Ziyarat Hz. Abu-Talib (a.s.)

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا سَيِّدَ الْبَطْحَآءِ وَابْنَ رَئِيْسِهَا

assalaamu alayka ya sayeedul bathaae wabna raisiha.

Peace be on you , O the leader of Mecca and the son of its chief

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ الْكَعْبَةِ بَعْدَ تَاْسِيْسِهَا

assalaamu alayka ya waresal kaabate baada taasisiha…

Peace be on you, O the inheritor of the Holy Ka’bah after its foundation ….

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا كَافِلَ رَسُوْلِ اللهِ

assalamu alayka yakafila rasulillah,

Peace be on you, O the guardian of the Apostle of Allah

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حَافِظَ دِيْنِ اللهِ

assalamu alayka ya hafiza dinillah.

Peace be on you, O the protector of the religion of Allah

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا عَمَّ الْمُصْطَفٰى

assalaamu alayka ya ammal mustafa. ..

Peace be on you, O the uncle of Al-Mustafa

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا اَبَا الْمُرْتَضٰى

assalaamu alyaka ya abal murtaza.

Peace be on you, O the father of Al–Murtaza…

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَالِدَ الْاَئِمَّةِ الْهُدٰى كَفَاكَ بِمَا اَوْلاَكَ اللهُ شَرَفًا وَّ نَسَبًا وَّ حَسْبُكَ بِمَا اَعْطَاكَ اللهُ عِزًّا وَّ حَسَبًا

assalaamu alayka ya walidal aimaatil huda, kafaaka bimaa awlaakallahu sharafan wa nasaban wa hasbuka bimaa aataakallahu izzan wa hasaba.

Peace be on you , O the father of the guiding leaders Sufficient for you is the nobility and lineage which Allah has rendered you and enough for you is the honour and esteem that He has granted you

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا شَرَفَ الْوُجُوْدِ

assalamu alayka ya sharafal wujud.

Peace be on you, O the one noble of existence..

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَ لِىَّ الْمَعْبُوْدِ

assalamu alayka ya …harisannabiyyil maw-ud

Peace be on you, O the friend of worshipped one

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حَارِسَ النَّبِىِّ الْمَوْعُوْدِ

assalamu alayka ya waliyyal maabud.

Peace be on you, O the protector of the Promised Prophet..

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا مَنْ رُزِقَ وَلَدٌ هُوَ خَيْرُ مَوْلُوْدٍ

assalamu alayka yaman ruziqa waladan huwa khairu mawluud.

Peace be on you, O the one who was granted a son, who is the best of the new-born ones

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا مَنْ خُصِّصَ بِالْوَلَدِ الزَّكِىِّ الطَّاهِرِ الْمُطَهَّرِ الْعَلِىٍّ اشْتُقَّ اسْمُهُ مِنَ الْعَلِىِّ

assalaamu alyka yaman khussisa bil walidiz-zakiyattahiril mutahharil aliye.aliyun ushtuka ismuhu minal aliye

Peace be on you, O the one who was designated for a chaste, pure, purified and lofty son (Ali) whose name is derived from that of Allah’s (Ali)

هَنِيْئًا لَّكَ ثُمَّ هَنِيْئًا لَّكَ مِنْ وَّلَدٍ هُوَ الْمُرْتَضٰى مِنْ رَسُوْلٍ وَّ اَخُ الرَّسُوْلِ وَ زَوْجُ الْبَتُوْلِ وَ سَيْفُ اللهِ الْمَسْلُوْلُ

hanian laka summa min waladin huwal murtaza min rusulin wa akhsaruli wa zawjul batul wasaifullahi maslul,

Congratulations be to you for your son who is the satisfied one of the Apostles, the brother of the Apostle, the husband of Batool (Lady-Fatemah) and the ever drawnsword of Allah. <

هَنِيْئًا لَّكَ ثُمَّ هَنِيْئًا لَّكَ مِنْ وَّلَدٍ هُوَ مِنْ مُّحَمَّدٍ الْمُصْطَفٰى بِمَنْزِلَةِ هَارُوْنَ مِنْ مُوْسٰى

hanian laka summa hanian min waladin huwa min muhammadinil mustafa bi mazilayi harun bin musa,

Again congratulations be to you for your son whose position with Mohammad al-Mustafa is like the one with Hazrat Horroon had with Hazrat Moosa

هَنِيْئًا لَّكَ مِنْ وَّلَدٍ هُوَ شَرِيْكُ النُّبُوَّةِ وَ الْمَخْصُوْصُ بِا لْاُخُوَّةِ وَ كَاشِفُ الْغُمَّةِ وَ اِمَامُ الْاُمَّةِ وَ اَبُوْ الْاَئِمَّةِ

hanian laka min waladin huwa sharikun nabuwwati was makhsusu bil ukhuwwah, wa kaashiful ghummaha wa imamul ummah, wa abul aimmah

Congratulations be to you for your son who is a partner in prophethood. The chosen one for brotherhood (with the Holy Prophet). The removal of sorrow, the leader ofthe nation and the father of the Imams.

هَنِيْئًا لَّكَ مِنْ وَّ لَدٍ هُوَ قَسِيْمُ الْجَنَّةِ وَ النَّارِ وَ نِعْمَةُ اللهِ عَلَى الْاَبْرَارِ وَ نَقِمَةُ اللهِ عَلَى الْفُجَّارِ

hanian laka min waladin huwa qasimul jannati wannar, wa niamatullahi alal abrar, wa nikmatullahi alal fujjar.

Congratulations be to you, for your son who is the distributor of Paradise and Hell, the Bounty of Allah upon the righteous and His Wrath upon the debauchers

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ وَ عَلَيْهِ وَ عَلَيْهِمْ اَجْمَعِيْنَ وَ رَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَ بَرَكَاتُهُ

assalaamu alyk wa alaihi wa alaihim warahmatullahi wa barakatuh

Peace be on you and on him and on them all (Imams) and the Mercy of Allah and His Blessings….

