Abd al-Muttalib
The Prophet's grandfather and guardian; Quraysh chief, custodian of Zamzam.
Hijri d. c. BH 45 CE d. c. 578 CE
Grandfather and childhood guardian of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ; the most prestigious chief of Quraysh, custodian of Zamzam, and leader of Mecca during the Year of the Elephant.
Identity & lineage
- Father of Abdullah and Abu Talib (full brothers), head of Banu Hashim.
- Credited with the rediscovery of Zamzam, and with the vow to sacrifice a son — from which Abdullah was ransomed (100 camels).
Role in the Seerah (EP 005–007)
- In the Year of the Elephant, faced Abraha with dignity — “The House has a Lord who will protect it” — and the Ka’bah was divinely defended.
- Took the orphaned Muhammad ﷺ into his care after Aminah‘s death, uniquely allowing him onto his private platform by the Ka’bah, saying “this is my child.”
- On his deathbed entrusted the Prophet ﷺ to Abu Talib.
Death
Died c. 578 CE when the Prophet ﷺ was about eight.
Cross-references
Muhammad ﷺ · Abu Talib · Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib · Aminah bint Wahb · The Year of the Elephant · Mecca
Sources
- S003 — Yasir Qadhi Seerah EP 005–007. S001 — Ar-Raheeq.