Abd al-Muttalib ibn Hashim

The grandfather of the Prophet; the chief of Quraysh and the man who brought Zamzam to light again.

His original name was Shayba. His father was Hâshim and his mother Salmâ of the Banu'l-Najjâr. He was born at Medina and remained with his mother until the age of eight; then his uncle Muttalib brought him to Mecca. The Meccans, seeing the boy in a modest guise, called him 'Abd al-Muttalib, that is, the servant of Muttalib, and the name remained with him.

His uncle Muttalib raised him and left the leadership of the tribe to him before his death.

Following a dream he saw, he found the well of Zamzam, which the Jurhum had closed up beside the Ka'ba; and he kept his right over it despite the objection of Quraysh. In this way the siqâya, the giving of water to the pilgrims, passed to him.

In the years when he suffered for want of male children he vowed that if he were given ten sons he would sacrifice one of them. When this came about the lot fell on his son 'Abdullâh; he ransomed him with 100 camels.

He negotiated with Abraha when the latter came to destroy the Ka'ba.

He was known for his truthfulness and justice. Towards the end of his life he gave up the worship of idols and the drinking of wine, and forbade circumambulating the Ka'ba naked; he believed in the one God and in the hereafter.

According to the common report he died at Mecca at the age of eighty-two (577). At his death the city mourned for days, the shops were closed, and elegies were composed for him.

His Circle of Influence — He had ten sons by five wives, among whom are named 'Abdullâh, the father of the Prophet, and 'Abbâs. He showed the care that was due to his grandson Muhammad, orphaned by the death of his father 'Abdullâh; and he entrusted his keeping after himself to his son Abû Tâlib.

His Tomb and Complex — He was buried in the Hajûn cemetery at Mecca, beside his ancestor Qusayy.