for five years and she looked after him very well. During this time he learnt about handling animals and also trained in archery. In this happy atmosphere he grew up strong and healthy. Halimah regarded him as very special, because ever since he had come under her care, she was showered with the blessings of Allah and became rich.
When he was five years old, Halimah returned the Holy Prophet (S) to the care of his mother Lady Aamina. The young boy was very dear to his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, because he reminded him of his son Abdullah.
Lady Aamina decided to go to Madina to visit the grave of her husband, Abdullah, and also meet some of her relatives. She took the Holy Prophet (S) along with her and stayed for one month. On the way back to Makka, tragedy struck, and Lady Aamina fell ill at a place called Abwa. After a short time she died and was buried there. The Holy Prophet (S) was now an orphan and Abdul Muttalib took him under his wing. He loved his grandson very much and made sure that he did not feel unwanted. The Holy Qur'an mentions this event as follows:
In the Name of Allah, the Most Kind, the Most Merciful
Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter?
(Suratu Dhuha, 93:6)
The Holy Prophet (S) was only eight years old when he lost his grandfather. Before his death, Abdul Muttalib made his son Abu Talib responsible for taking care of the young child.
This was a duty, which Abu Talib carried out fully for the rest of his life.
The loss of Abdul Muttalib made the Holy Prophet (S) very sad, and he kept weeping upto the very edge of the grave and never forgot his kindness.
There were many reasons why Abdul Muttalib chose Abu Talib as the guardian of the Holy Prophet (S). Abu Talib and Abdullah were born of the same mother. He was also well known for his generous nature. He treated the Holy Prophet (S) better than his own sons, and never let him feel lonely.
When the Holy Prophet (S) was twelve years old, Abu Talib took him on a trade journey into Syria with a caravan of the Quraish. On the way they passed through Madyan, the Qura valley and the country of Samud and saw the beautiful natural scenery of Syria. The Holy Prophet (S) used to say that this was one of the most pleasant trips he had ever been on.
At Basra, the caravan stopped to stock up supplies for the rest of the journey. There was an old Christian monk whose name was Bahira, who lived in an old monastery in Basra. The monk never used to speak but when he saw the Holy Prophet (S), he broke his silence and asked, "Who is this boy?" Abu Talib answered that he was his nephew. Bahira then said, "This boy has a brilliant future. He is the same Prophet whose coming has been foretold in the Heavenly Books. His religion will spread throughout the world. However, you must guard him from the Jews, because if they learn about him, they will kill him".
Some historians say that after this warning, Abu Talib did not like to continue his journey and returned with the Holy Prophet (S) to Makka, while others say that he went on to Syria but kept an extra watch over the safety of the Holy Prophet (S). In any case, Abu Talib was more careful than before about the safety of his nephew.
Some historians have written that the Holy Prophet (S) learnt about the stories of the other Prophets and history from the Christian monk and that is how he related them to the people in the form of the Holy Qur'an. This is a shameful lie. It is difficult for one to believe that the Holy Prophet (S) learnt all the stories from his short meeting with the Christian and managed to remember everything for 28 years and then pretended that the Holy Qur'an was revealed to him at the age of 40. The meeting with Bahira served no real purpose except to make Abu Talib aware that his nephew was a very special person.
Thus, the Holy Prophet (S) grew up in the household of Abu Talib, loved and cherished by all. His aunt, Fatima binte Asad, the wife of Abu Talib and mother of Imam Ali (A) looked after him as if he was her own son.
Now you know…
When the Holy Prophet (S) reached the age of five, Halimah returned him to the care of his mother Lady Aamina.
Lady Aamina took the Holy Prophet (S) to Madina to visit the grave of her husband, Abdullah, and to meet some of her relatives. However, on the return journey she fell ill and died at a place called Abwa, where she was buried.
Orphaned, the Holy Prophet (S) was taken under the care of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib. Sadly, when he was only eight years old he also lost his grandfather.
So, the responsibility of looking after the Holy Prophet (S) was handed over to his uncle Abu Talib, who treated him better than his own sons. His aunt, Fatima daughter of Asad also treated him well.
At the age of twelve Abu Talib took the Holy Prophet (S) on a trade journey with a caravan of the Quraish. At Basra, an old Christian monk by the name of Bahira upon seeing the Holy Prophet (S) inquired who he was. Abu Talib said that he was his nephew.
Bahira said that this boy was the same Prophet mentioned in the Heavenly Books. His religion would spread throughout the world. However, if the Jews found him, they would kill him.
From then on Abu Talib took special care of the Holy Prophet (S).