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Hadhrat Abu Talib b. Abdul Muttalib by Kamal al-Syed

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.

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 12 May 2009 10:02 )

If Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and his son (Ali (a.s.)) had not been there, Islam would not have been established and would never have gained so much popularity and acceptance among the people. Without doubt, Abu Talib (a.s.) was the refuge of Islam. He supported it and his son (Ali (a.s.)) fought in the wars of Medina, endangering his own life to rescue Islam and the Muslims from certain destruction.(Tahzeebul Mateen vol. 1 pg. 13)

Before he passed away, Hazrat Abdul Mutalib (a.s.) handed over the responsibilities of building of Mecca, safekeeping of the Holy Kaaba, all family affairs, lineage responsibilities, along with the scared task of the upbringing the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to his son Abu Talib (a.s.), who was elder to Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.). He had a unique remarkable honor which none of his other II brothers could have. It was because of Abu Talib's (a.s.) good fortune, that apart from his ancestral services and prestige, he also inherited from sons of Ismail

(a.s.) high status and courage. This great service (of raising the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) was not less critical than taking care of the pilgrims. Supervising the Kaaba was also added to his responsibilities. Another fact that highlights Abu Talib's (a.s.) superiority is that he and Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.) were born to the same mother Janabe Fatema b. Umru b. Aaez b. Imran b. Makhzum (s.a.).

Abu Talib (a.s.) was very fond of his younger brother Hazrat Abduallah (a.s.). At the time when the draw was taken for sacrificing Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.) and Hazrat Abdul Mutalib (a.s.) was obliged to fulfill his pledge to Allah, it was Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) who along with his brothers went to Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) and pleaded with him to release Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.). Lots were drawn thrice and the name of Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.) appeared on all three occasions and Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) pleaded for Hazrat Abdullah's (a.s.) life and rescued him from the knife every time.(Tarikh-e-Tabari vol. 4 pg. 303)

According to some historians, Hazrat Abu Talib's (a.s.) name was Abdul Manaf, while some others have recorded it as - Imran. But it is a custom among the Arabs to refer a person by his agnomen, rather than his real name. In Seeratul Nabuwwah by Allamah Sayyed Ahmed he relates-

'Abu Talib (a.s.) was amongst those who regarded wine as prohibited even in the period of ignorance just like his father Abdul Muttalib (a.s.).'

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was born in (approximately) 526 A. D. - 35 years prior to Aamul Feel (Year of Elephant). At the age of 43 years, he gained his ancestral power and status. In Arabia he was remembered with the esteemed title - Bayzatul Balad (Light of City), Shaikh-ul- Qoreish and Raeesul Makkah (Chief of Mecca). Raising the divine trust (i.e. Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) under his guardianship was undoubtedly a thing of prestige and joy for Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). However discharging this responsibility was a very critical task, which required ethics, beliefs and faith of the highest order. A normal person could never fulfill this responsibility. Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) undertook this responsibility of safeguarding the Prophet(s.a.w.s.) He not only brought into service his honesty, affection and forbearance to fulfill the responsibility, but apart from these qualities he also put his precious life in danger.

Ibn Hajar in his book writes 'When Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) expired he wrote in his last will to Abu Talib (a.s.) to raise the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Hence Abu Talib (a.s.) nurtured him (s.a.w.s.) with a lot of love and affection, not even raising his own son Ali (a.s.) in the same manner. Thus Abu Talib (a.s.) fulfilled the will of his father by upbringing the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He took the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in his journey to Syria. By this time the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) had matured into a youth. When he (s.a.w.s.) proclaimed prophethood, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) stood up to help and support him. And the infidels who turned against the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) also turned against him. He praised the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) excessively. Among these odes is his complete poetry, which he recited when there was a famine and raindrops fell by the blessings of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.).

"Prophet Mustafa (s.a.w.s.) is extremely beautiful has an enlighten face. Because of you (Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)) it rains and you are the one who reaches to the places of orphans and are a supporter for widows."

He used to protect this orphan to such an extent that wherever he would stay, he would keep Prophet (s.a.w.s.) also, wherever he used to eat, he offered the same to Prophet (s.a.w.s.), wherever he slept he made him (Prophet (s.a.w.s.)) also sleep there. Wherever he went, he took the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) along.

Ali b. Burhanuddeen Shafei in his book 'Insanul Oyoon' has described the benevolence of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) towards the Prophet(s.a.w.s.) in this manner:

'Every night Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) would ask the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) to go off to bed, and when everybody was asleep, Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) would make any one of his sons or brothers or cousins to sleep on his (s.a.w.s.) bed so that people who intended to attack the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) could not do so.'

It was during this period that the unbelievers of Mecca tried to trouble the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in various ways. All sorts of difficulties and tortures were inflicted upon him. The infidels hatched plots to prevent propagation and spread of Islam. Thinking Abu Talib (a.s.) to be old, they threatened him with their plots, but this could neither stop his endeavors nor did it affect his steadfastness.

We have mentioned two incidents to highlight this fact:

It is indeed an indication of ignorance and thoughtlessness to search for a motive behind the love and affection of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) for the orphan of Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.). Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.) had expired, Janabe Aamena (s.a.) had also passed away and Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) was also no more. Who else were there with the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)? Indeed his father was Abu Talib (a.s.), mother Janabe Fatema binte Asad (a.s.) - mother of Ali (a.s.). In addition to his relation with the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), Abu Talib (a.s.) was even more determined to protect him (s.a.w.s.) after the numerous prophecies about his (s.a.w.s.) advent. When the Quraish were sure that Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) would continue to support the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and would never give up, they brought a young poet, who was very wealthy and beautiful and presented him to Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). They told him to take the poet as his son as he would be a good support for him in his old age. In exchange they wanted Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) to surrender the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), for he had created discord among the Quraish and had rendered their intellectuals as unworthy and foolish.

