Abu Talib

Chief of the Hashim clan and uncle of Muhammad. Full brother of Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib (Muhammad’s father). Became Muhammad’s guardian at age eight after Abd al-Muttalib died (c. 578 CE). Raised Muhammad alongside his own children, including Ali, with his wife Fatimah bint Asad. Took young Muhammad on a trade journey to Syria where the monk Bahira recognized signs of prophethood. Protected Muhammad from Quraysh persecution through tribal authority after the prophethood began in 610 CE. Endured the three-year boycott (616-619 CE) that starved the Hashim clan. Died in 619 CE without converting to Islam, marking the “Year of Sorrow.” Father of Ali, Jafar ibn Abi Talib, and others.