All Prophet Muhammad Maternal Uncles
The lineage and family connections of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) hold significant historical and spiritual value in Islamic tradition. Among these connections, the role and significance of the Prophet's maternal relatives, both through his beloved mother, Aminah bint Wahb, and his father, Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, are particularly noteworthy. These relatives, known in Arabic as Akhwal al-Nabi, hold a distinguished place and are celebrated for their close relationship with the Prophet, their noble lineage, and their contributions to early Islamic history.
This article explores in detail the lives, virtues, and special status of the Prophet's maternal uncles from his maternal and paternal lineages, highlighting their lasting impact and the profound honor bestowed upon their tribes by their association with the Messenger of Allah.
The Prophet’s Maternal Uncles (Through His Mother):
1. Al-Aswad ibn Wahb
He is Al-Aswad ibn Wahb ibn Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah. Some say his name is Wahb ibn Al-Aswad. It has been narrated (through weak chains of narration) that he interacted with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). An example is the weak narration reported from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), stating:
"Al-Aswad ibn Wahb, the Prophet’s maternal uncle, sought permission to enter upon him, so the Prophet said, 'Enter, uncle.' Al-Aswad entered, and the Prophet spread his garment for him to sit on".
2. Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
He belonged to the clan of Banu Zuhrah. His full name was Sa'd ibn Malik ibn Wuhaib ibn Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah ibn Kilab. He was a relative of the Prophet’s mother, Aminah bint Wahb, specifically her cousin, not her direct brother. He was also known by his nickname, Abu Ishaq. Imam Al-Bukhari stated in his book (Al-Manaqib):
"Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas and the Banu Zuhrah clan are the maternal uncles of the Prophet (peace be upon him)".
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas was notably known for having his supplications answered. During the Battle of Badr, the Prophet Muhammad prayed for him: "O Allah, answer the supplication of Sa'd when he calls upon You".
Imam Al-Tirmidhi also reported that the Prophet said, upon seeing Sa'd:
"Here is my maternal uncle; let any man show me his uncle!"
He was among the ten companions promised Paradise and was the last of them to pass away.
Connection of Lineage:
The lineage of the Prophet’s father and mother intersected at Kilab ibn Murrah. Kilab ibn Murrah was the brother of Qusay (the Prophet’s fifth-generation ancestor) and Zuhrah (ancestor of Aminah). Hence, the Prophet’s mother and maternal uncles were from Banu Zuhrah.
The Prophet’s Maternal Uncles (Through His Father)
The Prophet's paternal grandmother, Salma bint Amr, belonged to Banu Al-Najjar. She was the mother of Abdul-Muttalib, the Prophet’s grandfather. Thus, Banu Al-Najjar are also considered maternal uncles of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through his paternal lineage.
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Prophet Muhammad visited a man from Banu Al-Najjar who was ill and said:
"O uncle, say: La ilaha illa Allah (There is no god but Allah)".
The man responded, "Am I your maternal uncle or paternal uncle?" The Prophet replied: "Rather, you are my maternal uncle". The Prophet emphasized the honor of this maternal connection.
Honor and Significance of Banu Al-Najjar:
Banu Al-Najjar lived in Madinah, welcomed the Prophet Muhammad upon his migration (Hijrah), and were among his strongest supporters (the Ansar). They famously greeted him with the renowned song, "Tala'a al-badru 'alayna min thaniyyat al-wada' ("The full moon has risen upon us from the valley of Wada'"), and their young girls recited poetry welcoming him.
The first woman from Banu Al-Najjar who pledged allegiance to the Prophet was Umm 'Umara during the second pledge of Aqaba. Banu Al-Najjar were also honored to nurse Ibrahim, the Prophet’s son from Maria Al-Qibtiyya; his wet nurse was Umm Burdah from their tribe.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) praised Banu Al-Najjar, as reported in Sahih Muslim:
"The best households among the Ansar are Banu Al-Najjar, then Banu Abd Al-Ash-hal, then Banu Al-Harith ibn Al-Khazraj, then Banu Sa'idah, and there is good in all Ansar households".
When the Prophet Muhammad first migrated to Madinah, the various households competed eagerly to host him. He chose to honor Banu Al-Najjar, relatives of Abdul-Muttalib, by staying with Abu Ayyub Al-Ansari from this tribe. He eventually established his mosque and home in Madinah on land owned by two orphan boys, Sahl and Suhail, from Banu Al-Najjar.
