Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Leader of Banu Hashim clan (c. 535-619)}}
{{Short description|Leader of Banu Hashim clan (c. 535 – 619)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
{{Infobox officeholder
| name                = Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib <br/>{{lang|ar|أَبُو طَالِب بن عَبْد ٱلْمُطَّلِب}}
| name                = Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib
| birth_name          = 'Imran ({{lang|ar|عِمْرَان}}) or <br/> 'Abd Manaf ({{lang|ar|عَبْد مَنَاف}})<ref name="Duas2013">{{Cite web |title=Abu-Talib The Greatest Guardian of Islam |url=http://www.duas.org/abutalibas.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217070926/http://www.duas.org/abutalibas.htm |archive-date=17 December 2013 |access-date=27 October 2013 |website=duas.org}}</ref>
| native_name        = {{lang|ar|أَبُو طَالِب بن عَبْد ٱلْمُطَّلِب}}
| birth_name          = 'Imran ({{lang|ar|عِمْرَان}}) or <br/> 'Abd Manaf ({{lang|ar|عَبْد مَنَاف}})<ref name="Duas2013">{{Cite web |title=Abu-Talib a.s The Greatest Guardian of Islam |url=http://www.duas.org/abutalibas.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217070926/http://www.duas.org/abutalibas.htm |archive-date=17 December 2013 |access-date=27 October 2013 |website=duas.org}}</ref>
| birth_date          = {{Circa}} 535 [[Common Era|CE]]
| birth_date          = {{Circa}} 535 [[Common Era|CE]]
| birth_place        = [[Mecca]], [[Hejaz|Hijaz]]<br/>{{small|(present-day [[Saudi Arabia]])}}
| birth_place        = [[Mecca]], [[Hejaz|Hijaz]]<br/>(present-day [[Saudi Arabia]])
| death_date          = {{Circa}} {{Death date and age|619|535|df=yes}}
| death_date          = {{Circa}} {{Death date and age|619|535|df=yes}}
| death_place        = Mecca, Hijaz
| death_place        = Mecca, Hijaz
| office              = [[Tribal chief|Chief]] of [[Banu Hashim]] clan of [[Quraysh]]
| office              = [[Tribal chief|Chief]] of [[Banu Hashim]] clan of [[Quraysh]]
| term                = {{Circa}} 578 - 619 CE
| term                = {{Circa}} 578 – 619 CE
| predecessor        = [[Abd al-Muttalib|Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim ]]
| predecessor        = [[Abd al-Muttalib|Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim]]
| successor          = [[Abu Lahab]]
| spouse              = [[Fatimah bint Asad|Fatima bint Asad]]
| spouse              = [[Fatimah bint Asad|Fatima bint Asad]]
| children            = {{plainlist|
| children            = {{plainlist|
Line 23: Line 25:
| mother              = [[Fatima bint Amr]]
| mother              = [[Fatima bint Amr]]
| relations          = {{plainlist}}
| relations          = {{plainlist}}
*[[Al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Harith]] {{small|(half-brother)}}
*[[Al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Harith]] (half-brother)
*[[Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Abdullah]] {{small|(full-brother)}}
*[[Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Abdullah]] (full-brother)
*[[Al-Zubayr ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Zubayr]] {{small|(full-brother)}}
*[[Al-Zubayr ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Zubayr]] (full-brother)
*[[Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Abbas]] {{small|(half-brother)}}
*[[Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Abbas]] (half-brother)
*[[Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Hamza]] {{small|(half-brother)}}
*[[Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Hamza]] (half-brother)
*[[Hajl ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Hajl]] {{small|(half-brother)}}
*[[Hajl ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Hajl]] (half-brother)
*[[Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Muqawwim]] {{small|(half-brother)}}
*[[Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Al-Muqawwim]] (half-brother)
*[[Abū Lahab]] {{small|(half-brother)}}
*[[Abū Lahab]] (half-brother)
*[[Umm Hakim bint Abd al-Muttalib|Umm Hakim]] {{small|(full-sister)}}
*[[Umm Hakim bint Abd al-Muttalib|Umm Hakim]] (full-sister)
*[[Umayma bint Abd al-Muttalib|Umayma]] {{small|(full-sister)}}
*[[Umayma bint Abd al-Muttalib|Umayma]] (full-sister)
*[[Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib|Arwa]] {{small|(full-sister)}}
*[[Arwa bint Abd al-Muttalib|Arwa]] (full-sister)
*[[Atika bint Abd al-Muttalib|Atika]] {{small|(full-sister)}}
*[[Atika bint Abd al-Muttalib|Atika]] (full-sister)
*[[Barrah bint Abd al-Muttalib|Barra]] {{small|(full-sister)}}
*[[Barrah bint Abd al-Muttalib|Barra]] (full-sister)
*[[Safiyya bint Abd al-Muttalib|Safiyya]] {{small|(half-sister)}}
*[[Safiyya bint Abd al-Muttalib|Safiyya]] (half-sister)
{{endplainlist}}
| resting_place      = [[Jannat al-Mu'alla]] Mecca
| resting_place      = [[Jannat al-Mu'alla]] Mecca
| image              = New York Public Library, Spencer Collection Turk. MS. 3 Siyar-i Nabî fol. 57r Abû Tâlib, 'Abbâs ibn al-Muttalib, and other leaders of the Quraysh question Muhammad about Isra' and Mi'raj.jpg
| caption            = Islamic miniature of Abu Talib (top-middle, blue robes), [[Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib]] (green robes next to him) and other Quraysh leaders questioning Muhammad about [[Isra' and Mi'raj]]
}}
}}
'''Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib''' ({{lang-ar|أَبُو طَالِب بن عَبْد ٱلْمُطَّلِب|ʾAbū Ṭālib ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib}}; {{circa|535{{spaced ndash}}619}}) was the leader of [[Banu Hashim]], a clan of the [[Quraysh|Qurayshi]] tribe of [[Mecca]] in the [[Hejaz]]i region of the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. He being the brother of [[Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Abdullah]] , the father of the Islamic [[Prophet]] [[Muhammad in Islam|Muhammad]],<ref>Ibn Sa'd, Al-Tabaqat al-Kobra, Vol. 1, P. 93</ref> was his uncle and father of [[Ali]]. After the death of his father [[Abd al-Muttalib]] [[Patronymic#Arabic|ibn]] [[Hashim ibn Abd Manaf]], he inherited this position as tribal chieftain, and the offices of ''Siqaya'' and ''Rifada''.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam">{{EI3|last=Rubin|first=Uri|year=2013}}</ref> He was well-respected in Mecca.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1992|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=77}}</ref>
'''Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib''' ({{langx|ar|أَبُو طَالِب بن عَبْد ٱلْمُطَّلِب|ʾAbū Ṭālib bin ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib}}; {{circa|535{{spaced ndash}}619}}) was the leader of [[Banu Hashim]], a clan of the [[Quraysh]]i tribe of [[Mecca]] in the [[Hejaz]]i region of the [[Arabian Peninsula]]. As he was the brother of [[Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Abdullah]], the father of the Islamic [[Prophet]] [[Muhammad in Islam|Muhammad]],<ref>Ibn Sa'd, ''Al-Tabaqat al-Kobra'', Vol. 1, P. 93</ref> he was the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's uncle and father of [[Ali]]. After the death of his father [[Abd al-Muttalib]] [[Patronymic#Arabic|ibn]] [[Hashim ibn Abd Manaf]], he inherited this position as tribal chieftain, and the offices of ''Siqaya'' and ''Rifada''.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam">{{EI3|last=Rubin|first=Uri|year=2013}}</ref> He was well-respected in Mecca.<ref name="Armstrong">{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1992|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=77}}</ref>


