Detailed Biographical Account of Hazrat Abu Talib

Early Life

Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib was born around 535 CE in Mecca. He was the son of Abd al-Muttalib and the uncle of the
Prophet Muhammad. His name was Imran and he belonged to the Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe, a respected and
influential family in Mecca. He was married to Fatimah bint Asad, with whom he had two daughters Umme Hani and
Jumana, four sons Talib, Aqil , including the famous companion Hazrat Jaffar Tayyar and Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib.

Guardianship of the Prophet Muhammad

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad's mother, Amina, and his grandfather, Abd al-Muttalib, the young
Muhammad[PBUH] was placed under the guardianship of Abu Talib. Despite his limited financial resources, Abu Talib
took great care of his nephew and treated him as his own son. This period of guardianship lasted until the Prophet
Muhammad reached adulthood. . He always took care of him. According to some narrations, the prophet was a newborn
baby when his mother also died, and the Prophet lost both his father and mother and became an orphan. Being an orphan was
very difficult for the Prophet and Hazrat Abd al-Muttalib and Hazrat Abu Talib knew this. Therefore, they tried not to cause the
slightest feeling of discomfort to the prophet who is the highest prophet, and not to be bothered by anyone. The Prophet was 8
years old when Hazrat Abd al-Muttalib, the elder of Mecca, the chieftain of the Quraysh tribe, and the greatest supporter of the
Prophet died at the age of 120 in Mecca. Before his death, he instructed his children to support the Prophet and officially
entrusted the custody of the Prophet to Abu Talib. Abu Talib and Abdullah, the father of the Prophet, were from the same
mother and loved each other very much. Abdullah died at the young age of 25 before he saw his son, the Prophet of Islam, and
his wife, Amina bint Wahb, died shortly afterward. Abu Talib, who felt that his nephew was lonely and orphaned, was
extremely interested in him so that he would not feel the loss of his father, and Hazrat Fatemeh bint Assad also tried to fill his
loss as much as possible so that he would feel less missing his mother. The Prophet, who had not experienced the love of his
parents, felt safe and happy with his noble uncle. He somewhat forgot about not having parents. The Prophet honored these two
nobles as his parents and expressed love, devotion, humility, and obedience to them.
The Prophet Muhammad often expressed his deep affection and gratitude for his uncle. He acknowledged the sacrifices
and protection provided by Abu Talib. He is reported to have said, "Allah selected me from the best of the people, and
the best of them in tribe. Then He selected me from the best of the tribe. Then He selected me from the best of the
houses, and I am the best of you in soul and house" (Tirmidhi), indicating the noble lineage and support he received
from his family, including Abu Talib.

Protection of the Prophet and Early Muslims

Abu Talib played a crucial role in protecting the Prophet Muhammad during the early years of his prophet hood., He
supported his nephew and shielded him from the hostility of the Quraysh. In His status as a respected elder of the
Quraysh provided the Prophet with a significant measure of security.The Holy Prophet said”Quraish feared me until Abu
Talib was alive” The Dawat e Zul Asheera, or the Feast of the Nearest Kinsmen, was a pivotal moment in the early days
of Islam. Hazrat Abu Talib, the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, played a crucial role in this event. points of his role,

Hosting the Feast

Hazrat Abu Talib hosted the gathering at his house. As the head of the Banu Hashim clan, his home was the appropriate
place for such an event. His willingness to host the feast demonstrated his support for his nephew's mission.