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) replied, 'has it occurred to you that anybody would surrender his dear one so that he may be killed and take up the young one of another'? (Tabari vol. 4 pg. 584)

Once the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was in the presence of Abu Talib (a.s.) preaching to his followers. The apostates of Quraish who determined to destroy the divine message of Islam approached Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and started teasing him. When they could not disturb his determination, they demanded from him, 'Surrender Muhammed (s.a.w.s.) to us right now!' Abu Talib (a.s.) gave a reply that touched even the stone-hearted Quraish. He said, 'If a she-camel could surrender its young one to somebody else, then I also will hand over Muhammed(s.a.w.s.) to you.' (Minhajun Nabuwwah Muhaddise Dehalvi vol. 2 pg. 77)

Abu Talib's (a.s.) steadfastness and dedication in the upbringing of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) is indeed matchless. The Quraish were hostile towards the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), and Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the leader of the Quraish. His own tribe (i.e. Quraish) had turned against him and had framed such rules and regulations that did not even allow him access to buy basic necessities like bread. In such a situation if Abu Talib (a.s.) had revealed his intentions, the corrupt Quraish wouldn't have allowed him to move out of Mecca.

The Meccans of that period had not only forsaken Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) but had also forsaken Allah completely and worshipped idols.

The God of Bani Kulaib was Dudd, whereas Bani Huzail worshipped Sawaa, Bani Mazhaj worshipped Yaghoos, Zul Kala worshipped Nasr and Hamdaan worshipped Ya'ooq. Every tribe had its independent deity. These gods were worshipped in all the houses. Among these tribes, Bani Hashim stood out as it did not worship any man-made deity. Ironically the destroyer of all these false gods was the one being raised by Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). Then how could they live in harmony with Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.)? For this reason they threatened Abu Talib (a.s.) and tried to disturb his determination and dedication.

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was threatened with swords and pelted with stones but he kept Allah's trust close to himself and did not part with it. Indeed we should give Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) his rightful due by acknowledging his untiring effort, resolve, devotion and selflessness in protecting the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Indeed his effort is not lesser than any other helper of Islam. He was dealing with the Quraish for whom taking a life was very easy. At that time, what was the obstacle that prevented the Quraish from assassinating the Prophet (s.a.w.s.)? There were neither any Mohajir nor Ansar to protect the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). There was only Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and a few members of Bani Hashim. Even amongst the Bani Hashim there was Abu Lahab who was dead against the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) till his final breath. There was Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) who used to console the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in his loneliness and caressed him with his affectionate hand. It was only his invaluable existence, steadfastness and forbearance that prevented the infidels of Mecca from succeeding in their evil intentions. Whenever he faced any affliction he was found to be the pinnacle of patience and reposed his hope only in Allah and awaited His blessings only. Indeed without him the Prophet's(s.a.w.s.) safety and security was impossible.

Once the Quraish came up to Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and started complaining about the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). However, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) did not respond to their criticism and after they departed, he narrated everything to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.). The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) thought that his uncle Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was fearful of the Quraish and wants to stop him (the Prophet) from guiding them. Looking at the grief of his nephew (s.a.w.s.), Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) himself became sorrowful. He held the hand of his beloved nephew (s.a.w.s.) for a while and finally said, 'I do not wish to stop you from continuing your mission of guidance. You can continue propagation and complete what you have been delegated by Allah to complete and until such a time that I am alive, no enemy can dare touch you or scare you with his threats.' Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) recited a couplet, the translation of which is given below. 'I swear by the Almighty, your enemy cannot even glance at you until I am buried beneath the soil. You reveal your message and don't fear, may your eyes be soothed with your works.' (Tabari, Vol. 4, p. 301)

On the same lines an incident has been narrated by Allamah Qartabi in his book 'Aa'laam' describing the devotion and dedication of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). He states, 'One day the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) proceeded towards the Kaaba and began praying there. Abu Jahl (l.a.) exclaimed, 'Is there anyone who can render his (s.a.w.s.) namaz useless?' At this invitation Abdullah b. Zabari rose and applied horse dung and blood on the Prophet's (s.a.w.s.) blessed face. The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) abandoned his prayers, went to Abu Talib (a.s.) and said, 'O uncle, don't you see what treatment is being meted out to me?' Abu Talib(a.s.) asked, 'Who was the one who has insulted you in this manner?'

The Prophet (s.a.w.s.) replied, 'Abdullah b. Zabari' Abu Talib (a.s.) stood up enraged, slung his sword across his shoulder and went to the Quraysh. When they saw him they all got up to run away. Abu Talib(a.s.) said, 'By Allah, if anybody dares to get up, I will kill him with my sword.' Then he turned to the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and asked him, 'O my son who has insulted you?' He (s.a.w.s.) pointed towards Abdullah b. Zabari. Abu Talib (a.s.) applied horse dung and blood on his face, beard and clothes.

The Quraish finally realised they could not halt the Prophet's(s.a.w.s.) progress regardless of their efforts and they could not end Hazrat Abu Talib's (a.s.) affection and devotion towards the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), as Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) did not care for their threats.

So they planned a new strategy. They gathered the chieftains and well- wishers of Quraish and began devising new ways of tormenting both Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). Finally they arrived at these measures:

1. Bani Hashim should be made to leave Mecca.

2. All relations and connections (social and financial) should be severed from them. Nothing should be sold to them neither should any commodity be purchased from them.

3. They should not be allowed to meet anybody neither should anyone go to them.

4. Nobody should give a marriage proposal to Bani Hashim, nor should they accept any proposal from them.

5. Nobody should talk to any member of Bani Hashim.

A charter incorporating the above measures was prepared and it was signed by all the renowned and prominent personalities of Mecca. It was hung on the wall of Kaaba so that it would not escape the sight of the people and even travellers passing through would read it and refrain from maintaining any contacts with Bani Hashim. The firm determination of Abu Talib (a.s.) and his steadfastness in protecting and nurturing the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) made him bear even the toughest and most difficult afflictions with contentment and satisfaction.

