ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Shiite Apologetics Question Twenty-nine Why do you pay visits to Abu-Talibs grave, and did he die a Muslim ? Answer: Abu-Talib, the son of `Abd al-Muttalib, and the distinguished father of the Commander of the faithful, `Ali (a.s), and the honorable uncle of holy Prophet (a.s), is in the Shiites view a man who had firm belief in the mission of the Messenger of God.

He was a help and a support to the Prophet in all circumstances of peril Islam faced in its early days of advent. The Family: Abu-Talib was born to a family headed by `Abd al-Muttalib grandfather of the Prophet (a.s) and the hero amongst the adherents to the faith of Ibrahim, the True friend of God.

A little investigation into the history of the Arabian Peninsula will make it clear that `Abd al-Muttalib never renounced the worshipping of God, nor did he falter in his supporting the monotheistic religion. Having gathered a large troop, all elephant riders, Abraha was on his way to Mecca to destroy Ka`bah (The House of God). He took possession of some of `Abd al-Muttalibs camels and was astonished when `Abd al-Muttalib came to demand naught but his camels.

In response to the question as to why `Abd al-Muttalib only wanted his camels back but did not request Abrahah to give up attacking the Ka`bah, `Abd al-Muttalib, filled with belief and trust in God, answered, I am the master of the camels, and the House has a master to care for it.[1] He then set out for the Ka`bah, where he took the circular doorknocker in his hand and beseechingly said: O Lord, I implore none but thee; O Lord, stop, then, thy enemies.

Surely, the enemies of the House Are thy enemies. Stop them From destroying the House. [2] These and similar eloquent statements are clear evidence for `Abd al-Muttalibs firm belief in God and worshipping Him. Ya`qubi, the historian, has the following words to say concerning `Abd al-Muttalib: He denounced worshipping the idols, and worshipped the one God.[3] Now, let us see what this monotheist father says concerning his son, Abu-Talib.

Abu-Talib from the view point of `Abd al-Muttalib History shows that some clairvoyants had informed `Abd al-Muttalib of the bright future awaiting his grandson, the holy Prophet, and of his divine mission. [1] Al-Kamil fi'l-Tarikh by Ibn al-Athir, vol. 1, p. 261, printed in Egypt, 1348 A.H. [2] Ibid. [3] Tarikh al-Ya`qubi, vol. 2, p. 7, printed in Egypt.