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Hadrat Abu Talib b. Abdul Muttalib

By: Kamal al-Syyed
Translated by: Jasim al-Alyawy


The Year of the Elephant

In 570 AD, the Abyssinian armies under the leadership of Abraha attacked Makkah to demolish the Ka'aba.
Abdul Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's [s] grandfather, the Master of Makkah, went round the Ka'aba praying to Allah, the Almighty, to prevent the invaders from demolishing the House which Ibrahim, al-Khalil, and his son Ismael built for people to worship Allah only.
Allah, the Almighty, accepted Abdul Muttalib's prayer. So, when the elephants and the soldiers advanced to demolish the Ka'aba, Ababil birds carrying stones in their beaks appeared in the horizon. They began dropping the stones. So, the invaders around the Ka'aba were defeated.
Consequently, Allah's power and Abdul Muttalib's importance appeared! That year was named the Year of the Elephant.
Our Master Muhammad [s] was born in that year. Abu-Talib was thirty years of age.
Allah, the Almighty, has mentioned this event in the Holy Qur'an: In The Name of Allah, The Beneficent, The Merciful.
Have you not considered how your Lord dealt with the possessors of the elephant?
Did He not cause their war to end in confusion.
And send down (to prey) upon them birds in flocks, casting them against stones of baked clay.
So, he rendered them like straw eaten up?

Abdul Muttalib

Abdul Muttalib, who dug Zam Zam well, had ten sons. Abdullah, the Prophet's father, was one of them. Abu Talib, Prophet's uncle, was one of them, too.
Our Master Muhammad [s], was an orphan. His father, Abdullah, died a short while before he was born. When his mother died, he was six years of age.
So, his grandfather Abdul Muttalib took care of him. He liked him very much. He thought that Muhammad [s] would be a Prophet.
Abdul Muttalib was righteous. He followed Ibrahim's and Ismael's religion. He advised his sons to follow good manners.
On his death bed, Abdul Muttalib said to his sons: "A grandson of mine will be a Prophet. So, he who will be present at his time must believe in him."
Then he turned to his son, Abu Talib, and whispered in his ear: "Abu Talib, Muhammad will be of great importance. So support him with your hand and tongue.

The Guardian

Our Master Muhammad [s] was 8 years of age when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died. So, his uncle, Abu Talib took care of him.
Abu Talib's name was Abdul Munaf. His mother's name was Fatima bint Amru. She belonged to the Bani Makhzum tribe. Abu Talib was named Shaikh al-Bat-ha.
Our Master Muhammad [s] lived with his uncle. His uncle treated him kindly. Fatima bint Asad, his uncle's wife, treated him kindly, too. She preferred him to all of her sons. So, our Master Muhammad [s] grew with a good family.
Abu Talib's love for his nephew increased day by day because of his good manners and great politeness.
For example, when the food was ready, the orphan boy reached it politely. He said:
In the Name of Allah!
When he finished, he said: Thank Allah!
One day, Abu Talib missed his nephew Muhammad. So, he raised his hand from the food and said:
"Till my son comes!"
When Muhammad came, Abu Talib gave him a cup of yogurt. Muhammad drank out of the cup. Abu Talib's sons drank out of it one by one, too. They were all full. The uncle admired that. So, he said to his nephew: "Muhammad you're blessed!"