Finally Abu Talib (a.s.) decided that the Quraishi persecution was too much and decided to leave Mecca. He collected all members of Bani Hashim excepting Abu Lahab. They decided to dwell in a new place away from Mecca, which happened to be a valley. Later this place became famous as Sheb-e-Abi Talib (a.s.), which is present to this day outside Mecca. This place of exile was a very constricted place with a narrow exit from where only one person could pass at a time. The place resembled a prison where only a small window exists for sunlight and air. In such a miserable condition, Abu Talib (a.s.) and his dear ones lived in loneliness for 3 years, wherein Abu Talib (a.s.) couldn't go to anybody nor could anybody meet him. He did not have anything to eat or drink nor did he have anyone to comfort him in his distress. The only encouragement that the residents of the valley had was divine motivation and support, which helped them withstand the most difficult of circumstances. The merciless Quraish not only banished Abu Talib(a.s.) but his entire family from their surroundings. This stone- hearted tribe, which previously considered Abu Talib (a.s.) to be their leader and chieftain turned against him just because he assisted the prophet (s.a.w.s.) in his (s.a.w.s.) mission. In the light of these tortures, if the Quraysh were like Firaun, then Bani Hashim were like Bani Israel or if the Quraish are considered to be like Bakhtun Nasr then Bani Hashim are like the inhabitants of Baitul Muqaddas.(Tabari, Vol. 4, p. 382)

By these incidents we wish to highlight the point that despite such unbearable afflictions and persecution, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) did not turn his face away from protecting Islam and the Prophet(s.a.w.s.) and never flinched from assisting them. There was no decrease in his mercy and affection. The attacks of the Quraish on the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) were also targeted at Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). The harassment that the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.) had to undergo, were also heaped on Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.). But this did not affect his forbearance nor did it make any dent in his determination. Undoubtedly Abu Talib (a.s.) through his beneficial services fulfilled the will of Abdul Muttalib (a.s.) in the best possible manner. He ensured that his sons looked after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and helped him in his mission. In those trying times, the task of protecting the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was considered impossible for anybody except Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) as nobody had the willpower and determination like that of Abu Talib (a.s.).

The means adopted by Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) for the protection and safety of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) were very successful. We can attribute this achievement to the blessings of the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s.). Of course, Abu Talib's (a.s.) leadership qualities also helped in spreading Islam. Right from the very beginning, Islam was under the care and supervision of a sympathiser who nourished it and raised it without any feeling of fear and greed. His devotion was not tainted by selfish motives or personal benefits. Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) devoted his entire life in protecting and serving the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.). The words of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) - 'Till the time I breath from my nostrils, nobody can dare to harm you' was justified from all aspects. Speaking evil of the Prophet (God Forbid) was a common practice in Mecca. Vulgar poems were recited openly in markets and common gatherings in Mecca. The oppressed Prophet(s.a.w.s.) did not have anyone on his side to punish these offenders.

Abu Talib (a.s.) undertook this responsibility all by himself and composed couplets and poetries in praise of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and gave a fitting reply to the Quraish. From these gems of poetic verses, we have mentioned below an excerpt.

'You are so prominent and preferred that Allah, the Almighty, has derived your blessed name from His own name. He is praised in the heavens, whereas you are the praiseworthy one on this earth.'

During the Islamic era when this couplet reached Hassan b. Thabit, he was excited by its reflective thinking and elegant content. He then added his own verses to the existing couplet: 'Have you not seen that the Glorified Almighty has raised his creature (s.a.w.s.) for making him (s.a.w.s.) high and exalted and gave him (s.a.w.s.) this sign. He derived his (s.a.w.s.) name from His own name. He was praised in the sky and he (s.a.w.s.) was praiseworthy on the earth.'

Another renowned poetry of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) recorded by Muhammad b. Ishaaq (author of Seeratun Nabuwwat) is more than 80 couplets long. This was composed when Mecca was under a severe famine.

The traders were hopeless of their businesses and farmers were also hopeless of their agricultural output. So the Meccans came to Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) for invoking rain. Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) brought the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) along with him to the Kaaba. The Prophet(s.a.w.s.) invoked Allah and with his (s.a.w.s.) invocation it rained heavily. Parched fields turned green with vegetation. We have given below an excerpt from the poetry highlighting this incident:

'There is none for the remembrance of Allah and circumbulation of Kaaba except Bani Hashim and they were in all circumstances benefiting from this greatness. By Allah! We will neither abandon Muhammad(s.a.w.s.) nor will we hand him over to anybody. We will not leave our children and women and spears have not clashed and nor have arrows rained down and we are not covered in dust.'

'O Muhammad! Looking at your luminous face, raindrops fall. Your merciful existence is a refuge for the helpless orphan and a protection for the modesty and chastity of widows.'

Apart from this, there is another poetry of Abu Talib (a.s.) praising the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), describing the virtues and excellence of Islam and proclaiming it to be the best religion. The following are the excerpts of this poetry:

'O Muhammad! You invited me towards Islam and I came to know that you are honest in your claim and whatever you said was the truth and I was the trust for that and I also came to know that the religion of Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) was better than all religious of the world.'

Efforts of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) in the propagation of Islam and its establishment were not silent and discreet. Rather it was evident to all. He wished from the depth of his heart that everybody should follow Islam and accept it sincerely. Once Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) saw the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) praying in the confinement of the valley. At that time Islam had not become so popular that the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) could openly announce the commencement of namaz. Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was observing them.

When they had finished he called his son - Ali-e-Murtuza (a.s.) and told him (a.s.), 'Be even more active and vigorous in protecting your brother (Muhammad (s.a.w.s.)). He is your well-wisher and does not wish you harm. Go, may Allah protect both of you.'

Similarly once Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) went to meet the Prophet(s.a.w.s.) along with his son - Jafar (a.s.). They witnessed both the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and Ali (a.s.) engaged in namaz. Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) turned towards Jafar (a.s.) and said, 'Why don't you join the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) also and protect him (s.a.w.s.) from the other side just like Ali (a.s.)?'(Kamil - Ibne Asir, pg. 43)

In this way Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) tried his best to strengthen the arms of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) in every possible manner and did not compromise on this aspect. In this manner he fulfilled the will of his father Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.). He attached himself to the Wilayat of the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and lived up to his claim - Till there is breath in my nostrils no one can harm you. In fact in his effort to safeguard the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s.) he gave up his life. In his life, we only witness the service of Islam and nothing else. Initially he was involved in trading. But later with the oppression of the Quraish, he did not want to leave the Prophet(s.a.w.s.) at their mercy and he stopped visiting Syria for trading.

