Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib "Uncle of the Prophet"

Who is Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib?

He is Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, one of the uncles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the eldest son of Abdul-Muttalib, after whom he was nicknamed. He passed away during the lifetime of his father and his mother, Safiyya bint Jundub. Some hadith scholars erred in their biographical accounts due to the similarity of his name with some of his descendants.

Ibn Abi Hatim mentioned him under those whose father's name begins with the letter "Ayn" and claimed he accompanied the Prophet (PBUH), held administrative positions under him, and was appointed by Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) over Mecca, later moving to Basra. Ibn Hajar, may Allah have mercy on him, commented on this biography, stating that Ibn Abi Hatim had made a serious mistake.

This biography pertains to his grandson, Al-Harith ibn Nawfal ibn Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib, because Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib died during the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah) and did not live to see Islam. He participated with his father in digging the well of Zamzam. He had male offspring and one daughter who embraced Islam and were companions of the Prophet (PBUH).

Sons of Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib

Abu Sufyan ibn Al-Harith

A noble companion who embraced Islam during the conquest of Mecca. His real name was Al-Mughira, and his mother was Ghaziyya bint Qays ibn Zurayf ibn Abd al-Uzza. He was the cousin and one of the foster brothers of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as they were both nursed by Halimah Al-Sa’diyah. He bore a physical resemblance to the Prophet (PBUH).

Nawfal ibn Al-Harith

The eldest son of Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib. He had a son named Al-Harith, after whom he was nicknamed. He was a companion of the Prophet (PBUH), narrated hadith from him, and his hadith were transmitted by others. One of his sons, Abdullah ibn Nawfal, became the first judge of Medina.

He also had sons: Sa'id ibn Nawfal, a scholar of jurisprudence; Abdul Rahman; Rabi'ah; and Al-Mughira ibn Nawfal. It was said that Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) entrusted his wife, Ummamah bint Abi Al-As ibn Al-Rabi', to Al-Mughira upon his death, and she married him and passed away under his care.

Abdullah ibn Al-Harith

Originally named Abd Shams, the Prophet (PBUH) renamed him Abdullah after he embraced Islam. He migrated from Mecca before its conquest and participated in some battles with the Prophet (PBUH). He died during the Prophet’s lifetime, who buried him in his own shirt. He had no offspring.

Rabi'ah ibn Al-Harith

He was older than his uncle Al-Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both). He died during the caliphate of Umar (may Allah be pleased with him), after his brothers Nawfal and Abu Sufyan. He lived in Medina. It was reported that he and Al-Abbas once asked the Prophet (PBUH) to assign official roles to their sons, but he refused, protecting the members of Ahl al-Bayt from worldly pursuits.

Umayyah ibn Al-Harith

Some scholars of biography mentioned him among the children of Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib, stating he neither narrated hadith nor had any children. Sources about his life are scarce, and some even excluded him, mentioning instead Qutham ibn Al-Harith, who died young.

Arwa bint Al-Harith

One of the noble Qurayshi female companions was known for her eloquence. She lived until the era of Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan (may Allah be pleased with him) and resided in Medina. She once confronted Muawiyah after hearing of his dispute with Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), boasting of the lineage of Banu Hashim over Banu Umayyah.

When someone in the assembly responded, she silenced him. Another tried to argue, and she silenced him too. After she left, Muawiyah said to his assembly, "By Allah, if everyone here debated her, she would answer each with a different response! Indeed, the women of Banu Hashim are more eloquent than the men of others!" He honored her, and she passed away during his rule in Medina.

Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib’s Role in Quraysh and His Pre-Islamic Status

Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib held a prominent position in Quraysh. As the eldest son of Abdul-Muttalib, who was the leader of Quraysh and guardian of Zamzam and the Kaaba, Al-Harith was regarded as his father’s right hand in tribal and administrative matters. He inherited his father’s charisma and was respected throughout the clan of Banu Hashim.

His status in Quraysh was reinforced by his dignified conduct, strong social ties, and deep respect for tribal customs. People saw him as a dependable figure in times of crisis, raised in a house known for its leadership, generosity, and religious influence, which earned him widespread respect in pre-Islamic Meccan society.

His Participation in Digging the Zamzam Well with His Father

One of the most defining moments of Al-Harith’s life was his support of his father Abdul-Muttalib during the rediscovery and excavation of the Zamzam well, which had been buried for centuries. Abdul-Muttalib saw repeated dreams instructing him to dig the well, and at the time, Al-Harith was his only son, making him Abdul-Muttalib’s sole helper.

Despite facing opposition from the Quraysh, Al-Harith stood by his father with full commitment. He dug by day and guarded him by night, until the signs of the well became clear and the water gushed forth. This event astonished the people of Mecca and brought immense blessings. As a result, both Abdul-Muttalib and Al-Harith gained great prestige, and Al-Harith came to be seen as a key partner in this divine success.

Al-Harith ibn Abdul-Muttalib Status Before Islam and His Death

Al-Harith lived during the pre-Islamic era and was recognized as a respected leader and nobleman in Mecca, but he passed away before the advent of Islam, which means he neither witnessed the Prophet’s mission nor had any recorded stance regarding it. However, his influence endured through his children, all of whom embraced Islam, and some became close companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

He died during the lifetime of his father, Abdul-Muttalib. His sons later carried on his legacy and were among the early supporters of the Islamic message. Due to the similarity of names, some historians mistakenly confused him with his grandson, Al-Harith ibn Nawfal, who did become a companion of the Prophet. However, meticulous scholars clearly distinguished between the two individuals.