a brief review of the life of hazrat abu talib as the beloved father of amir al muminin ali as

Name and Lineage

Abu Talib was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was born 35 years before the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His father was Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet, who, according to historians, was known among the Arabs as a prominent advocate of the Hanif religion (the monotheistic faith of Prophet Abraham). His mother was Fatimah, the daughter of Amr ibn Aiwaz al-Makhzumi. Abu Talib and Abdullah (the father of the Prophet) were full siblings. Genealogists have recorded Abu Talib’s name as “Abd Manaf,” though he was commonly known by the kunya (nickname) “Abu Talib.” Some sources mention that his name was Imran, but Ibn Anbah (a Shiite historian and genealogist) considers the report of Abu Talib’s name being Imran as weak and points to Abdul Muttalib’s will, which advises his son Abu Talib to care for the Prophet Muhammad, his grandson:

“I advise you, Abd Manaf, to look after the one who is left alone after his father.”

Wife and Children

Abu Talib and Fatimah bint Asad (peace be upon them) had four sons: Talib, Aqil, Ja’far, and Ali (peace be upon him). Some historical sources mention his daughters as Umm Hani (Fakhita), Jumana, and Rayta (Umm Talib). It is also reported that he had a child named Tulaiq from a wife named Alla.

Social Status and Moral Qualities

Regarding Abu Talib’s moral qualities and his status in the pre-Islamic Arab society, the following points can be noted:

• He held the positions of Rifadah (hospitality for pilgrims) and Siqayah (providing water to pilgrims) in Mecca for a period.
• His occupation was trading in perfumes and wheat.
• Despite his poverty, he was respected and influential among the Quraysh, known for his dignity, gravity, and wisdom.
• It is said that during his time, when he hosted guests and fed people, no one among the Quraysh held such banquets.
• He was the first in the pre-Islamic era to establish the law of the blood oath (where the avenger of a slain person would swear against the killer), which was later confirmed by Islam.
• According to Sunni reports, he had prohibited alcohol for himself, following his father’s practice.
• He had a strong poetic inclination, with his poetry collected in the “Diwan of Abu Talib” and widely acknowledged by the Prophet Muhammad. His most famous poem is known as the Lamiyyah.

Custodianship of the Prophet

After the death of Abdul Muttalib, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was then eight years old, came under the guardianship of Abu Talib, as per Abdul Muttalib’s will. Ibn Shahrashub writes that Abu Talib placed Muhammad (peace be upon him) before himself and all his family in terms of food and clothing. Some historians note that he showed special affection to Muhammad, providing him with the best food and always ensuring his presence.

Support for the Prophet

Historical accounts narrate Abu Talib’s support for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against the pressures and threats from the Quraysh. Despite being 75 years old at the time of the Prophet’s mission, he supported Muhammad in his prophetic mission and openly declared his support to the Quraysh leaders. When the Quraysh proposed that Abu Talib adopt the young and strong Amara ibn Waleed as his son in exchange for handing over Muhammad, Abu Talib rejected their proposal and rebuked them. The Prophet Muhammad said on the day of Abu Talib’s death that the Quraysh feared him as long as Abu Talib was alive.

Faith

There has been much debate between Shiites and Sunnis regarding Abu Talib’s faith. Shiites believe in his Islam and faith based on Hadith from the Ahl al-Bayt (family of the Prophet) and his character and poetry. Sunni historians, however, believe that Abu Talib died without embracing Islam.

Death

There are various historical accounts regarding the date of Abu Talib’s death:

• Sheikh Tusi considers the 26th of Rajab in the 10th year of the Prophethood as his death date.
• Ya’qubi records his death in Ramadan, three days after the death of Lady Khadijah (peace be upon her), and notes that Abu Talib was 86 or 90 years old at the time of his death.
• Some sources mention the first of Dhu al-Qi’dah or the 15th of Shawwal.
• The Prophet Muhammad referred to the year of Abu Talib’s and Khadijah’s deaths as “the Year of Sorrow” and was deeply saddened by their passing. He instructed Imam Ali (peace be upon him) to perform their burial rites and prayed for their mercy. At the burial site, he expressed his deep sorrow and vowed to seek forgiveness and intercession for Abu Talib in a manner that would astonish both humans and jinn.

His body was buried in the Hujun cemetery in Mecca next to his father Abdul Muttalib.