On a couple of occasions he did take the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) with him, but stopped even that later. On one of these trips he encountered the priest Bahira who saw the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and gave glad tidings of his prophethood. After this, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was even more determined to protect the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and considered him(s.a.w.s.) to be his most important trust. He stopped visiting Syria after that and remained busy in safeguarding the Prophet's (s.a.w.s.) life.

Three years before Hijrat, in the 49th year of Aamul Feel (Year of Elephant), Islam's sun of loyalty and faithfulness - Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) had reached its twilight. Gradually signs of death became evident for him. By this time, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) was nearly 50 years old. The Quraish no longer posed a threat, as in the early days of Islam. A group of Muslims were secretly fulfilling their religious duties and obligations. Bait-e-Aqabah (final allegiance) was made. The days of Islam's progress had dawned and the Holy Prophet

(s.a.w.s.) himself began feeling a little satisfaction about it. The affairs of Islam were slowly moving towards progress and perfection.

Although the state of affairs were heartening, yet Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.), who was on his deathbed, was very concerned about his duty towards helping Islam and protecting the Prophet's (s.a.w.s.) life. He was not concerned about his family or their economic well-being, rather he was only concerned about the well-being of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.). He feared that after him the Quraish would once again plan to harm the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) just as they had before in Sheb-e- Abi Talib. This fear was not baseless, rather it stemmed from prevailing hostile conditions of the society, the opposition and differences towards the Prophet (s.a.w.s.), hostility of the Quraish in acceptance of Islam and other sensitive issues. Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was trying to fulfill his duties till his last breath. While on his deathbed the first thing he did was that he collected all the people of his tribe and made a will to them.

Hazrat Abu Talib's (a.s.) will

It is narrated from Maqatil that Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) made a will to Bani Hashim at the time of his death - 'O Bani Hashim, if you all obey the Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and if you all believe in his truthfulness you will be guided.'

In Midarajan Nabuwwah (of Mohaddisse Dehalvi) and in Rauzatus Safa vol. 2 the following sermon of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) addressing the people, which also served as his will, has been recorded.

'O Quraish! You are the most pious servants of Allah. I recommend Muhammad (s.a.w.s.) to you in matters of righteousness and virtue. He is the trusted one of Quraish and the truthful one of Arabia and he possesses all the virtues for which I am making a will to you. He(s.a.w.s.) has brought such good news, which has been accepted by your hearts, but your tongue has chosen to deny it on account of fear of taunts. On the contrary, I see that the weak and the defenseless have accepted his (s.a.w.s.) invitation and have testified in his Shariat and revere him. Thus they have become the leaders and your chiefs have been humiliated. The proud ones have been humbled and the humble ones have become self-sufficient. Those who distanced themselves from him(s.a.w.s.) are the unfortunate ones. I can see that the people of Arabia are attached to him (s.a.w.s.) and have expanded their hearts for his love and have very dutifully and diligently prepared themselves to follow him and serve him. O Quraish! Befriend Muhammad(s.a.w.s.) and supporters of his group. I swear by Allah those people who do not tread the path shown by him (s.a.w.s.) will not find guidance, and only they will accept and adhere to his ways and qualities who are virtuous. If death could have been delayed and there would have been some more time left in my life, I would be helping him and as far as possible I would have repelled all dangers from his path.'

Alas! Hazrat Abu Talib's (a.s.) last wish was not fulfilled and death did not spare him for a moment. The Quraish rejected the friendly advice given to them by Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and left (a.s.) and walked out angrily. After some time this great helper of Islam answered the call of His Lord and returned to Him. Now Islam was devoid of the shelter of this generous helper who for 50 years had undertaken the responsibility of protecting and safeguarding the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.s.). He had taken all the blows on himself, which the polytheists and opponents of Islam had tried to inflict by their taunts and actions. Even in his old age he was enthusiastic in contributing for the progress and propagation of Islam.

Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was the uncle of our beloved Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) who took the responsibility of bringing up and nurturing the holy Prophet(sawaw). Right from the beginning, he protected the Prophet with all his energy. He was also the father of Imam Ali(a.s.).

In Sura waz-Zuha, Allah(swt) says: "Alam yajidka yateeman fa aawa" – "Did he not find you orphan and give you shelter?" (93,6). In major tafaseer of both Shia and Sunni ulemas, it is stated that this ayat refers to the protection and shelter provided by Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) when the Prophet became an orphan. Thus, this act of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was called by Allah(swt) His(swt) own act.

After the famous incident when Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) refused the offers of money, marriage and status from the Mushrikeen-e-Makkah, Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) gave his full support to the Prophet(sawaw) and provided him protection in that delicate era of Islam.

During the most troublesome days of Shaib Abi Talib, Hazart Abu Talib(a.s.) led the Quraish into isolation upon social boycott by the Mushrakeen-e-Makkah. During those three years, he used to place his sons in sleeping place of Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) during the night so that if there was an attack then his sons would be killed but the Prophet of Islam would be saved.

Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) – Momin-e-Quraish

Some people object that Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) never accepted Islam and never recited Kalma. Their comments are amazing ,since they themselves never recited Kalma to become Muslims. Those born in Muslim families do not need to recite Kalma to become Muslims. There are no traditions in my knowledge that Imam Ali(a.s.) ever recited Kalma to become a Muslim. The one who has been a non-Muslim before really needs to recite Kalma to become a Muslim.

Now consider the following:-

- Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was the one who hosted the first dawah of Islam in his house – Dawat Zul Asheera. All the Dawahs hosted by any muslim now a days are in fact Sunnat of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.).

- He was the one who arranged the marriage of Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) with Hazrat Khadija(a.s.).

- He was the one who recited the Nikah of the Holy Prophet(sawaw) and that Nikah started with Hamd of Allah(swt) and praise for His Prophet(sawaw). It also referred to the Prophet-hood of Hazrat Ibrahim(a.s.), the Holy books sent by Allah(swt) and all praise to Allah(swt) to have ordained Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) in the progeny of Hazrat Ibrahim(a.s.).