The Good News

Abu Talib had heard good news from the people of the Book (the Jews and the Christians). The good news was that a Prophet would appear very soon. So, he took care of his nephew very much. He thought that he would be a Prophet. So, he didn't leave him alone.
When Abu Talib wanted to go on a trade journey to Sham (Syria), he took our Master Muhammad [s] with him. Muhammad was nine years of age then.
In Busra, a city situated on the road of the trade caravans, there was an abbey. A monk lived in the abbey. The monk's name was Buhaira. He was always looking forward to the appearance of a new Prophet whose time approached.
When the monk looked at Muhammad, he realized that he would be the promised Prophet because he had the personality and expression of a Prophet.
The monk began looking at the Makkan boy's face very carefully. Meanwhile, the good news from Jesus Christ sounded in his mind. The monk asked Abu Talib about the boy's name. So, Abu-Talib said:
"His name's Muhammad."
The monk became very humble at his holy name. So, he said to Abu Talib: "Go back to Makkah. Protect your nephew from the Jews because he'll be of great importance!"
Abu Talib came back to Makkah. He adored Muhammad. He was very careful of his safety.

The Blessed Boy

The years passed. Makkah and its villages dried up because there was no rain.
The people came to Shaikh al-Bat-ha. They asked him to pray to Allah for rain. They said: "Abu-Talib, the valley's become rainless. Our families are without food. So come on and pray to Allah for rain."
Abu Talib went out. He had great confidence in Allah. He took his nephew, Muhammad with him.
Abu Talib and Muhammad stood beside the Ka'aba. The boy's heart took a pity on the people. Abu Talib asked Ibrahim's and Ismael's Lord to send down heavy rain.
Muhammad looked at the sky.
Only a little time passed. The sky was full of clouds. Lightening flashed. Thunder sounded. The rain came down heavily.
The rain water flowed in the villages. The people came back pleased thanking Allah for the blessing of the rain. Abu Talib also came back. His love for his nephew increased very much.
The years passed. Muhammad became a young man. He was extremely polite. So, people called him the Truthful, the Trustworthy One.

The Supporter of the Persecuted

Abu Talib disliked persecution very much. In the meantime, he liked the persecuted a lot. So, our Master Muhammad [s] liked Abu Talib very much.
One day, a battle took place between the tribe of Kinana and the tribe of Qais. The tribe of Qais was the aggressor.
A man from the tribe of Kinana came to Abu Talib and said: "Son of the bird feeder and pilgrim water-giver; don't be absent from us. We get victory in your presence."
Abu Talib answered: "I will not be absent from you when you avoid persecution, enmity, rudeness and falsehood."
So, they promised him to do that.
Our Master Muhammad [s] stood by his uncle, against Kinana.

The Alliance of Fodhool

Some people from Makkah attacked the pilgrims of Allah's House.
A man and his daughter, belonged to the tribe of Khathaam, came to visit Allah's House. A young man from Makkah took the young girl by force.
The Khathaamian man shouted: "Help! Help! Help!"
A passer-by said to him: "Go to The Alliance of Fodhool."
The man went to Abu Talib.
Abu Talib founded the Alliance of Fodhool. It was an agreement signed by the Makkan leaders. According to the agreement they decided to help the persecuted and to punish the unjust.
When the Khathaamian man got there and asked them for help, some men took their swords and went to the young man's house. They threatened him and brought back the girl to her father.
Our Master Muhammad [s] was a member of the Alliance of Fodhool.

The Happy Marriage

Abu Talib had a big family. He spent a lot of his money on the poor. In time, he too became poor. Our Master Muhammad [s] felt that he had to help his uncle. So, he decided to take Khadijah's goods to Sham.
The task was successful. Our Master Muhammad [s] gave the trusts to their owners. This made Khadijah think of him. So, she asked him to marry her.
Abu Talib was very pleased with that suggestion. So, he, a group of Bani Hashim, and Hamza bin Abdul Muttalib, our Master Muhammad's uncle, went to ask for Khadijah's hand from her family. Abu-Talib said: "Praise be to Allah who has made us of Ibrahim's and Ismael's sons, made a protected house and a safe sanctuary for us, and made our country blessed."
Then he added: "My nephew Muhammad bin Abdullah is the best and greatest man of all the Quraish. Besides, he's better than money because money's perishable. He likes Khadijah and she likes him. By Allah, he'll be of great importance. Khadijah's dowry is of my money."
Muhammad [s] and Khadijah got married.
The years passed. Allah gave Abu Talib a new baby. The baby's name was Ali.
Our Master Muhammad [s] wanted to relieve his uncle's worries. So, he went to his uncle's house to take Ali to his house.

