Abd al-Muttalib

Grandfather of Prophet Muhammad, chief of the Hashim clan and custodian of the Ka’aba in pre-Islamic Mecca. Born Shaybah in Yathrib (c. 497 CE), brought to Mecca by his uncle Muttalib ibn Abd Manaf, and acquired the name “Abd al-Muttalib” (slave of Muttalib) through a mistaken assumption by Meccans. His rediscovery of the Zamzam well following a divine vision made him the most respected Quraysh leader of his generation. His vow to sacrifice a son led to Abdullah’s near-sacrifice and ransom with 100 camels, establishing Arabia’s blood-price (diya). During the Year of the Elephant (c. 570 CE), he trusted the Ka’aba’s Lord to defend it against Abraha’s invading army. After Aminah’s death, he became Muhammad’s guardian (577 CE), showing the orphan extraordinary affection until his own death around 578 CE, when he entrusted Muhammad to Abu Talib.