According to general consensus of Sunni Islamic scholars , Abu Talib never believed in Islam.<ref>https://www.thesunniway.com/articles/item/246-was-abu-talib-a-muslim</ref> <ref>https://www.thelastdialogue.org/article/abu-talib-the-uncle-of-prophet-muhammad-was-abu-talib-a-muslim/</ref> <ref>https://www.islamweb.net/ar/fatwa/8306/</ref>
According to the majority of Sunni scholars, Abu Talib did not accept Islam before his death.<ref>Al-Tabari, ''Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk'', vol. 2, p. 443.</ref>
However, Shia scholars maintain that Abu Talib was a devout believer who concealed his faith to protect Prophet Muhammad.<ref>Al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad, trans. I.K.A. Howard (Tehran: World Organization for Islamic Services, 1981), vol. 1, pp. 28–30.</ref><ref>W. Madelung, "Abu Ṭāleb," ''Encyclopaedia Iranica'', Vol. I, Fasc. 4, 1983, pp. 371–372.</ref>


==Early life==
==Early life==
Abu Talib was born in the city of [[Mecca]] in the [[Hejaz|Hijaz]] region in 535 [[Common Era|CE]]. He was the son of the Hashimite chief, [[Abd al-Muttalib]], and a brother of [[Muhammad]]'s father, [[Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib|Abdullah]], who had died before Muhammad's birth. After the death of Muhammad's mother [[Aminah bint Wahab]], Muhammad, a child still, was taken into the care of his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib. When Muhammad reached eight years of age, Abd al-Muttalib died. One of Muhammad's uncles was to take him in. The oldest, Al-Harith was not wealthy enough to accept guardianship for his nephew. Abu Talib, despite his poverty, took in Muhammad in an act of selfless generosity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Haykal|first=Muhammad Husayn|title=The Life of Muhammad|year=1976|publisher=North American Trust Publications|page=54}}</ref>
Abu Talib was born in the city of [[Mecca]] in the [[Hejaz|Hijaz]] region in 535 [[Common Era|CE]]. He was the son of the Hashimite chief, [[Abd al-Muttalib]], and a brother of [[Muhammad]]'s father, [[Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib|Abdullah]], who had died before Muhammad's birth. After the death of Muhammad's mother [[Aminah bint Wahab]], Muhammad, a child still, was taken into the care of his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib. When Muhammad reached eight years of age, Abd al-Muttalib died. One of Muhammad's uncles was to take him in. The oldest, Al-Harith was not wealthy enough to accept guardianship for his nephew. Abu Talib, despite his poverty, took in Muhammad in an act of selfless generosity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Haykal|first=Muhammad Husayn|title=The Life of Muhammad|year=1976|publisher=North American Trust Publications|page=54}}</ref>


Although Abu Talib was responsible for providing ''Siqaya'' and ''Rifada'' (Food and Beverages) of [[Hajj]] pilgrims, he lived in poverty. In order to fulfill his obligations towards the pilgrims, he had to borrow money from his brother Abbas, which he failed to return, thus being forced to letting Abbas take over the duty. Nevertheless, his social position did not take any harm from this failure.<ref>{{Citation |title= Abu Talib, the Faithful of Quraysh |author= Abdullah Al Khunayzi |chapter= The Route of Life |date= 4 June 2015 |chapter-url=https://www.al-islam.org/abu-talib-faithful-quraysh-abdullah-al-khunayzi/chapter-1-route-life#personality}}</ref>
Although Abu Talib was responsible for providing ''Siqaya'' and ''Rifada'' (Food and Beverages) for [[Hajj]] pilgrims, he lived in poverty. In order to fulfill his obligations towards the pilgrims, he had to borrow money from his brother Abbas, which he failed to return, thus being forced to let Abbas take over the duty. Nevertheless, his social position did not take any harm from this failure.<ref>{{Citation |title= Abu Talib, the Faithful of Quraysh |author= Abdullah Al Khunayzi |chapter= The Route of Life |date= 4 June 2015 |chapter-url=https://www.al-islam.org/abu-talib-faithful-quraysh-abdullah-al-khunayzi/chapter-1-route-life#personality}}</ref>


Muhammad loved his uncle, and Abu Talib loved him in return.<ref name=Rubin>{{cite book|last=Rubin|first=Uri|title=The Eye of the Beholder|year=1995|publisher=Darwin Press, Inc.|location=Princeton, New Jersey|page=93}}</ref> Abu Talib is remembered as a gifted poet, and many poetic verses in support of Muhammad are attributed to him.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam" /><ref name=Lings>{{cite book|last=Lings|first=Martin|title=Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources|year=2006|publisher=Inner Traditions|location=Rochester, Vermont|page=33}}</ref> Once, as Abu Talib was about to leave for a trading expedition, Muhammad wept and could not bear being separated from him. To this Abu Talib responded, "By God I will take him with me, and we shall never part from each other."<ref name=Tabari>{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1988|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany|page=44}}</ref>
Muhammad loved his uncle, and Abu Talib loved him in return.<ref name=Rubin>{{cite book|last=Rubin|first=Uri|title=The Eye of the Beholder|year=1995|publisher=Darwin Press, Inc.|location=Princeton, New Jersey|page=93}}</ref> Abu Talib is remembered as a gifted poet, and many poetic verses in support of Muhammad are attributed to him.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam" /><ref name=Lings>{{cite book|last=Lings|first=Martin|title=Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources|year=2006|publisher=Inner Traditions|location=Rochester, Vermont|page=33}}</ref> Once, as Abu Talib was about to leave for a trading expedition, Muhammad wept and could not bear being separated from him. To this Abu Talib responded, "By God I will take him with me, and we shall never part from each other."<ref name=Tabari>{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1988|publisher=State University of New York Press|location=Albany|page=44}}</ref>