Just a word of thought for the objectionist – if Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) was not a muslim then how did Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) accept a Mushrik (Naozo billah) to recite his Nikah and even if it were so, why don’t the objectionists follow this Sunnat of the Holy Prophet(saw) now.

- He was the one who paid the Mehr of Hazrat Khadija on behalf of Prophet Mohammad(sawaw).

- According to Quranic instruction, a Muslim women cannot remain in the Nikah of a non-Muslim after accepting Islam neither can live with a non-Muslim. Hazrat Bibi Fatima bint-e-Asad remained in the Nikah of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) until his death.

Another word of thought for the objectionist: It is accepted by all sects that Hazrat Bibi Fatima bint-e-Asad had accepted Islam so how did the Prophet(bpuh&hf) allow her to stay with Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.)?

- As stated above, Allah(swt) calls the protection of Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) as His(swt) own protection. In the entire Quran there is not one mention of any act of a Mushrik that Allah(swt) has called His own act.

- Finally, Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) has stated in a hadith that on the day of judgment the one who raises an orphan will be together with me in the heaven as these two fingers are (pointing to his two fingers). Now where would be the one who raised the orphan who became the Prophet of Islam?

Aam-ul-Huzn Hazrat Khadija(a.s.) and Hazrat Abu Talib(a.s.) died in the same year and the Prophet Mohammad(sawaw) was so saddened by their demise that he declared the year as Aam-ul-Huzn - the year of mourning.

Abu Talib the Victimised Mo’min In Sunni and Shia Books June 11, 2010 — Syed Moosawi

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (a.s), is reported to have said, "I WONDER WHY PEOPLE DOUBT THE FAITH OF ABU TALIB, WHEN A WOMAN CANNOT CONTINUE HER MATRIMONIAL ALLIANCE WITH A NON-MUSLIM HUSBAND AFTER SHE HAS EMBRACED ISLAM, AND FATIMA BINT ASAD WAS AMONGST THOSE WOMEN WHO EMBRACED ISLAM AT A VERY EARLY STAGE AND STILL REMAINED HIS WIFE TILL HE BREATHED HIS LAST.

Abu Talib is one of the most victimized Mo’mins in the conspiracy against Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). He was the main person who supported and defended the Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) against the enemies of Islam in Mecca. That was not because of blood relation being the uncle of the Prophet, as the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had many uncles amongst them was Abu Lahab who was along with his wife with the staunch enemies of the Prophet.(Sura Masad attacks them openly). Abu Talib supported the Prophet because he had great faith in His message being the last and final message from Allah (s.w.t.). The faith of Abu Talib was expressed through his sayings which came in the form of poetry as he used to say (I verily know that the religion of Mohammad)
( Is the best among all religions)(Tareekh Ibn Katheer 3:42, Fat-h al-Baari Fi Shar-h Saheeh al-Bukhari 7:153, Al-Isaabah 4:116 and many other sources).

Abu Talib used to say (Verily Allah has honored His Prophet Mohammad The most honored among Allah’s creatures is Ahmad Allah has derived a name for Him from His name
So Allah is Mahmood and He is Mohammad) (Dala’il al-Nobowwah by Abu Na’eem 1:6, Tareekh Ibn Asaakir 1:275, Tareekh I Ibn Katheer 1:266, Al-Isaabah by Ibn Hajar 4:115, Al-Mawaahib Alladunniah by Al-Qastalaani 1:518 narrating from Tareekh al-Bukhaari.

Enemies of Ahlul Bayt who were the Umayyad and Abbasid governments and their people fabricated stories and false Hadeeths against Abu Talib claiming that he was a Kafir. This allegation was not acceptable by Muslim public during the time of Mu’awiyah otherwise he could have mentioned it in his war against Imam Ali (a.s.). It was supported afterward by fabricated narrations
and publicized by Umayyad and Abbasid governments to harm the status of Imam Ali (a.s.) in the eyes of ignorant public.
Examining the narrations against Abu Talib:
If you take the so called Hadeeths narrated against Abu Talib and examine the narrators, you will not find them but liars and non-trusted people such as:-
1- Sa’eed Bin al-Musayyab who was an open enemy of Imam Ali (Sharh al-Nahj by Ibn Abil Hadeed 1:370). This man refused to pray Salat al-Janazah on Imam Ali Zainul Aabideen al-Sajjad (a.s.)(Shaikh al-Abtah 66)(Al-Waaqidi as in Al-Ghdeer 8:9).
2- Sufyan al-Thawri was a narrators against Abu Talib. This Sufyan al-Thawri is not only an enemy of Imam Ali (a.s.) but also known even among Sunni scholars to be narrating from liars as the Al-Thahabi admitted in Meezan al-E’tidal 1:398.
3- al-Zohri who was an open enemy of Imam Ali (a.s.) and a big liar up to the extreme extend that he claimed a Hadeeth that ( Verily Ali and Al-Abbas are fro the people of hellfire and they will not die as Musalims). This Zohri is mentioned in Sunni books as a fabricator of Hadeeths ( Meezan al-E’tidal by al-Thahabi 3:126).
4- Abdul Malik bin Omair al-Lakhmi who lost his memory as the famous Sunni scholar Abu Hatim said about him(al-Ghadeer 8:23). Ahmad bin Hanbal used to say about him that his narrations are very weak (Meezan al-E’tidal by al-Thahabi 2:151).
5- Abdul Azeez al-Dara wardi about whom Ahmab bin Hanbal said ( Arabic:Laisa howa bishaie, means : he has no value at all) (Meezan al-E’tidal by al-Thahabi 2:128). Ahmad bin Hanbal said also about him that he narrates falsehood. (Meezan al-E’tidal 2:128).
These liars tried to twist the meaning of some Quranic verses by fabricating Hadeeths against Abu Talib.

