Episode Summary
Following the death of his mother at age six, Muhammad (saw) was returned to Makkah to the care of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, the most powerful leader in Arabia. This episode explores the remarkable affection and noble guardianship provided by Abdul Muttalib, who saw signs of future greatness in his grandson and ensured he was never emotionally deprived. Upon his grandfather’s passing at age eight, guardianship transitioned to his uncle Abu Talib, a man of simple means but immense loyalty. The narrative highlights the miraculous blessings that followed the young Prophet, from his impeccable manners and physical cleanliness to the supernatural increase of food in his uncle's modest household.
Key Highlights
- Abdul Muttalib, the most powerful man in Arabia, was more affectionate with Muhammad than with his own children, refusing to eat or sleep without checking on him first.
- The young Prophet was the only person allowed to sit on his grandfather's reserved cushion—his 'throne'—at the Ka’bah.
- Before his death at age 8, Abdul Muttalib specifically entrusted Muhammad to his most responsible son, Abu Talib.
- Abu Talib, a zahid with no desire for material wealth, loved his nephew more than his own children and prioritized him in all family affairs.
- Miraculous growth: In a household with very little food, a small meal would miraculously suffice for the entire family only when Muhammad sat to eat with them.
- Even as a child, Muhammad displayed extraordinary dignity (adaab), waiting calmly for food while other children fought for it.
- A famous Bedouin soothsayer panicked after seeing Muhammad, sensing he was not an ordinary child and prompting an overprotective Abu Talib to flee.
Comprehensive Analysis
1. The Guardianship and Affection of Abdul Muttalib
At age six, after the passing of Aminah, the young Muhammad (saw) was brought back to Makkah by Ummu Ayman to live with his grandfather. Abdul Muttalib was a remarkable leader—devout, moral, and regarded as the most powerful man in Arabia. Despite his immense responsibilities, he made Muhammad the most important aspect of his life, personally checking on him every night before sleep and refusing to eat until he was certain Muhammad had eaten first. He showed more kindness to his grandson than to his own children; while no one dared sit on his reserved cushion at the Ka’bah, he would allow the young boy to sit there, telling his uncles to leave him alone because “he looks like a king” and was meant for something special.
2. Transition of Care to Abu Talib
When Muhammad was eight, his grandfather passed away, though some historical accounts suggest Abdul Muttalib lived to be 153 years old. Before his death, he gathered his children to distribute responsibilities, singling out Abu Talib to take over Muhammad’s guardianship. Abu Talib was the full brother of Abdullah, the Prophet’s father, sharing the same mother, Fatimah. While Abu Talib took on the care of his nephew, the responsibility for the Well of Zamzam and the custodianship of the Haram was passed to another son, al-Abbas. Abu Talib was highly overprotective, having been warned by his father and having observed Jewish and Christian scholars watching the boy closely, suspecting him to be the Prophet of this Ummah.
3. Life and Miracles in the Household of Abu Talib
Abu Talib was a zahid—a man of simple means with no desire for material wealth. Although his household often had very little food, a recurring miracle occurred: whenever Muhammad sat to eat with the family, the same small portion of food would miraculously suffice for everyone, often leaving leftovers. Abu Talib loved him immensely, ensuring he had the best cuts of meat and never going out or to sleep without him. Unlike other children, Muhammad never woke up with messy hair or gunk in his eyes; he always appeared bright, clean, and clear, with eyes that looked as if they naturally had kohl on them.
4. Extraordinary Character and Dignified Conduct
From a young age, Muhammad (saw) exhibited a dignified manner of behaving that stood in stark contrast to other children. At mealtimes, while other children might behave like animals and fight over food, Muhammad would stand aside quietly, waiting for his turn. Noticing this, Abu Talib would set aside a portion of food early to ensure his nephew could eat with adaab (manners) once the other children had finished. This inherent nobility was a constant source of wonder for Abu Talib, who would often look at him and remark, “My son, there is something special about you”.
5. Recognition by the Bedouin Soothsayer
A famous Bedouin soothsayer once visited Makkah, and Abu Talib took his children to see him as was the local tradition. After staring at Muhammad for a long time, the fortune teller panicked when Abu Talib tried to leave, shouting for the boy to be brought back because he was not an ordinary child and was destined for greatness. Sensing a creepy and intense interest, an overprotective Abu Talib quickly fled with the children. It is noted that such soothsayers were often influenced by shayatin who sought information from the angels; the shayatin may have been trying to identify and target the special child.