Abdul Muttalib

1. Abdul Muttalib Among the notable souls resting in Jannat al-Mu‘alla is ‘Abd al-Muttalib (497–579 CE), the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad. When he chose the name “Muhammad” for him, it was virtually unknown among the Arabs. He served as the Prophet’s guardian until the age of eight. As the chief of Banu Hashim, he was a man of remarkable dignity and commanding presence. During the time of Abdul Muttalib, a significant event took place: Abraha, the governor of Sana‘a under the king of Abyssinia, marched toward Makkah with an army of elephants to destroy the Kaaba. He camped outside the city and seized two hundred camels belonging to Abdul Muttalib. In response, Abdul Muttalib went to meet him. Abraha was struck by his dignified presence, received him with honour, and asked about the purpose of his visit. Abdul Muttalib said, “I have come for my two hundred camels, which your men have taken.” Abraha replied, “You are appealing to me for your camels, but say nothing about the sacred House (the Kaaba), upon which your people’s honour rests, and which I have come to destroy?” With calm conviction, Abdul Muttalib replied, “I am the owner of the camels. The Kaaba has its own Lord, and He will protect it.” (Sirah Ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 44) Indeed, God brought Abraha’s powerful army to ruin, and he failed in his attempt to attack the Kaaba.