Therefore...

Therefore, Hashim’s two brothers, Abd-Shams and Nufail renewed their covenant and treaty with Najashi the King of Abyssinia and Casra the King of Iran. A few years later, these two also died and the reigns of governance fell in the hands of their brother “Muttalib “, the son of Abd-Manaf. Muttalib went to Medina and brought his nephew Abdul-Muttalib to Mecca. After Muttalib’s demise, the power was transferred to Abdul-Muttalib.

Abdul-Muttalib’s Authority Several reasons contributed to the increase in Abdul-Muttalib’s authority over the Quraish and the Arabian territory than his forefathers. Firstly, he belonged to the progeny and race of both the great Arab sects of Adnan and Qahthan. Secondly, there were many worthy deeds to his credit. Like the digging of the ZamZam well which was utilized by the inhabitants of Mecca and the pilgrims to the House of Allah right from the time of Hazrat Ismail (a.s.).

Consequently, the few elements that were buried under the soil were discovered by Abdul- Muttalib and barring him, none was aware of its whereabouts. After his skirmishes with the Quraish, Abdul-Muttalib excavated the well with the help of his only son Harith and quenched the thirst of the pilgrims. Abdullah-ibn Abdul-Muttalib In digging this well, Abdul-Muttalib had no helper, save his only son Harith.

At that moment, he took an oath that if God provided him with ten sons he would sacrifice one of them in His way. When the Almighty granted his prayer, his youngest son “Abdullah “ was selected to be the sacrificial offering, for the fulfillment of his covenant. Abdul-Muttalib wanted to sacrifice his son Abdullah in front of the House of Allah.

But the elite of the Quraish, who had gathered there, advised him against it, saying, “Such an action would set a bad example for the others amongst the Quraish and others too would pursue your footsteps and sacrifice their sons “ Consequent to this argument, it was resolved that Abdul-Muttalib would draw a lot between a hundred camels and Abdullah for the sacrifice. If the lot fell on the camels, he would sacrifice them but if it fell in favor of Abdullah, his son would be sacrificed.

When the lot was drawn it fell on the camels. Abdul- Muttalib did not accept this verdict until the lot was drawn thrice and on all the three occasions, it was in the favor of the camels. Abdul-Muttalib sacrificed the one hundred camels and prepared food out of their meat. Thus, Abdullah was delivered from sacrifice.