Jibreel

The years passed. Abu Talib became seventy years of age. Our Master Muhammad [s] was forty years of age. Muhammad went to Hira Cave every day. In that year, Jibreel came down from the sky. Our Master Muhammad [s] heard him saying:
Read! Read! In the name of your Lord who created.
He created man from a clot.
Read and your Lord is most Honorable, who taught (to write) with the pen, taught man what he knew not.
Then Jibreel said: Muhammad, you're Allah's Messenger and I'm Jibreel.
Muhammad came back from Hira Cave holding the Mission of the Heavens.
His wife, Khadijah, believed in him. His cousin Ali bin Abu Talib believed in him, too.
One day, while our Master Muhammad [s] was praying and Ali was behind him, Abu Talib came and said kindly:
My nephew, what are you doing?
The Prophet [s] said: We're praying to Allah according to the religion of Islam.
Abu Talib said happily: There's no harm in what you're doing.
Then he said to his son Ali: Ali, support your cousin. He does nothing but good.

In the Prophet's House

After a while, Jibreel came down holding Allah's Order: And warn your nearest relations, and be kind to him who follows you of the believers.
Allah's Messenger ordered Ali aged ten to invite his tribe, namely Bani Hashim. Abu Talib, Abu Lahab and others came to the Prophet's house.
When they all had the food, our Master Muhammad [s] said: No Arab young man had brought his people like what I've brought you. I've brought you the good of here and of the hereafter.
Then, he asked them to believe in Islam. Abu Lahab stood up and said with spite: Muhammad's put a spell on you.
Abu Talib said angrily: Shut up! It's none of your business!
Abu Talib turned to our Master Muhammad [s] and said: Get up and say whatever you like. Spread Your Lord's Mission, for you're the Truthful, the Trusted one.
So, our Master Muhammad [s] got up and said: My Lord has ordered me to ask you to believe in Him. So, who will support me in this matter? Who wants to be my brother; my regent, and my successor after me?
They kept silent.
So, Ali said eagerly: Allah's Apostle, I.
The Prophet rejoiced and embraced his young cousin while he was weeping.
Bani Hashim stood up. Abu Lahab was laughing and saying sarcastically to Abu Talib: Muhammad's ordered you to hear and obey your son.
But Abu Talib did not pay attention to him. Rather, he looked angrily at him.
Abu Talib kindly said to his nephew: Go on what Allah's ordered you. By Allah, I'll support and protect you.
Our Master Muhammad [s] looked at his uncle respectfully. He felt strong as long as the Master of Makkah was with him.

The Supporter

Although Abu Talib was an old man, he strongly stood by Muhammad's Mission. He was always protecting him from the Quraishi polytheists.
A big number of the Makkans believed in Allah's religion paying no attention to the worship of the idols and to the threats of the Quraishi tyrants.
One day, the Quraishi leaders came to Abu Talib though he was confined to bed. They said angrily:
Abu Talib! Keep your nephew from us because he's weakened our thoughts and insulted our gods.
Abu Talib became sad because his people did not want to listen to the sound of truth. So, he said to them:
Give me time to speak to him.
Abu Talib told our Master Muhammad [s] the words of the Quraishi leaders.
The Prophet [s] said respectfully: Uncle! I can't disobey my Lord's Order.
Abu Jahal, the most spiteful man, said: We'll give him whatever he wants of our money. Rather, we'll make him king over us if he wants.
The Prophet [s] said: I want nothing but one word.
Abu Jahal said: What's the word? We'll give you as ten times as it!
Our Master Muhammad [s] said: Say there's no god but Allah.
So, Abu Jahal was filled with anger: Ask another word instead!
Allah's Apostle [s] said: If you brought me the sun and put it in my hand, I'd not ask a word instead.
There was tension. The polytheists stood up. They were threatening our Master Muhammad [s].
Abu Talib said to our Master Muhammad: Save your soul and don't overburden me.
The Prophets' eyes shed tears when he answered: Uncle, by Allah, if they put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left hand to leave this matter, I'd not leave it till Allah supports it or I perish for it.
The Prophet [s] stood up rubbing his tears. So, Abu Talib called him kindly and said: Nephew draw near.
Our Master Muhammad [s] drew near. His uncle kissed him and said: Nephew, go and say whatever you like. By Allah, I'll never leave you alone.
Then, he began chanting to confront the Quraishi might: By Allah, they all won't reach you.
Till a pillow of dust will be put under my head.
And till I'll be buried.

