In his history book...

In his history book, Ya‘qubi writes the following about ‘Abd al-Muttalib: "رفض عبادة الأصناز وحدّ الله عز وجل." “He kept aloof from worshipping idols and worshipped no one other than Allah, the Honorable and Glorious.”[^3] Now, let us see what is this monotheist and faithful father’s opinion about his own son, Abu Talib: Abu Talib according to ‘Abd al-Muttalib Historical records show clearly that some enlightened predictors informed Abu al-Muttalib of the bright future of the Holy Prophet (S) and his prophethood { nubuwwah }.

When Sayf ibn Dhu’l-Yazn took over and became the ruler of Abyssinia, ‘Abd al-Muttalib went to him at the head of a delegation.

After delivering an eloquent speech, the ruler of Abyssinia gave him glad tidings of the coming of an honorable prophet from his offspring, and regarding the prophet’s features he thus said: اسمه محمد – صلى الله عليه وأله وسلم يموت أبوه وأمه ويكلفه جده وعمه “His name shall be Muhammad (S); his father and mother will die (early) and his grandfather and uncle will shoulder the burden of his custodianship.”[^4] Then, giving more details about this future prophet, he added: "يعبد الرحمن ويدحض الشيطان ويخمد النيران ويكسر الأوثان.

قوله فصل وحكمه عدل ويأمر بالمعروف ويفعله وينهى عن المنكر ويبطله." He will worship the Most Merciful (God), avert Satan, extinguish the fires, and break down the idols. His words are decisive and his judgment equitable and fair. He will enjoin good and he himself will do good deeds and he will forbid evil and nullify it. ^5 Then, he said to ‘Abd al-Muttalib: "إنك لجده يا عبد المطلب غير كذب." “O ‘Abd al-Muttalib!

Without doubt, you are his grandfather.” ^6 Upon hearing this glad tiding, ‘Abd al-Muttalib performed thanks-giving prostration { sujud ash-shukr }, and concerning that blessed birth (of the Prophet) he said: إنه كان لي وابن كنت به معجباً وعليه ورفيقاً إني زوجته كريمة من كرائم قومي أمنة بنت وهب بن عبد مناف ابن زهرة فجاءت بغلام فسمّيته محمدا مات أبوه وأمّه وكفلته أنا عمّه ، يعني ابا طالب. I had a son whom I greatly admired and was gentle with him.

I married him off to an honorable lady named Aminah bint al-Wahhab ibn ‘Abd al-Manaf. That lady gave birth to a son whom I named Muhammad.