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Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib

Leader of Banu Hashim clan (c. 535 – 619)

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Through Muhammad, Mecca and Islam

Abu Talib remained loyal to his kinsman Muhammad and protected him from his enemies. His religious status at death is disputed between Sunni and Shia traditions. According to the majority of Sunni scholars, he did not accept Islam before his death. Shia scholars, by contrast, maintain that he was a devout believer who concealed his faith in order to protect Muhammad. His son Ali, who was raised by Muhammad, later became the family member who brought particular fame to Abu Talib's name.

Early life

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.

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.

Muhammad loved his uncle, and Abu Talib loved him in return. Abu Talib is remembered as a gifted poet, and many poetic verses in support of Muhammad are attributed to him. 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."

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.

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