The Light of Islam

Our Master Muhammad [s] went on preaching the new religion to bring out people from darkness into light.
Again the Quraishi tyrants came to Abu Talib. They used another style: Abu Talib, this is Amarah bin al-Waleed (Khalid bin al-Waleed's brother). He's the strongest and the most handsome young man of all the Quraish. So, take him and give us Muhammad to kill.
Abu Talib was sorry to hear that idea. He answered them angrily: Do you give me your son to feed him for you, while I give you my son to kill him? Have you ever seen a she-camel take pity on other than its young?
The polytheists harm became intense. They began torturing them. Abu Talib thought that their harm would include our Master Muhammad [s]. So, he sent for Bani Hashim. He asked them to protect and save the Prophet [s]. They accepted but Abu Lahab.
Abu Talib heard that Abu Jahal and other polytheists tried to kill our Master Muhammad [s].
So, he and his son Ja'far went to the hills of Makkah to look for him. They looked for him here and there.
Finally, they found him praying to Allah. In the meantime, Ali was praying on his right-hand side. They were sad to see that there was no one with our Master Muhammad [s] but Ali. Thus Abu Talib wanted to encourage his nephew. He turned to his son Ja'far and said:
Complete your cousin's wing.
Namely, pray on his left hand to feel determination, strength, and confidence. Ja'far stood with our Master Muhammad [s] and his brother Ali to pray to Allah, the Creator of the skies and the earth, the Lord of the Worlds.
Again, Abu Talib missed our Master Muhammad [s]. He waited for his return. But he did not come back. So, he went to look for him. He went to the place where our Master Muhammad [s] went frequently. But he did not find him.
So, Abu Talib came back, gathered Bani Hashim together and said to them: Each one of you must take a strong iron bar. Now follow me. When I enter the mosque, each one of you must sit beside a Quraishi leader. He must kill him if we knew that Muhammad had been killed.
The young men of Bani Hashim obeyed Abu Talib. Each one of them sat beside a polytheist.
Abu Talib sat waiting for our Master Muhammad [s]. Meanwhile Zaid bin Harith came and told him that the Prophet [s] was safe.
Then, Abu Talib announced his plan to punish those who tried to hurt the Prophet [s].
The polytheists were abase. Abu Jahal kept silent. His face became yellow with fear.
Some of the polytheists urged their boys and slaves to hurt our Master Muhammad [s].
One day, the Prophet [s] was praying. A young man came and threw the wastes at him. The polytheists began laughing loudly. Our Master Muhammad [s] was very unhappy. So, he went to his uncle and told him about the young man's bad behaviour
Abu Talib became very angry. He took out his sword and came to the polytheists. He ordered his boy to throw the wastes at their faces.
They said: Abu Talib, that's enough!