Later in life, as an adult, Muhammad saw that Abu Talib was struggling financially after a severe drought. Muhammad decided to take charge of one of Abu Talib's children and he convinced [[Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib|Al-'Abbas]] to do the same. They discussed this matter with Abū Ṭālib, who asked that his favorite child 'Aqīl be left with him. Al-'Abbās chose [[Ja'far ibn Abi Talib|Ja'far]], and Muhammad chose 'Alī.<ref>Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah, Vol. I, p.162.</ref><ref name="ref3">Tārīkh Al-Tabarī (vol 2 p.63), Tārīkh ibn Al-Athīr (vol 2 p.24), Musnad of Aḥmed ibn Ḥanbal (vol 1 p.159), Al-Sīrat al-Nabawīyah by ibn Kathīr (vol 1 p.457-459).</ref><ref name="firstMuslims">Sunan al-Tirmidhī (vol 2 p.301), Al-Ṭabaqāt Al-Kubrā - ibn Sa'd (vol 3 kklkp.12), Usd Al-Ghābah (vol 4 p.17), Kanz al-'Ummāl (vol 6 p.400), Tārīkh Al-Ṭabarī (vol 2 p.55), Tārīkh Baghdād (vol 2 p.18)</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1993|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=81}}</ref>
Later in life, as an adult, Muhammad saw that Abu Talib was struggling financially after a severe drought. Muhammad decided to take charge of one of Abu Talib's children and he convinced [[Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib|Al-'Abbas]] to do the same. They discussed this matter with Abū Ṭālib, who asked that his favorite child 'Aqīl be left with him. Al-'Abbās chose [[Ja'far ibn Abi Talib|Ja'far]], and Muhammad chose 'Alī.<ref>Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah, Vol. I, p.162.</ref><ref name="ref3">Tārīkh Al-Tabarī (vol 2 p.63), Tārīkh ibn Al-Athīr (vol 2 p.24), Musnad of Aḥmed ibn Ḥanbal (vol 1 p.159), Al-Sīrat al-Nabawīyah by ibn Kathīr (vol 1 p.457-459).</ref><ref name="firstMuslims">Sunan al-Tirmidhī (vol 2 p.301), Al-Ṭabaqāt Al-Kubrā - ibn Sa'd (vol 3 p.12), Usd Al-Ghābah (vol 4 p.17), Kanz al-'Ummāl (vol 6 p.400), Tārīkh Al-Ṭabarī (vol 2 p.55), Tārīkh Baghdād (vol 2 p.18)</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1993|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=81}}</ref>


==Protecting Muhammad==
==Protecting Muhammad==
In tribal society, a tribal affiliation is important, otherwise a man can be killed with impunity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Islam: A Short History|year=2000|publisher=Modern Library|location=New York|page=13}}</ref> As leader of the Banu Hashim, Abu Talib acted as a protector to Muhammad. After Muhammad began preaching the message of [[Islam]], members of the other [[Quraysh]]ite clans increasingly came to feel threatened by Muḥammad. In attempts to quiet him, they pressured Abū Ṭālib to silence his nephew or control him. Despite these pressures, Abu Talib maintained his support of Muḥammad, defending him from the other leaders of the Quraysh. Leaders of the Quraysh directly confronted Abu Talib several times. Abu Talib brushed them off and continued to support Muhammad even when it put a rift between him and the Quraysh. In one account, the Quraysh even threatened to fight the Banu Hashim over this conflict.<ref name="Rubin 1995 150">{{cite book|last=Rubin|first=Uri|title=The Eye of the Beholder|year=1995|publisher=Darwin Press, Inc.|location=Princeton, New Jersey|page=150}}</ref> In a particular narration of one such confrontation, Abu Talib summoned Muhammad to speak with the Quraysh. Muhammad asked the Quraysh leaders to say the [[shahada]] and they were astounded.<ref name="The History of al-Tabari">{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1985|publisher=State University Press|location=New York|page=95}}</ref>
In tribal society, a tribal affiliation is important, otherwise a man can be killed with impunity.<ref>{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Islam: A Short History|year=2000|publisher=Modern Library|location=New York|page=13}}</ref> As the leader of the Banu Hashim, Abu Talib acted as a protector to Muhammad. After Muhammad began preaching the message of [[Islam]], members of the other [[Quraysh]]ite clans increasingly came to feel threatened by Muḥammad. In attempts to quiet him, they pressured Abū Ṭālib to silence his nephew or control him. Despite these pressures, Abu Talib maintained his support of Muḥammad, defending him from the other leaders of the Quraysh. Leaders of the Quraysh directly confronted Abu Talib several times. Abu Talib brushed them off and continued to support Muhammad even when it put a rift between him and the Quraysh. In one account, the Quraysh even threatened to fight the Banu Hashim over this conflict.<ref name="Rubin 1995 150">{{cite book|last=Rubin|first=Uri|title=The Eye of the Beholder|year=1995|publisher=Darwin Press, Inc.|location=Princeton, New Jersey|page=150}}</ref> In a particular narration of one such confrontation, Abu Talib summoned Muhammad to speak with the Quraysh. Muhammad asked the Quraysh leaders to say the [[shahada]] and they were astounded.<ref name="The History of al-Tabari">{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1985|publisher=State University Press|location=New York|page=95}}</ref>


