Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib "Uncle of the Prophet"

Al-Muqawwam ibn Abdul Muttalib was one of the sons of the Quraysh leader Abdul Muttalib and one of the paternal uncles of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Despite his noble lineage and connection to the Prophet’s household, historical records did not focus on him as much as they did on his brothers, such as Abu Talib, Al-Abbas, Hamzah, and Abu Lahab. However, a careful reading of genealogies and biographies reveals that he had a known lineage, especially through his daughters who married into prominent Quraysh and Ansar families, and whose descendants continued after him.

Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib Lineage and Status

He was Al-Muqawwam ibn Abdul Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, of the Quraysh tribe and the Banu Hashim clan. He was born in Mecca to one of the most noble Arab families and was one of twelve sons of Abdul Muttalib. Abdul Muttalib himself was the grandfather of the Prophet ﷺ and a major figure in pre-Islamic Arabia, known for rediscovering the Zamzam well and his role in the event of the Elephant.

Despite this noble background, not much is known about Al-Muqawwam’s personal history during the pre-Islamic and Islamic periods, which may suggest an early death or a quiet life away from major events.

Al-Muqawwim Brothers from Abdul Muttalib

• Abdullah (the father of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ)
• Abu Talib (the Prophet’s guardian)
• Al-Abbas (a major companion of the Prophet)
• Hamzah (the Lion of Allah and His Messenger)
• Abu Lahab (enemy of Islam mentioned in the Qur'an)

Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib Life and Position on Islam

No authenticated reports exist about Al-Muqawwam’s life during the Islamic era, nor is he listed among the believers or opponents of Islam. Most historians conclude that he likely died before the Prophetic mission, or did not play a noticeable role in the early Islamic events, which led to his absence from major sources like Ibn Hisham’s Sira or Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra.

Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib Wife

His wife was Qilabah bint Amr ibn Ja‘unah, a woman from the Kinana tribe. She gave birth to all his known sons and daughters.

The Descendants of Al-Muqawwam ibn Abdul Muttalib

Despite his obscurity, his descendants, especially his daughters, are recorded in genealogical and biographical works. Here are the details:

Daughters of Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib

1. Arwa bint Al-Muqawwam

• A female companion (Sahabiyyah).
• One of the Cousins of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
• Mentioned by Ibn Sa‘d among the women who pledged allegiance to the Prophet ﷺ.

2. Umm Amr bint Al-Muqawwam

• Daughter of Qilabah.
• Married Mas‘ud ibn Mu‘attib Al-Thaqafi.
• Gave birth to ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud Al-Thaqafi.

3. Hind bint Al-Muqawwam

• Married Abu Amrah Bishr ibn Amr ibn Muhsin Al-Ansari.
• Had two sons: Abdullah and Abdul Rahman.

Sons of Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib

4. Abdullah ibn Al-Muqawwam

Only his name is recorded. No reports or historical role known.

5. Bakr ibn Al-Muqawwam

Only mentioned by name in genealogical sources. No further information.

Notes on His Descendants

• His male line is not known to have continued prominently.
• His lineage appears to have survived mainly through his daughters.
• His daughter's marriages connected Banu Hashim with Thaqif and the Ansar.
• Arwa bint Al-Muqawwam remains the most clearly attested among his children as a female companion.

Al-Muqawwim ibn Abd al-Muttalib Death

Al-Muqawwam ibn Abdul Muttalib most likely died in Mecca before the prophetic mission of Muhammad ﷺ, a view supported by major historians such as Ibn Sa'd and Ibn Hajar. He is not mentioned in any events related to Islam, neither as a believer nor as an opponent, and his name does not appear in records of the Hijrah, battles, or key events in Mecca or Medina, which strongly suggests that he passed away during the pre-Islamic (Jahiliyyah) period, before the revelation of the Qur’an.

No specific cause, date, or age at the time of his death is known, but he is believed to have been close in age to his brothers, such as Abdullah or Al-Abbas, and may have died young or in middle age. His burial place is unknown, and the only trace he left in history is through the names of his daughters, making him one of the Prophet’s uncles who, despite their close kinship, were not immortalized in the religious or political narratives of early Islam.