The Ban

When the polytheists knew that Abu Talib would not leave our Master Muhammad [s] alone and that he was ready to die for him, they decided to announce an economic and social ban on Bani Hashim. At the same time, they cut off all relations with them.
In the month of Muharram, the seventh year after the Prophetic Mission, forty Quraishi leaders signed the ban and fixed it to the wall in the Ka'aba.
The Quraish expected Abu Talib to surrender. But Shaikh al-Bat-ha had another plan.
Abu Talib took his tribe to a valley between two mountains to protect our Master Muhammad [s] from assassination. He was always visiting the valley to close the openings where the enemies might pass through to kill our Master Muhammad [s] at night.
Abu Talib, though old man, his brother Hamza, and some men of Bani Hashim were always guarding the Prophet [s] one by one at night. Abu Talib was always moving the Prophet's bed from one place to another to keep it a secret.
Days and months passed. The besieged were in perfect isolation. They suffered from the pains of hunger and deprivation. When the time of pilgrimage came, they got out to buy some food and clothes.
The richest Quraishi tyrants in Makkah were always buying all kinds of food to prevent the besieged from buying it.
During that bitter period of time, Abu Talib was as solid as the mountain. He was always standing by our Master Muhammad [s]. He was a fearless, resolute believer.
Abu Talib loved our Master Muhammad [s] more than his sons. He was sometimes looking at him, weeping and saying: When I look at him, I remember my brother Abdullah.
One night, Abu Talib came and woke our Master Muhammad [s]. He said to his son Ali aged eighteen: My son, sleep in his bed.
To know his father's loyalty to Muhammad, Ali said: But, I'll be killed.
His father said: Be patient!
Eagerly Ali said: I'm not afraid of death. But I want you to know my support.
Abu Talib patted Ali's back. He took our Master Muhammad [s] to a safe place to sleep in.
When our Master Muhammad [s] went to bed, Abu Talib went to bed, too.
Months after months passed. The patience and hunger of the besieged increased. They ate the leaves of the trees. The Prophet [s] took pity on the hungry children.

The Good News

One day, our Master Muhammad [s] came to his uncle. He was filled with happiness. He said to him: Uncle, my Lord ordered the white ant to eat the Ban Page. So, it's eaten it all but Allah's Name.
Abu Talib said happily: Has your Lord told you about that?
Muhammad [s] answered: Yes, Uncle.
Abu Talib's heart was filled with belief. So, Abu Talib stood up and went to Darul-Nadwa, at the Kaaba, where the Quraishi leaders sat.
Abu-Talib addressed the sitting persons: Quraish!
They got up for the respectful, old man. They listened to his words. They expected his surrender and defeat because of the ban.
But Shaikh al-Bat-ha said: Quraish, my nephew Muhammad has told me that Allah ordered the white ant to eat your Ban Page. So it has eaten it all but His Name. if he is right, the end the ban.
Abu-Jahal said: And, if he was a liar?
Abu Talib answered with confidence and belief: I'll hand you my nephew.
The Quraishi leaders said: Okay.
They opened the door of the Ka'aba. They found that the white ant had eaten every thing but Allah's Name.
The besieged got out of Abu Talib valley. Our Master Muhammad [s] and his companions began preaching Islam to the pilgrims of Allah's Holy House.

The Demise

Abu Talib was over eighty years of age. He became very invalid. So, he was confined to the bed. He thought about nothing but our Master Muhammad [s]. He knew that if he died, the Quraish would fear no one and they would kill his nephew.
The Quraishi leaders came to visit Shaikh al-Bat-ha. They said: Abu Talib, you're our Shaikh and Master.
You're about to die. So, put an end to the enmity between your nephew and us. Tell him to stop hurting us. We'll stop hurting him. Tell him to leave us with our religion. We'll leave him with his religion.
Abu Talib looked at Abu Jahal, Abu Sufyan, and other Quraishi leaders. He said to them faintly: If you hear Muhammad's words and obey his orders, you'll be happy. So, obey him and get happiness here and in the hereafter.
The atheists stood up. Abu Jahal said with spite: Do you want us to make the gods one god?
Abu Talib was sad at the Quraishi stand. He was very anxious about our Master Muhammad's safety. So, he invited Bani Hashim and asked them to support our Master Muhammad [s] at any cost They all obeyed him. Then Abu Talib closed his eyes to die soundly.
Shaikh al-Bat-ha kept silent. He became a motionless body.
His son Ali wept bitter tears. Sad cries spread all over Makkah. The atheists rejoiced at his death.
Abu Jahal angrily said: It's time to get my revenge on Muhammad.
Our Master Muhammad [s] came to say farewell. He kissed Abu Talib's bright forehead and murmured sadly: Uncle, may Allah have mercy on you.
You educated me when I was small, looked after me when I became an orphan, and supported me when I became a grown-up.
So, may Allah reward you a lot.
Then he burst into tears. He began recalling the days of his childhood with his kind uncle. He embraced his cousin Ali. They began weeping together.