The Quraysh even tried to bribe Abu Talib. They told Abu Talib that if he let them get hold of Muhammad, then he could adopt 'Umarah ibn al Walid ibn al Mughirah, the most handsome youth in Quraysh.<ref name="Rubin 1995 150"/><ref>{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1985|publisher=State University Press|location=New York|page=97}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Haykal|first=Muhammad Husayn|title=The Life of Muhammad|year=1976|publisher=North American Trust Publications|page=88}}</ref> When this also failed, the Quraysh elicited the support of other tribes to boycott trading with or marrying members of the Banu Hashim lineage. This boycott started seven years after Muhammad first received revelation and lasted for three years.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam" /> The goal was to put pressure on the Hashimites and even starve them into submission.<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129">{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1993|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=129}}</ref> For the sake of security, many members of the Banu Hashim moved near to Abu Talib, and the place became like a [[ghetto]].<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129"/> This didn't cause undue hardship<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1985|publisher=State University Press|location=New York|page=xliv}}</ref> because many had family members in other tribes that would smuggle goods to them.<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129"/> Abu Talib's brother, [[Abu Lahab]], sided with the Quraysh on this issue; he moved to a house in the district of Abd Shams to demonstrate support for the Quraysh.<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Lings|first=Martin|title=Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources|year=2006|publisher=Inner Traditions|location=Rochester, Vermont|page=90}}</ref> He thought Muhammad was either mad or an impostor.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lings|first=Martin|title=Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources|year=2006|publisher=Inner Traditions|location=Rochester, Vermont|page=52}}</ref>
The Quraysh even tried to bribe Abu Talib. They told Abu Talib that if he let them get hold of Muhammad, then he could adopt 'Umarah ibn al Walid ibn al Mughirah, the most handsome youth in Quraysh.<ref name="Rubin 1995 150"/><ref>{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1985|publisher=State University Press|location=New York|page=97}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Haykal|first=Muhammad Husayn|title=The Life of Muhammad|year=1976|publisher=North American Trust Publications|page=88}}</ref> When this also failed, the Quraysh elicited the support of other tribes to boycott trading with or marrying members of the Banu Hashim lineage. This boycott started seven years after Muhammad first received revelation and lasted for three years.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam" /> The goal was to put pressure on the Hashimites and even starve them into submission.<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129">{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1993|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=129}}</ref> For the sake of security, many members of the Banu Hashim moved near to Abu Talib, and the place became like a [[ghetto]].<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129"/> This didn't cause undue hardship<ref>{{cite book|title=The History of al-Tabari|year=1985|publisher=State University Press|location=New York|page=xliv}}</ref> because many had family members in other tribes that would smuggle goods to them.<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129"/> Abu Talib's brother, [[Abu Lahab]], sided with the Quraysh on this issue; he moved to a house in the district of Abd Shams to demonstrate support for the Quraysh.<ref name="Armstrong 1993 129"/><ref>{{cite book|last=Lings|first=Martin|title=Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources|year=2006|publisher=Inner Traditions|location=Rochester, Vermont|page=90}}</ref> He thought Muhammad was either mad or an impostor.<ref>{{cite book|last=Lings|first=Martin|title=Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources|year=2006|publisher=Inner Traditions|location=Rochester, Vermont|page=52}}</ref>
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==Death==
==Death==
Abū Ṭālib died around 619 AD, at more than 80 years of age, about 10 years after the start of Muhammad's mission.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam" /> This year is known as the [[Year of Sorrow]] for Muhammad, because not only did his uncle Abu Talib die, but also his wife [[Khadijah bint Khuwaylid]], within a month of Abu Talib.
[[File:New York Public Library, Spencer Collection Turk. MS. 3 Siyar-i Nabî fol. 64v Muhammad tries to convert Abu Talib to Islam on his deathbed.jpg|left|thumb|Islamic miniature depicting Muhammad trying to convert the dying Abu Talib on his deathbed, to Muhammad's left sits [[Ali]]]]
Abū Ṭālib died around 619 CE, at more than 80 years of age, about 10 years after the start of Muhammad's mission.<ref name="Encyclopaedia of Islam" /> This year is known as the [[Year of Sorrow]] for Muhammad, because not only did his uncle Abu Talib die, but also his wife [[Khadijah bint Khuwaylid]], within a month of Abu Talib.


After Abu Talib's death, Muhammad was left unprotected. Abu Talib's brother and successor as the Chief of the family, that is [[Abu Lahab]], did not protect him, as he was an enemy of Muhammad, so Muhammad and his followers faced incredible persecution. Muhammad is quoted as exclaiming, "By God, Quraysh never harmed me so much as after the death of Abu Talib."<ref>{{cite book|last=Haykal|first=Muhammad Husayn|title=The Life of Muhammad|year=1976|publisher=North American Trust Publications|page=136}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1993|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=135}}</ref> The early Muslims relocated to Abyssinia and then to Medina in order to escape persecution by the Quraysh.
After Abu Talib's death, Muhammad was left unprotected. Abu Talib's brother and successor as the chief of the family, that is [[Abu Lahab]], did not protect him, as he was an enemy of Muhammad, so Muhammad and his followers faced incredible persecution. Muhammad is quoted as exclaiming, "By God, Quraysh never harmed me so much as after the death of Abu Talib."<ref>{{cite book|last=Haykal|first=Muhammad Husayn|title=The Life of Muhammad|year=1976|publisher=North American Trust Publications|page=136}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last=Armstrong|first=Karen|title=Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet|year=1993|publisher=Harper Collins|location=San Francisco|page=135}}</ref> The early Muslims relocated to Abyssinia and then to Medina in order to escape persecution by the Quraysh.


==Views of different sects==
==Views of different sects==
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===Sunni===
===Sunni===
It is reported in Sunni Islam that the Quranic verse 28:56 ("O Prophet! Verily, you guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He will") was revealed concerning Abu Talib's embrace Islam at the hands of his nephew.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Diane Morgan|title=Essential Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice|url=https://archive.org/details/essentialislamco0000morg|url-access=registration|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313360251|page=[https://archive.org/details/essentialislamco0000morg/page/114 114]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman|title=The Meaning and Explanation of the Glorious Qur'an (Vol 7)|date=2009|publisher=MSA Publication Limited|isbn=9781861796615|page=202}}</ref>
It is reported in Sunni Islam that the Quranic verse 28:56 ("O Prophet! Verily, you guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He will") was revealed concerning Abu Talib's embrace of Islam at the hands of his nephew.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Diane Morgan|title=Essential Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice|url=https://archive.org/details/essentialislamco0000morg|url-access=registration|date=2010|publisher=ABC-CLIO|isbn=9780313360251|page=[https://archive.org/details/essentialislamco0000morg/page/114 114]}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|author1=Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman|title=The Meaning and Explanation of the Glorious Qur'an (Vol 7)|date=2009|publisher=MSA Publication Limited|isbn=9781861796615|page=202}}</ref>
 
During the time of Prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad took all possible measures to protect himself from the tribe. He was called a person of Hell for not accepting Islam in [[Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum]], where it is said that Muhammad said that he would be placed in the depths of Hellfire because of his association with him and his support for him, or he would have been plunged into the abyss of Hell.<ref>[[Agreed upon]] [[Muhammad bin Ismail al-Bukhari|Al-Bukhari]] No. 3883 and [[Muslim]] No. 209 </ref>
===Shia===
[[Shia]] believe that Abu Talib was an upright supporter of Muhammad. In addition, when Muhammad married Khadija, Abu Talib recited the sermon of the marriage. This fact has also been used to prove Abu Talib's monotheism. Abu Talib, according to the Shia, was a Muslim and died a Muslim.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Razwy|first1=Sayed Ali Asgher|title=A Restatement of the History of Islam & Muslims|page=40}}</ref>
 
Shia claim that the Sunni scholars in the recent centuries also support Shia arguments about Abu Talib.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Husain |first1=Nabil.E |last2=Fakhrabad |first2=Mostafa Gohari |date=December 2021 |title=Abu Talib's Treatises of Faith |journal=Conduct Studies of Ahl-Ol-Bayt |volume=7 |issue=13 |url=https://sirepajouhi.isca.ac.ir/article_71781.html?lang=en}}</ref>


