All Grandparents of Prophet Muhammad
The lineage of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is one of the most honored and respected in history. He was born into the Quraysh tribe, which held a prestigious position among the Arabs as caretakers of the Kaaba and leaders of Mecca. His grandparents were among the most respected figures in Quraysh, known for their wisdom, leadership, and noble character.
In this article, we will explore the four grandparents of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from both his paternal and maternal sides and their significant contributions to history.
Paternal Grandparents of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
1. Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim (Shaybah ibn Hashim)
- Full Name: Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim ibn Abd Manaf ibn Qusay.
- Kunya (Nickname): Abu al-Harith.
- Status: He was the chief of Quraysh and the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Key Achievements and Contributions:
- Rediscovering the Zamzam Well: After it had been lost for centuries, Abd al-Muttalib received a vision revealing its location and successfully re-excavated it, making it a primary water source for pilgrims.
- The Year of the Elephant: When Abraha, the Abyssinian ruler, attempted to destroy the Kaaba, Abd al-Muttalib demonstrated complete faith in Allah, saying:
"The Kaaba has a Lord who will protect it".
As a result, Allah sent an army of birds (Ababil) that destroyed Abraha’s forces. - Respected Leader: He was deeply revered and considered a wise and just leader among the Arabs.
His Sons: Among his children were Abdullah (the father of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), Abu Talib (the defender of the Prophet), Al-Abbas (one of the Prophet’s uncles who later embraced Islam), Hamzah (one of the greatest Muslim warriors), and Abu Lahab (a fierce opponent of Islam).
2. Fatimah bint Amr
- Full Name: Fatimah bint Amr ibn A'idh ibn Imran.
- Tribe: She belonged to the Banu Makhzum clan, one of Quraysh's noble families.
- Status: She was the wife of Abd al-Muttalib and the grandmother of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Although less is documented about her, she was known for her noble lineage and for being the mother of several important figures in Quraysh, including Abdullah, Abu Talib, Al-Abbas, and Hamzah.
Maternal Grandparents of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
3. Wahb ibn Abd Manaf
- Full Name: Wahb ibn Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah ibn Kilab.
- Tribe: He belonged to Banu Zuhrah, a noble clan of Quraysh.
- Status: He was the leader of Banu Zuhrah and was known for his wisdom and generosity.
He was the father of Aminah bint Wahb, the mother of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. His family was highly respected in Mecca, and he was known as one of the most honorable figures of his time.
4. Barrah bint Abd al-Uzza
- Full Name: Barrah bint Abd al-Uzza ibn Uthman ibn Abd al-Dar.
- Tribe: She belonged to Banu Zuhrah, the same clan as her husband.
- Status: She was a noblewoman of Quraysh and the maternal grandmother of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
She was the mother of Aminah bint Wahb, making her a direct ancestor of the Prophet ﷺ.
Summary of Prophet Muhammad’s Grandparents
| Relation | Name | Tribe | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paternal Grandfather | Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim | Banu Hashim (Quraysh) | Leader of Quraysh, rediscovered the Zamzam Well |
| Paternal Grandmother | Fatimah bint Amr | Banu Makhzum (Quraysh) | Mother of key Quraysh figures |
| Maternal Grandfather | Wahb ibn Abd Manaf | Banu Zuhrah (Quraysh) | Leader of Banu Zuhrah |
| Maternal Grandmother | Barrah bint Abd al-Uzza | Banu Zuhrah (Quraysh) | Mother of Aminah, the Prophet’s mother |
Legacy of Prophet Muhammad’s Grandparents
- They were part of Quraysh's leadership and played a key role in preserving the Kaaba and its sacred traditions.
- Abd al-Muttalib was known for his belief in Allah and foresaw that his grandson would have a great destiny.
- Banu Hashim and Banu Zuhrah were highly respected clans in Mecca, known for their wisdom and generosity.
Conclusion
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ came from one of the most noble and prestigious lineages in Arabia. His grandparents were not only leaders but also figures of wisdom and integrity. The role they played in shaping Quraysh and their legacy in Islam remains a source of inspiration.
Why are Prophet Muhammad’s grandparents significant?
- They were leaders of Quraysh and custodians of the Kaaba.
- They established traditions of generosity and leadership.
- Abd al-Muttalib was one of the last believers in monotheism before Islam.
- Wahb ibn Abd Manaf was a noble leader of Banu Zuhrah.
The history of Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ grandparents remains a testament to the greatness of his lineage and the environment in which Islam emerged.