Prophet’s and Ahlul Bayt’s Sayings on Abu Talib:
The great status of Abu Talib in Islam is reflected in many sayings and actions of the Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a) and Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who do not do not speak but what Allah (s.w.t.) wants.
The Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) who (Never speaks out of a desire, but only from the revelation revealed on Him) (Sura An-Najm: 3) used to praise Abu Talib even after his death. When Al-Abbas the uncle of the Prophet asked the Prophet: What do hope for Abu Talib? The Prophet answered:
All the good, I hope it from my Lord (for Abu Talib) (Tathkirat al_khawaas 10) (Al-Ghadeer 7:374).
The Prophet (s.a.w.a.) used to repeatedly praise Abu Talib. Some of those occasions are narrated by Sunni scholars such as Ibn Hishaam in Seerat Ibn Hishaam 1:300.
The reason of the allegation against Abu Talib is clarified by the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) when He told Imam .Ali: O Ali, you have an example from my brother Easa (a.s.) ; as the Jews hated him, they accused his mother. (Kanz al-Ummal by al-Muttaqi al-Hindi) . The enemies of Ali (a.s.) also accused His father with false allegation as the Joes accused Easa’s mother.
Imam Ali (a.s.) said: By Allah, Abu Talib was a faithful Muslim (Mo’min), keeping his faith secretly, not to cause to Bani Hashim a harm from Quraish boycott. (Al-Hujjah 24, Al-Ghadeer 7:389, Mo’jam al-Qoboor 1:200).
Imam Ali (a.s.) also said: By Him who sent Muhammad as a prophet, If my father’s intercession is given to forgive all the sinners on earth, Allah will forgive all of them. (Tathkirat al-Khawaas 11).
Imam Al- Sajjad (a.s.) was asked by a person about people who claim that Abu Talib was a Kafir, He replied: It is really very strange, are they attacking Abu Talib or the Messenger of Allah who was ordered by Allah in many verses not to leave a Mo’mina (Believer lady) with a Kafir husband, and no one doubts that Fatima Bint Asad was from the best believing ladies and she was Abu Talibs’s wife till he died? ( Ibn Abil Hadeed in Sharh Nahjul Balagha 3:312, Shaukh al-Abtah 76).

Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir (a.s.) said: If the faith (Imaan) of Abu Talib is put in a scale against the faith of all people, the faith of Abu Talib will be more weighty. Don’t you know that Ameerul Mu’mineen Ali (a.s.) used to send people to perform Hajj on behalf of Abullah and Aaminah (Prophet’s parents) and Abu Talib as long as Imam Ali was alive , then He made a will to continue that after His death).(Shaikh al-Abtah 32, Al-Ghadeer 7:381, Abu Talib Mo’min Quraish by Al-Khunaizi 257). It is obvious that Hajj can only performed on behalf of Muslims.
Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (a.s.) when a person told him: People are claiming that Abu Talib is in a shallow in the fire, said: They are lying, not in this Gabriel was sent. Surely, Abu Talib is like the people of the cave who kept their faith secret and showed polytheism, so Allah doubled their reward twice. (Al-Hujjah 17 and 115, Mo’jam al-Qoboor 1:191).

Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (a.s.) asked Younus Bin Nabatah: O Younus, what do people say about Abu Talib? Younus replied: People say that he is in a shallow in the fire from which his brain is boiling. Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: The enemies of Allah are lying. Abu Talib( in the paradise) is with the prophets, truthful, martyrs and pious people, who are the best to be with. (Shaikh al-Abtah 32, al-Hujjah 17, al-Ghadeer 7:394 from Kanz al-Fawaa’ed).

Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) was asked by Dorost Bin Abi Mansour : What was the state of Abu Talib? Imam al-Kazim (a.s.) replied: He believed in the Prophet and in all the message that He brought from Allah, and handed The Wills to Him. (Al-Abbas 18, Al-Ghadeer 7:395, Abu Talib by Al-Khunaizi 262). This is a very important statement from an infallible Imam that Abu Talib had The Wills which are kept with the most pious person in every age, so they were kept with Abu Talib before the prophet hood of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) and were handed over by Abu Talib to the Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.). This great status of Abu Talib is much above and higher than the status of other believers. That is the reason of infallible Imam Mohammad al-Baqir (a.s.) saying that the Imaan (faith) of Abu Talib is more weighty than the Imaan of all the creatures.( Shaikh al-Abtah 32).

Imam Ali Al-Reza (a.s.) received a letter from Abaan Bin Mahmood writing that he has a doubt about Abu Talib whether he was a Muslim or not. Imam Reza (a.s.) wrote to him this Quranic verse:( And whoever contradicts and opposes the messenger and takes a way different from the way of the believers, we will leave him with whom he is following and cast him hell and it is the worst destination) (4:115) then Imam wrote to him: If you do not believe that Abu Talib was a believer, your destination will be in the fire. (Sharh Nahjul Balaghah by Ibn Abil Hadeed 3:311, Al-Hujjah 16, Mo’jam al-Quboor 1:189, Abu Talib by Al-Khunaizi 264).

Claiming that Abu Talib was a non believer (Kafir) is no doubt contradicting and opposing the Prophet who knew Abu Talib’s great status and hence praised him all along. It amounts to hurting the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) by insulting his noble uncle, guardian and protector of Islam who was attached to him till the end of his life. Hurting the Prophet is a major Sin as the Prophet said in a Hadeeth says: Whoever hurts a hair from me has hurt me, and whoever hurts me has hurt Allah. (Al-Sawaa’eq Al-Muhriqa by Ibn Hajar 111). Allah says in Quran : (And those who hurt the Messenger of Allah will be in a painful punishment) (Al-Tawba: 61) (Surely, those who hurt Allah and His Messenger are cursed by Allah and His Messenger in this life and hereafter) Sura Al-Ahzaab: 57. This shows the dangerous results of the baseless claim against Abu Talib, not only because accusing a Muslim to be a non-Muslim is itself a major Sin, but also it hurts the Prophet and contradicts his sayings and actions. It also goes against Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) who are the most pious in the Umma of Mohammad (s.a.w.a.), whom Allah has purified from any error according to Quran (33:33).