==Family==
==Family==
Line 97: Line 100:
===Family tree===
===Family tree===
<br/>
<br/>
{{chart/start|style=font-size:95%;line-height:100%;|align=center}}
{{tree chart/start|style=font-size:95%;line-height:100%;|align=center}}
{{chart | KiM |y| FbS | | | | | KiM='''[[Kilab ibn Murrah]]'''|FbS='''[[Fatimah bint Sa'd]]'''}}
{{tree chart| KiM |y| FbS | | | | | KiM='''[[Kilab ibn Murrah]]'''|FbS='''[[Fatimah bint Sa'd]]'''}}
{{chart | |,|-|^|-|.}}
{{tree chart| |,|-|^|-|.}}
{{chart | ZiK | | QiK |y| HbH | ZiK='''[[Zuhrah ibn Kilab]]'''<br /> (progenitor of [[Banu Zuhrah]])<br /> maternal great-great-grandfather|QiK='''[[Qusai ibn Kilab]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-great-grandfather|HbH='''[[Hubba bint Hulail]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-great-grandmother}}
{{tree chart| ZiK | | QiK |y| HbH | ZiK='''[[Zuhrah ibn Kilab]]'''<br /> (progenitor of [[Banu Zuhrah]])<br /> maternal great-great-grandfather|QiK='''[[Qusai ibn Kilab]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-great-grandfather|HbH='''[[Hubba bint Hulail]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-great-grandmother}}
{{chart | |!| | | | | |!| }}
{{tree chart| |!| | | | | |!| }}
{{chart | AMZ | | | | AMQ |y| AbM | AMZ='''`[[Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah]]'''<br /> maternal great-grandfather|AMQ='''`[[Abd Manaf ibn Qusai]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-grandfather|AbM='''[[Atikah bint Murrah]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-grandmother}}
{{tree chart| AMZ | | | | AMQ |y| AbM | AMZ='''`[[Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah]]'''<br /> maternal great-grandfather|AMQ='''`[[Abd Manaf ibn Qusai]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-grandfather|AbM='''[[Atikah bint Murrah]]'''<br /> paternal great-great-grandmother}}
{{chart | |!| | | | | | | |!| }}
{{tree chart| |!| | | | | | | |!| }}
{{chart | WiA | | | | | | HiA |y| SbA | WiA='''[[Wahb ibn `Abd Manaf]]'''<br /> maternal grandfather|HiA='''[[Hashim ibn Abd Manaf|Hashim ibn 'Abd Manaf]]'''<br /> (progenitor of [[Banu Hashim]])<br /> paternal great-grandfather|SbA='''[[Salma bint Amr|Salma bint `Amr]]'''<br/> paternal great-grandmother}}
{{tree chart| WiA | | | | | | HiA |y| SbA | WiA='''[[Wahb ibn `Abd Manaf]]'''<br /> maternal grandfather|HiA='''[[Hashim ibn Abd Manaf|Hashim ibn 'Abd Manaf]]'''<br /> (progenitor of [[Banu Hashim]])<br /> paternal great-grandfather|SbA='''[[Salma bint Amr|Salma bint `Amr]]'''<br/> paternal great-grandmother}}
{{chart | |!| | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{tree chart| |!| | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{chart | |!| | | FbA |y|~|~| AuM |~|~|~|~|y| HbW | FbA='''[[Fatimah bint Amr|Fatimah bint `Amr]]'''<br /> paternal grandmother|AuM='''`[[Abdul-Muttalib]]'''<br /> paternal grandfather|HbW=[[Halah bint Wuhayb]]<br /> paternal step-grandmother}}
{{tree chart| |!| | | FbA |y|~|~| AuM |~|~|~|~|y| HbW | FbA='''[[Fatimah bint Amr|Fatimah bint `Amr]]'''<br /> paternal grandmother|AuM='''`[[Abdul-Muttalib]]'''<br /> paternal grandfather|HbW=[[Halah bint Wuhayb]]<br /> paternal step-grandmother}}
{{chart | |!| | | |,|-|+|-|.| |)|-|.| | | |!| }}
{{tree chart| |!| | | |,|-|+|-|.| |)|-|.| | | |!| }}
{{chart | Ami |y| AiA |!| AZi |!| Har | | Ham | | Ami='''[[Aminah]]'''<br /> mother|AiA='''[[Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib|`Abdullah]]'''<br /> father|AZi=[[Az-Zubayr ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib|Az-Zubayr]]<br /> paternal uncle|Har=[[Al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Harith]]<br /> paternal half-uncle|Ham=[[Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib|Hamza]]<br /> paternal half-uncle}}
{{tree chart| Ami |y| AiA |!| AZi |!| Har | | Ham | | Ami='''[[Aminah]]'''<br /> mother|AiA='''[[Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib|`Abdullah]]'''<br /> father|AZi=[[Az-Zubayr ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib|Az-Zubayr]]<br /> paternal uncle|Har=[[Al-Harith ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Harith]]<br /> paternal half-uncle|Ham=[[Hamza ibn Abdul-Muttalib|Hamza]]<br /> paternal half-uncle}}
{{chart | | | |!| | | |`|-|.| |`|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.}}
{{tree chart| | | |!| | | |`|-|.| |`|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.}}
{{chart | Thu |!| Hal | | ATi | | AAi | | ALa | | oth | Thu=[[Thuwaybah]]<br /> first nurse|Hal=[[Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb|Halimah]]<br /> second nurse|ATi=Abu Talib<br /> paternal uncle|AAi=[[Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib|`Abbas]]<br /> paternal half-uncle|ALa=[[Abū Lahab|Abu Lahab]]<br /> paternal half-uncle|oth=''6 other sons<br/>and 6 daughters''}}
{{tree chart| Thu |!| Hal | | ATi | | AAi | | ALa | | oth | Thu=[[Thuwaybah]]<br /> first nurse|Hal=[[Halimah bint Abi Dhuayb|Halimah]]<br /> second nurse|ATi=Abu Talib<br /> paternal uncle|AAi=[[Al-‘Abbas ibn ‘Abd al-Muttalib|`Abbas]]<br /> paternal half-uncle|ALa=[[Abū Lahab|Abu Lahab]]<br /> paternal half-uncle|oth=''6 other sons<br/>and 6 daughters''}}
{{chart | | | |!| | | | | |!| | | |!}}
{{tree chart| | | |!| | | | | |!| | | |!}}
{{chart |F|~| Muh |y| KbK |!| | | AAA | Muh='''Muhammad'''|KbK=[[Khadija bint Khuwaylid|Khadija]]<br /> first wife|AAA=[[Abd Allah ibn Abbas|`Abd Allah ibn `Abbas]]<br /> paternal cousin}}
{{tree chart|F|~| Muh |y| KbK |!| | | AAA | Muh='''Muhammad'''|KbK=[[Khadija bint Khuwaylid|Khadija]]<br /> first wife|AAA=[[Abd Allah ibn Abbas|`Abd Allah ibn `Abbas]]<br /> paternal cousin}}
{{chart |:| | | | |)|.| | |!| | | |,|-|-|v|-|-|-|.}}
{{tree chart|:| | | | |)|.| | |!| | | |,|-|-|v|-|-|-|.}}