"When the verse, 'And warn your nearest relations,' was revealed to the Prophet, he called Ali and said to him, 'O Ali,
Allah has commanded me to warn my nearest relations, but I feel a hesitation in doing so. I know that when I announce
this message to them, I will face something unpleasant. Therefore, prepare some food and invite the sons of Abdul-
Muttalib, so that I may deliver to them what I have been commanded to say.'" (Ibn Ishaq, **Sirat Rasul Allah**)

Abu Talib played an essential role in introducing the Prophet Muhammad to the gathered relatives, thereby endorsing
his mission. His presence and authority helped in giving weight to the Prophet's words.
"When they had eaten and drunk, and the talk was in progress, Abu Talib said to the Prophet, 'Arise, O Muhammad, and
deliver that with which you have been commanded.' The Prophet then stood up and said, 'O sons of Abdul-Muttalib! By
Allah, I know of no Arab youth who has brought to his people a better thing than what I have brought to you. I have
brought to you the best of this world and the hereafter. Allah has commanded me to call you to Him. So, who among
you will support me in this matter?'” (Tabari, **History of the Prophets and Kings**)

When some of the family members, notably Abu Lahab, rejected the Prophet's message and mocked him, Abu Talib
defended his nephew. This defense was critical in allowing the Prophet to continue his mission without immediate
familial backlash. Abu Lahab said, 'This is a serious matter; you must stop him before others follow him.' Abu Talib
replied, 'By Allah, we will never stop him. We shall support him until our last breath.'" (Ibn Hisham, **The Life of the
Prophet Muhammad**) Even beyond the immediate event of the feast, Abu Talib’s ongoing protection and support of
the Prophet Muhammad were crucial. His status in Meccan society provided the Prophet with a shield against the
Quraysh's growing hostility.

The Prophet Muhammad's reliance on Abu Talib's protection is well-documented. When the Quraysh leaders attempted
to negotiate with Abu Talib to dissuade the Prophet from his mission, Abu Talib stood firm. He famously said, "By Allah,
they would not reach you, until I am buried in the ground. So, carry on with your mission, I will never forsake you."

The Boycott and Its Hardships

In 616 CE, the Quraysh imposed a social and economic boycott on the Banu Hashim and Banu al-Muttalib clans to
pressure them into withdrawing their support for the Prophet Muhammad. Abu Talib stood by his nephew during this
period, enduring severe hardships. The boycott lasted for three years, causing significant suffering, including shortages
of food and basic necessities.

The Prophet Muhammad deeply appreciated Abu Talib's steadfast support during the boycott. The suffering
shared by the Prophet and his family during this period highlighted the unwavering loyalty of Abu Talib.

The polytheists of Mecca repeatedly tried to kill the Prophet (p.b.u.h), and asked Abu Talib (a.s.) to hand over the Prophet to
them in order to kill him. But Abu Talib (a.s.) refused so much that the polytheists decided to kill the Prophet Muhammad
(p.b.u.h) secretly. Therefore, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and all the Bani Hashim took refuge in the She’b (valley) of Abu Talib and
spent 3 years in complete difficulty and restriction.

To save the life of the Prophet (p.b.u.h), Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) took security precautions and changed the location of the
Prophet (p.b.u.h). He even said to his son, Imam Ali (a.s.), “You should change your bed with the Prophet so that the life of the
Prophet is safe”, and many of these situations happened. After a while, the siege of Abi Talib She’b (valley) ended, and Bani
Hashim was released from the siege. But a short time later, Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) passed away.

Death of Abu Talib

Abu Talib passed away in 619 CE, shortly before the Hijra (migration to Medina). His death marked a significant turning
point for the Prophet Muhammad and the early Muslim community. The loss of his protective uncle left the Prophet
more vulnerable to the hostility of the Quraysh and the Holy Prophet marked that year as “Year of Grief” which shows
the unwavering love and affection of the Holy Prophet with his uncle. It is narrated that after the death of Abu Talib ,
Angel Jabrail came to the Holy Prophet and told him” Leave Makkah since you have no support in this city”

Hazrat Abu Talib's life is a testament to his unwavering support and protection of the Prophet Muhammad. His
guardianship, steadfastness during the boycott, and moral support provided the Prophet with the necessary backing to
continue his mission. The prophetic references to Abu Talib underscore the deep affection and gratitude the Prophet
Muhammad felt for his uncle, recognizing his vital contributions to the early Muslim community. Despite not embracing
Islam, Abu Talib's legacy as a protector and supporter of the Prophet remains a significant and respected part of Islamic
history.