Abu Talib ibn Abdul-Muttalib "Uncle of the Prophet"
Abu Talib was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad - peace and blessings be upon him. His real name was Abdul Muttalib, but he was known by his nickname, Abu Talib. He was the full brother of the father of the Messenger of Allah - peace and blessings be upon him - Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib. His mother was Fatimah bint Amr. After the death of their grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, when the Prophet Muhammad was eight years old, Abu Talib took care of him. Consequently, he loved him immensely, sheltered him, and supported him.
Abu Talib's Support for the Prophet
Abu Talib's love for his nephew, Muhammad - peace be upon him - exceeded his love for his own children. He never hesitated to protect and defend him. When the Prophet openly declared his prophethood and began inviting people to Islam, Abu Talib stood by him as his staunch defender. He faced anyone who opposed or intended harm against the Prophet, unlike his uncle Abu Lahab, who became a prominent adversary of the Prophet's call.
Abu Talib's Supportive Actions
There were numerous instances where Abu Talib supported the Prophet - peace and blessings be upon him. One of the most significant was when the persecution by the Quraysh intensified, and they decided to publicly kill the Prophet. Abu Talib did not remain silent. He gathered all the sons of Banu Abdul Muttalib in his household, and they collectively provided protection for Muhammad - peace be upon him - shielding him from the Quraysh. They all lived together in Abu Talib's protection, safeguarding and defending him.
Despite Abu Talib's immense love, care, and defense of the Prophet from an early age, and later defending him after his prophethood and the opposition from the Quraysh, Abu Talib did not embrace Islam. He did not utter the declaration of faith and remained firm in following the religion of his father, Abdul Muttalib.
Prophet Muhammad's Grief
The Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - felt profound sorrow due to Abu Talib's refusal to accept Islam. Allah consoled him by saying, 'Indeed, you do not guide whom you like, but Allah guides whom He wills.' However, Abu Talib's stance and defense of his nephew acted as intercession, alleviating some of the punishment for him. The Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him - informed us, 'The least punished in the Hellfire is Abu Talib, who will be wearing shoes of fire, causing his brain to boil.'
Abu Talib's Death and Its Impact
Abu Talib passed away in the tenth year of the Prophethood. His death caused immense grief to the Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him. Just three days after his passing, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the wife of the Prophet, also passed away. These were difficult times for the Prophet - peace be upon him - losing those who supported, defended, and stood by him simultaneously.
Abu Talib's Children and Their Embrace of Islam
Abu Talib had four sons and two daughters. All his sons, except for his son Talib, embraced Islam. His sons were Ali, Ja'far, and Aqil. His daughters were Um Hani and Jumanah, and they all became among the most distinguished companions of the Prophet - may Allah be pleased with them all."