{{chart |:|,|-| Fat |t|~| Ali | | |!| | QiM | | AiM | Fat='''[[Fatimah]]'''<br /> daughter|Ali=[[Ali]]<br /> paternal cousin and son-in-law <br />[[Family tree of Ali|family tree]], [[Descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib|descendants]]|QiM='''[[Qasim ibn Muhammad|Qasim]]'''<br /> son|AiM='''[[Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad|`Abd-Allah]]'''<br /> son}}
{{tree chart|:|,|-| Fat |t|~| Ali | | |!| | QiM | | AiM | Fat='''[[Fatimah]]'''<br /> daughter|Ali=[[Ali]]<br /> paternal cousin and son-in-law <br />[[Family tree of Ali|family tree]], [[Descendants of Ali ibn Abi Talib|descendants]]|QiM='''[[Qasim ibn Muhammad|Qasim]]'''<br /> son|AiM='''[[Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad|`Abd-Allah]]'''<br /> son}}
{{chart |:|!| | | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.}}
{{tree chart|:|!| | | | |)|-|-|-|v|-|-|^|-|-|-|-|.}}
{{chart |:|!| | | | ZbM | | RbM |y| UbA |~| UKM | | ZiH | ZbM='''[[Zainab bint Muhammad|Zainab]]'''<br /> daughter|RbM='''[[Ruqayyah bint Muhammad|Ruqayyah]]'''<br /> daughter|UbA=[[Uthman ibn Affan|Uthman]]<br /> second cousin and son-in-law<br/>[[Family tree of Uthman|family tree]]|UKM='''[[Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad|Umm Kulthum]]'''<br /> daughter|ZiH=[[Zayd ibn Harithah|Zayd]]<br /> adopted son}}
{{tree chart|:|!| | | | ZbM | | RbM |y| UbA |~| UKM | | ZiH | ZbM='''[[Zainab bint Muhammad|Zainab]]'''<br /> daughter|RbM='''[[Ruqayyah bint Muhammad|Ruqayyah]]'''<br /> daughter|UbA=[[Uthman ibn Affan|Uthman]]<br /> second cousin and son-in-law<br/>[[Family tree of Uthman|family tree]]|UKM='''[[Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad|Umm Kulthum]]'''<br /> daughter|ZiH=[[Zayd ibn Harithah|Zayd]]<br /> adopted son}}
{{chart |:|!| | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{tree chart|:|!| | |,|-|^|-|.| | | |!| | | | | | | | | |!| }}
{{chart |:|!| | AiZ | | UbZ | | AAU | | | | RbZ |7| UiZ | AiZ='''[[Ali ibn Zainab]]'''<br /> grandson|UbZ='''[[Umamah bint Zainab]]'''<br /> granddaughter|AAU='''`[[Abd-Allah ibn Uthman]]'''<br /> grandson|RbZ=[[Rayhana bint Zayd]]<br /> wife|UiZ=[[Usama ibn Zayd]]<br /> adoptive grandson}}
{{tree chart|:|!| | AiZ | | UbZ | | AAU | | | | RbZ |7| UiZ | AiZ='''[[Ali ibn Zainab]]'''<br /> grandson|UbZ='''[[Umamah bint Zainab]]'''<br /> granddaughter|AAU='''`[[Abd-Allah ibn Uthman]]'''<br /> grandson|RbZ=[[Rayhana bint Zayd]]<br /> wife|UiZ=[[Usama ibn Zayd]]<br /> adoptive grandson}}
{{chart |:|`|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |:| |}}
{{tree chart|:|`|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|v|-|-|-|.| |:| |}}
{{chart |:| MiA | | Has | | Hus | | UKA | | ZbA |D| SbH | MiA='''[[Muhsin ibn Ali]]'''<br /> grandson|Has='''[[Hasan ibn Ali]]'''<br /> grandson|Hus='''[[Husayn ibn Ali]]'''<br /> grandson<br/>[[Family tree of Husayn ibn Ali|family tree]]|UKA='''[[Umm Kulthum bint Ali]]'''<br /> granddaughter|ZbA='''[[Zaynab bint Ali]]'''<br /> granddaughter|SbH=[[Safiyya bint Huyayy|Safiyya]]<br /> tenth wife}}
{{tree chart|:| MiA | | Has | | Hus | | UKA | | ZbA |D| SbH | MiA='''[[Muhsin ibn Ali]]'''<br /> grandson|Has='''[[Hasan ibn Ali]]'''<br /> grandson|Hus='''[[Husayn ibn Ali]]'''<br /> grandson<br/>[[Family tree of Husayn ibn Ali|family tree]]|UKA='''[[Umm Kulthum bint Ali]]'''<br /> granddaughter|ZbA='''[[Zaynab bint Ali]]'''<br /> granddaughter|SbH=[[Safiyya bint Huyayy|Safiyya]]<br /> tenth wife}}
{{chart |D|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|C| |}}
{{tree chart|D|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|V|~|~|~|C| |}}
{{chart |:| AbB |D| SbZ |:| Uma |D| USa |D| JbH |D| MbH | AbB=[[Abu Bakr]] <br /> father-in-law<br />[[Family tree of Abu Bakr|family tree]]|SbZ=[[Sawda bint Zamʿa|Sawda]]<br /> second wife| Uma=[[Umar]]<br /> father-in-law<br/>[[Family tree of Umar|family tree]]|USa=[[Umm Salama]]<br /> sixth wife|JbH=[[Juwayriyya bint al-Harith|Juwayriya]]<br /> eighth wife|MbH=[[Maymuna bint al-Harith|Maymuna]]<br /> eleventh wife}}
{{tree chart|:| AbB |D| SbZ |:| Uma |D| USa |D| JbH |D| MbH | AbB=[[Abu Bakr]] <br /> father-in-law<br />[[Family tree of Abu Bakr|family tree]]|SbZ=[[Sawda bint Zamʿa|Sawda]]<br /> second wife| Uma=[[Umar]]<br /> father-in-law<br/>[[Family tree of Umar|family tree]]|USa=[[Umm Salama]]<br /> sixth wife|JbH=[[Juwayriyya bint al-Harith|Juwayriya]]<br /> eighth wife|MbH=[[Maymuna bint al-Harith|Maymuna]]<br /> eleventh wife}}
{{chart |:| |!| |:| | | |:| |!| |:| | | |:| | | |:| |}}
{{tree chart|:| |!| |:| | | |:| |!| |:| | | |:| | | |:| |}}
{{chart |L| Ais |L| ZbK |L| HbU |L| ZbJ |L| RbA |L| MaQ | Ais=[[Aisha]]<br /> third wife<br />[[Family tree of Abu Bakr|Family tree]]|ZbK=[[Zaynab bint Khuzayma|Zaynab]]<br /> fifth wife|HbU=[[Hafsa bint Umar|Hafsa]]<br /> fourth wife|ZbJ=[[Zaynab bint Jahsh|Zaynab]]<br /> seventh wife|RbA=[[Ramla bint Abi Sufyan|Umm Habiba]]<br /> ninth wife|MaQ=[[Maria al-Qibtiyya]]<br /> wife}}
{{tree chart|L| Ais |L| ZbK |L| HbU |L| ZbJ |L| RbA |L| MaQ | Ais=[[Aisha]]<br /> third wife<br />[[Family tree of Abu Bakr|Family tree]]|ZbK=[[Zaynab bint Khuzayma|Zaynab]]<br /> fifth wife|HbU=[[Hafsa bint Umar|Hafsa]]<br /> fourth wife|ZbJ=[[Zaynab bint Jahsh|Zaynab]]<br /> seventh wife|RbA=[[Ramla bint Abi Sufyan|Umm Habiba]]<br /> ninth wife|MaQ=[[Maria al-Qibtiyya]]<br /> wife}}
{{chart | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!|}}
{{tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |!|}}
{{chart | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | IiM |IiM='''[[Ibrahim ibn Muhammad|Ibrahim]]'''<br /> son}}
{{tree chart| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | IiM |IiM='''[[Ibrahim ibn Muhammad|Ibrahim]]'''<br /> son}}
{{chart/end}}
{{tree chart/end}}
* * indicates that the marriage order is disputed
* * indicates that the marriage order is disputed
* Note that direct lineage is marked in '''bold'''.
* Note that direct lineage is marked in '''bold'''.
Line 136: Line 139:
* [[Shi'a view of Ali]]
* [[Shi'a view of Ali]]
* [[Banu Hashim]]
* [[Banu Hashim]]
* [[Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf]]