The Year of Sadness

Only a few weeks passed. Khadijah, Muhammad's wife died, too. So, our Master Muhammad [s] named that year the Year of Sadness.
The Quraish increased their harm against Muhammad and those who believed in him.
One day, a foolish person threw some dust at him. His head was covered with dust. So, he went home.
While Fatima, Muhammad's daughter, was washing his head, she began weeping. So, he patted her head and said: Daughter, don't weep. Allah will save your father. He'll protect your father from the enemies of His religion and Mission.
Jibreel came down from the sky holding Allah's Order. He said: Muhammad, go out of Makkah. Your supporter has died.
When the Quraish plotted to kill our Master Muhammad [s], Ali, Abu Talib's young son, came to sleep in his bed. He was ready to die for him.
Our Master Muhammad [s] went towards Yathrib (al-Madina al-Munawarah). From there the light of Islam started to illuminate the world.
When the Muslims go to visit Allah's Holy House every year, they remember the life of Shaikh al-Bat-ha when he was always defending Allah's religion.
Muhammad is Allah's Apostle, and those with him are firm of heart against the unbelievers, compassionate, among each other.

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Was Azar the Father of Prophet Abraham?


Surah Al Anaam - Chapter VI - Verse 74

And when Ibrahim said to his sire, Azar : Do you take idle for
gods ? Surely I see you and your people in manifest error.


and Surah Al Tauba - Chapter IX - Verse 114

And Ibrahim asking forgiveness for his sire was only owing to
a promise that he made to him; but when it became clear to him
that he was an enemy of Allah, he declared himself to be clear
of him; most surely Ibrahim was very tenderhearted and forbearing.


In the above verses, the word ' Ab ' has been used for Azar. However, 'Ab'
has different meanings and does not necessarily mean 'Walid' (biological
father).

The Holy Prophet has said that the essence of his existence had
been transmitted and ultimately conveyed to his immediate parents through a
pure, a holy and sanctified progeny.

Now the word ' Ab ' in Arabic language may mean father as well as ancestor
or even uncle as Ishmael ( Ismail ) the uncle of Jacob ( Yaqoub ) has been
addressed as ' Ab ' in the following Quranic verse ...


Nay ! were you witnesses when death visited Yaqoub, when he said
to his sons : What will you serve after me ? They said : Well
will serve your God and the God of your fathers, Ibrahim and Ismail
and Ishaq, one God only, and to Him do we submit. [ 2 : 113 ]

Since Ishmael was not the father of Jacob, and yet Quran uses the word 'Ab'
for him as uncle, then the usage of this word for other than biological
father is established...

Besides Prophet Abraham prays for his biological father (Walid) along with
the other believers, which clearly indicates that his biological father was
not a polytheist. This is evident from the following Quranic verse ...

O our Lord ! grant me protection and my parents (Walidayn) and the
believers on the day when the reckoning shall come to pass. [14:41]


But what is surprising, that knowing for fact Ibrahim's father was
'Tarakh' and not 'Azar' as stipulated by some Sunni historians, which
is in total conformity with the opinion of Shia. Ibn Katheer in his work
on history writes:

Ibrahim was the son of Tarakh. When Tarakh was 75 years of
age, Ibrahim was born to him.

Sunni reference: al-Bidaya wan Nahaya, by Ibn Katheer, v 1 p 139


This is also confirmed by Tabari, as he gives the lineage of Ibrahim's
family in his history collection, but then also in his Commentary of the
Quran he states that 'Azar' was NOT the father of Ibrahim.


Sunni references :

- History of al-Tabari, v 1 p 119
- Tafsir Tabari, by Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, v 7 p 158

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Sources:
http://www.imamreza.net/eng/list.php?id=01
http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=3045
http://www.imamreza.net/eng/imamreza.php?id=7325
http://www.al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter5a/8.html