Imam Hasan al-Askari (a.s.) narrated a Hadeeth that Allah has revealed on His Messenger that I have supported you two types of followers; followers who support you secretly and followers who support you openly. The best and master of your secret supporters is Abu Talib, while the best and master of your open supporters is his son Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), them Imam Askari (a.s.) said: Surely, Abu Talib was like the Mo’min of Aal Fir’awn who was keeping his Imaan secretly) (Al-Hujja 115, Abu Talib by Al-Khunaizi:265).
Famous Sahaba’s witnesses:-
Abu Bakr said that Abu Talib did not die but after he said: I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Mohammad is His messenger. (Sharh al-Nahj by Ibn Abil Hadeed 3:312)(Shaikh al-Abtah 71),(Al-Bidayah wal-Nihayah 3:123),(al-Isaabah 4:116),(Dala’il al-Nobowwah by al-Bayhaqi 1:120 and(Kash al-Ghummah by al-Sha’rani 2:144)
Abdullah Bin Abbas was asked by a person: O Messenger’s cousin, tell me about Abu Talib, was he a Muslim? He answered: How can Abu Talib be a non-Muslim when he was saying (About the Prophet): (Did not they know that we believe that our son (nephew) never lies) (And He does not care for wrong sayings).
Ibn Abbas added: Abu Talib was like the people of the cave, who kept their Imaan as secret and showed polytheism, so Allah granted them a doubled reward. ( Al-Hujjah 94).
Abu Zar al-Gifari said: By Allah who is the only God, Abu Talib did not die but as Muslim. (Al-Ghadeer 7:398).
Hassaan Bin Thabit the poet of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said about Hamza and Abu Talib (If you mourn a dead, then weep on the faithful the brother of the faithful) Tathkirat al-Khawaas by Sibt Ibn al-Jawzi 31.
Abul Jahm Bin Huthafa used to say: I bear witness that Abu Talib was a Mo’min.( Al-Ghadeer 7:399, al-Hujjah 268).

Famous Sunni scholars witnesses:-
Soyooti wrote a whole book proving that Abu talib was a Mo’min. The book is (Bughyat al-Talib Li-Imaan Abi talib) ( al-Zaree’a by al-Tahrani 2:511).
Sibt Ibnil-Jawzi in his famous book Tathkirat al-Khawaas: The fact the Abu Talib is from the people of paradise does not need a research as its evidences are more than to be mentioned. His efforts in sponsoring the Prophet and supporting Him, his efforts to protect Him from the harm of wrongdoers and non-believers, the deep grief of the Prophet on his demise, naming the year of his death and Khadija’s death as the year of sadness, seeking forgiveness for him for long time and nobody doubts in the acceptance of the Du’a of the Prophet specially with His insisting on the Du’a) (Tathkirat alkawaas P 10 and 11).
Al-Mubarrad the author of Al-Kaamil mentioned Abu Talib’s faith as narrated by Ibn Ma’ad in al-Hujjah 263.
Abu Jafar al-Iskaafi (Rasa’el al-Jaahith 32).
Zaini Dahlan said that big number of narrations about Abu Talib and the Prophet are clear that Abu Talib’s heart was full of Imaan. (Asna al-Mataalib page 6 and 7).
Ibn Wahshi al-Hanafi issued a fatwa (verdict) that hating Abu Talib is Kufr (disbelieving in Islam). Same fatwa came from the Maliki scholar Ali al-Ajhowari (Abu Talib by al-Urfi 144).
Allama al-Ameeni in his encyclopedia called (al-Ghadeer) mentioned names of some Sunni scholars who admitted that Abu Talib was a Mo’min such as Abul-Qasim al-Balkhi, al-Talmasaani in his book Hashiyat al-Shifaa’, al-Sha’raani, Sibt Ibni al-Jawzi, al-Qurtobi, al-Sabki, Abi Tahir, al-Soyooti and others.
It is worth mentioning that many prominent Sunni and Shia scholars wrote books in this subject. The names of many of these books are mentioned in al-Ghdeer (7:401,402,403) and in Abu Talib by Haidar al-Urfi (229,330,332,333).

It is also worth mentioning that Allama Ameeni collected forty authentic Hadeeths on the Imaan and great status of Abu Talib in his books Al-Ghadeer (7:385-400).
Summary about Abu Talib:-
1- The statements of Abu Talib confirm his faith in Islam. Such statements are narrated in Sunni references as well as Shia references.
2- The full support and great sufferings of Abu Talib defending Islam reflect his great faith in Islam and the Prophet Mohammad (s.a.w.a.).
3- Qura’nic verses praising those who gave shelter to the believers and supported them and stating that (They are the believers really).(al-Anfal:74).Abu Talib was the best of them as he was the guardian and supporter of the Prophet Himself (s.a.w.a.).
4- The praise of the Prophet to Abu Talib and His prayers for him all along is evidence that Abu Talib was a great Mo’min.
5- The sayings of infallibles from Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.) about the great status of Abu Talib. Their statements are endorsed by Quran (Al-Ahzaab:33).
6- The witnesses of famous Sahaba and Sunni scholars admitting the fact of the Imaan of Abu Talib.
7- Allah has ordered the Prophet not to allow any Muslim woman to continue with a non Muslim husband. Fatima Bint Asad was a great Mo’min lady and called by the Prophet as like His mother. She remained with Abu Talib till his death which means that Abu talib was a Mo’min.
8- Imam Ali (a.s.) used to send people every year for Hajj on behalf of Abdullah and Aamina (Prophet’s parents) as well as on behalf of Abu Talib. Hajj any Islamic worship can only performed on behalf of Muslim.
9- All narrations against Abu Talib are politically motivated and initiated by governments against Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.). Imam Ali (a.s.) was cursed from their pulpits for decades and His father was a great victim of that enmity.
10- All the narrators against Abu Talib were liars or enemies of Imam Ali or connected directly or indirectly with the enemies of Ahlul-Bayt (a.s.).

Sayyed-Mohammad Musawi
World Ahlul bayt Islamic League
London Uk wabil@wabil.com