==References==
==References==

Latest revision as of 02:26, 17 March 2026


Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib
أَبُو طَالِب بن عَبْد ٱلْمُطَّلِب
Islamic miniature of Abu Talib (top-middle, blue robes), Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (green robes next to him) and other Quraysh leaders questioning Muhammad about Isra' and Mi'raj
Chief of Banu Hashim clan of Quraysh
In office
c. 578 – 619 CE
Preceded byAbd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim
Succeeded byAbu Lahab
Personal details
Born
'Imran (عِمْرَان) or
'Abd Manaf (عَبْد مَنَاف)[1]

c. 535 CE
Mecca, Hijaz
(present-day Saudi Arabia)
Diedc. 619(619-00-00) (aged 83–84)
Mecca, Hijaz
Resting placeJannat al-Mu'alla Mecca
Spouse(s)Fatima bint Asad
Relations
Children
Parents

Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.; c. 535 – 619) was the leader of Banu Hashim, a clan of the Qurayshi tribe of Mecca in the Hejazi region of the Arabian Peninsula. As he was the brother of Abdullah, the father of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad,[2] he was the Islamic Prophet Muhammad's uncle and father of Ali. After the death of his father Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, he inherited this position as tribal chieftain, and the offices of Siqaya and Rifada.[3] He was well-respected in Mecca.[4]

According to the majority of Sunni scholars, Abu Talib did not accept Islam before his death.[5] However, Shia scholars maintain that Abu Talib was a devout believer who concealed his faith to protect Prophet Muhammad.[6][7]

Early life[edit | edit source]

Abu Talib was born in the city of Mecca in the Hijaz region in 535 CE. He was the son of the Hashimite chief, Abd al-Muttalib, and a brother of Muhammad's father, Abdullah, who had died before Muhammad's birth. After the death of Muhammad's mother Aminah bint Wahab, Muhammad, a child still, was taken into the care of his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib. When Muhammad reached eight years of age, Abd al-Muttalib died. One of Muhammad's uncles was to take him in. The oldest, Al-Harith was not wealthy enough to accept guardianship for his nephew. Abu Talib, despite his poverty, took in Muhammad in an act of selfless generosity.[8]

Although Abu Talib was responsible for providing Siqaya and Rifada (Food and Beverages) for Hajj pilgrims, he lived in poverty. In order to fulfill his obligations towards the pilgrims, he had to borrow money from his brother Abbas, which he failed to return, thus being forced to let Abbas take over the duty. Nevertheless, his social position did not take any harm from this failure.[9]

Muhammad loved his uncle, and Abu Talib loved him in return.[10] Abu Talib is remembered as a gifted poet, and many poetic verses in support of Muhammad are attributed to him.[3][11] Once, as Abu Talib was about to leave for a trading expedition, Muhammad wept and could not bear being separated from him. To this Abu Talib responded, "By God I will take him with me, and we shall never part from each other."[12]

Later in life, as an adult, Muhammad saw that Abu Talib was struggling financially after a severe drought. Muhammad decided to take charge of one of Abu Talib's children and he convinced Al-'Abbas to do the same. They discussed this matter with Abū Ṭālib, who asked that his favorite child 'Aqīl be left with him. Al-'Abbās chose Ja'far, and Muhammad chose 'Alī.[13][14][15][16]

Protecting Muhammad[edit | edit source]

In tribal society, a tribal affiliation is important, otherwise a man can be killed with impunity.[17] As the leader of the Banu Hashim, Abu Talib acted as a protector to Muhammad. After Muhammad began preaching the message of Islam, members of the other Qurayshite clans increasingly came to feel threatened by Muḥammad. In attempts to quiet him, they pressured Abū Ṭālib to silence his nephew or control him. Despite these pressures, Abu Talib maintained his support of Muḥammad, defending him from the other leaders of the Quraysh. Leaders of the Quraysh directly confronted Abu Talib several times. Abu Talib brushed them off and continued to support Muhammad even when it put a rift between him and the Quraysh. In one account, the Quraysh even threatened to fight the Banu Hashim over this conflict.[18] In a particular narration of one such confrontation, Abu Talib summoned Muhammad to speak with the Quraysh. Muhammad asked the Quraysh leaders to say the shahada and they were astounded.[19]

The Quraysh even tried to bribe Abu Talib. They told Abu Talib that if he let them get hold of Muhammad, then he could adopt 'Umarah ibn al Walid ibn al Mughirah, the most handsome youth in Quraysh.[18][20][21] When this also failed, the Quraysh elicited the support of other tribes to boycott trading with or marrying members of the Banu Hashim lineage. This boycott started seven years after Muhammad first received revelation and lasted for three years.[3] The goal was to put pressure on the Hashimites and even starve them into submission.[22] For the sake of security, many members of the Banu Hashim moved near to Abu Talib, and the place became like a ghetto.[22] This didn't cause undue hardship[23] because many had family members in other tribes that would smuggle goods to them.[22] Abu Talib's brother, Abu Lahab, sided with the Quraysh on this issue; he moved to a house in the district of Abd Shams to demonstrate support for the Quraysh.[22][24] He thought Muhammad was either mad or an impostor.[25]

Protecting Muhammad put considerable pressure on Abu Talib and the Banu Hashim. In one instance Abu Talib exclaimed to Muhammad, "Save me and yourself, and do not put a greater burden on me than I cannot bear." Muhammad responded, "Oh uncle! By God Almighty I swear, even if they should put the sun in my right hand and the moon in my left that I abjure this cause, I shall not do so until God has vindicated it or caused me to perish in the process."[26] Seeing his nephew's emotion, Abu Talib responded, "Go, nephew, and say what you like. By God, I will never hand you over for any reason."[27]

Death[edit | edit source]

Islamic miniature depicting Muhammad trying to convert the dying Abu Talib on his deathbed, to Muhammad's left sits Ali

Abū Ṭālib died around 619 CE, at more than 80 years of age, about 10 years after the start of Muhammad's mission.[3] This year is known as the Year of Sorrow for Muhammad, because not only did his uncle Abu Talib die, but also his wife Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, within a month of Abu Talib.

After Abu Talib's death, Muhammad was left unprotected. Abu Talib's brother and successor as the chief of the family, that is Abu Lahab, did not protect him, as he was an enemy of Muhammad, so Muhammad and his followers faced incredible persecution. Muhammad is quoted as exclaiming, "By God, Quraysh never harmed me so much as after the death of Abu Talib."[28][29] The early Muslims relocated to Abyssinia and then to Medina in order to escape persecution by the Quraysh.

Views of different sects[edit | edit source]

The memory of Abu Talib is influenced by political aims of the Sunni and Shia Muslims.[30]

Sunni[edit | edit source]

It is reported in Sunni Islam that the Quranic verse 28:56 ("O Prophet! Verily, you guide not whom you like, but Allah guides whom He will") was revealed concerning Abu Talib's embrace of Islam at the hands of his nephew.[31][32] During the time of Prophethood, the Prophet Muhammad took all possible measures to protect himself from the tribe. He was called a person of Hell for not accepting Islam in Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum, where it is said that Muhammad said that he would be placed in the depths of Hellfire because of his association with him and his support for him, or he would have been plunged into the abyss of Hell.[33]

Family[edit | edit source]

Abu Talib & Fatima bint Asad

Abu Talib was married to Fatima bint Asad. They had four sons:

and three daughters:

Education of his children[edit | edit source]

Family tree[edit | edit source]


  • * indicates that the marriage order is disputed
  • Note that direct lineage is marked in bold.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Abu-Talib a.s The Greatest Guardian of Islam". duas.org. Archived from the original on 17 December 2013. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Ibn Sa'd, Al-Tabaqat al-Kobra, Vol. 1, P. 93
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 Rubin, Uri (2013). Fleet, Kate; Krämer, Gudrun; Matringe, Denis; Nawas, John; Rowson, Everett (eds.). Encyclopaedia of Islam, THREE. Brill Online. ISSN 1873-9830.
  4. ↑ Armstrong, Karen (1992). Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. San Francisco: Harper Collins. p. 77.
  5. ↑ Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk, vol. 2, p. 443.
  6. ↑ Al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad, trans. I.K.A. Howard (Tehran: World Organization for Islamic Services, 1981), vol. 1, pp. 28–30.
  7. ↑ W. Madelung, "Abu Ṭāleb," Encyclopaedia Iranica, Vol. I, Fasc. 4, 1983, pp. 371–372.
  8. ↑ Haykal, Muhammad Husayn (1976). The Life of Muhammad. North American Trust Publications. p. 54.
  9. ↑ Abdullah Al Khunayzi (4 June 2015), "The Route of Life", Abu Talib, the Faithful of Quraysh
  10. ↑ Rubin, Uri (1995). The Eye of the Beholder. Princeton, New Jersey: Darwin Press, Inc. p. 93.
  11. ↑ Lings, Martin (2006). Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions. p. 33.
  12. ↑ The History of al-Tabari. Albany: State University of New York Press. 1988. p. 44.
  13. ↑ Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah, Vol. I, p.162.
  14. ↑ Tārīkh Al-Tabarī (vol 2 p.63), Tārīkh ibn Al-Athīr (vol 2 p.24), Musnad of Aḥmed ibn Ḥanbal (vol 1 p.159), Al-Sīrat al-Nabawīyah by ibn Kathīr (vol 1 p.457-459).
  15. ↑ Sunan al-Tirmidhī (vol 2 p.301), Al-Ṭabaqāt Al-Kubrā - ibn Sa'd (vol 3 p.12), Usd Al-Ghābah (vol 4 p.17), Kanz al-'Ummāl (vol 6 p.400), Tārīkh Al-Ṭabarī (vol 2 p.55), Tārīkh Baghdād (vol 2 p.18)
  16. ↑ Armstrong, Karen (1993). Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. San Francisco: Harper Collins. p. 81.
  17. ↑ Armstrong, Karen (2000). Islam: A Short History. New York: Modern Library. p. 13.
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 Rubin, Uri (1995). The Eye of the Beholder. Princeton, New Jersey: Darwin Press, Inc. p. 150.
  19. ↑ The History of al-Tabari. New York: State University Press. 1985. p. 95.
  20. ↑ The History of al-Tabari. New York: State University Press. 1985. p. 97.
  21. ↑ Haykal, Muhammad Husayn (1976). The Life of Muhammad. North American Trust Publications. p. 88.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 22.2 22.3 Armstrong, Karen (1993). Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. San Francisco: Harper Collins. p. 129.
  23. ↑ The History of al-Tabari. New York: State University Press. 1985. p. xliv.
  24. ↑ Lings, Martin (2006). Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions. p. 90.
  25. ↑ Lings, Martin (2006). Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources. Rochester, Vermont: Inner Traditions. p. 52.
  26. ↑ Haykal, Muhammad Husayn (1976). The Life of Muhammad. North American Trust Publications. p. 89.
  27. ↑ The History of al-Tabari. New York: State University Press. 1985. p. 96.
  28. ↑ Haykal, Muhammad Husayn (1976). The Life of Muhammad. North American Trust Publications. p. 136.
  29. ↑ Armstrong, Karen (1993). Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet. San Francisco: Harper Collins. p. 135.
  30. ↑ Rubin, Uri (1995). The Eye of the Beholder. Princeton, New Jersey: Darwin Press, Inc. p. 149.
  31. ↑ Diane Morgan (2010). Essential Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice. ABC-CLIO. p. 114. ISBN 9780313360251.
  32. ↑ Muhammad Saed Abdul-Rahman (2009). The Meaning and Explanation of the Glorious Qur'an (Vol 7). MSA Publication Limited. p. 202. ISBN 9781861796615.
  33. ↑ Agreed upon Al-Bukhari No. 3883 and Muslim No. 209
  34. ↑ Muhammad ibn Saad. Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Tabir. Translated by Haq, S. M. (1967). Ibn Sa'd's Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Vol. I Parts I & II, pp. 135-136. Delhi: Kitab Bhavan.
  35. ↑ Muhammad ibn Saad. Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Tabir, vol. 8. Translated by Bewley, A. (1995). The Women of Madina, p. 35. London: Ta-Ha Publishers.
Preceded by
Zubayr ibn 'Abd al-Muṭṭalib 		Head of Banū Hāshim
?–619 		Succeeded by
Abū Lahab
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