The prophet's family and lineage
- Updated On Sunday, 27 July 2014
- Written by Allamah Qurashi
- Editor Faisal Shaheen
- Supervisor Sayyed Roohullah Musavi
- Published on Wednesday, 07 May 2014
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- Hits: What of the family background of the holy Prophet of Islam and his lineage?
The family origins that the Prophet Muhammad (a.s.) had branched from were known as being the greatest in purity, chastity, loftiness, and perfection. The nobility of lineage and the purity of birth are part of the prerequisites of prophethood. The history of the Prophet's glorious family is full of virtues and nobility. . The prophet's family (Hashemites) and the Umayyad family were among the most prominent Arab families that lived in Mecca. However, the nature, reputation and morals of these two families were vastly different. The Hashemites were famous for their honor, succor, and high Morals. They represented the ideal examples of all perfect characteristics that the Arabs and mankind would take pride in. On the other hand, the dominant characteristics of the Umayyads were oppression, selfishness, and aggression against people. Their defects, sins, and bad characteristics had blackened the face of history. Their souls were full of grudge and enmity against the Hashemites. They resisted Islam and strove to put out the light of the Islamic mission since its beginning. The Umayyads bore malice and enmity against the men and women of the Hashemites. In the following sections, we turn briefly to some of the noble examples and pillars of the prophet's family: Hashim His name was Amr, and he was called Amr ul-Ula (Amr of highness) for his exalted position and high standing. He was at the top of honor and loftiness. Historian says that he satisfied the needs of wayfarers, gave rights to their people and protected the frightened. Among the Arabs, these are the noblest of qualities. When the month of Thul Hajja came, he made a speech before the people of Mecca encouraging them to serve the hajjis who came to the Kaaba. Abdul Muttalib From the pillars of honor and pride emerged the noble master Abdul Muttalib. While he was one of the noblest young men in his youth, he matured in his old age to become one of the most notable ones. As a result, he was called "Shaybatul Hamd-the old man of praise" due to the people's high praise and gratefulness to him.1 Abdul Muttalib followed the religion of his great grandfather Abraham (a.s.). He did not worship an idol, but he worshipped Allah the Almighty. The Prophet (a.s.) said: "Abdul Muttalib did not gamble, nor did he worship idols or eat from what was slain for idols. He often said: I am on the religion of my father Abraham."2 The hospitality and the watering of the pilgrims, who came to the Kaaba, were entrusted to Abdul Muttalib. He suffered too much in the gathering water but offered it generously to the pilgrims of Allah's House. From the famous charismata of Abdul Muttalib, history reveals his restoring of the Zamzam Well after it had been buried for centuries, and the people of Mecca had forgotten its place. Abdul Muttalib uncovered it and refreshed life for the inhabitants of Mecca after they were suffering from the bitterness of thirst. Prophet Muhammad (a.s.) was born at the time of his grandfather Abdul Muttalib. When his father and mother died, he was adopted by his grandfather who looked after him with great love and kindness. The grandfather was certain that his grandson would be an important man in the future. Monks and others told him of that. He himself took much care of him and was kind and loyal to him. He preferred him to all his sons and other grandsons. When Abdul Muttalib felt that his inevitable end was near, he entrusted his grandson to his son AbuTalib and asked him to support him. AbuTalib accepted this recommendation and then Abdul Muttalib felt relieved from that burden oppressing him and he said to Abu Talib: "Now, death is made light to me." Then, he began kissing him (the Prophet) and saying: "I have not seen anyone more scented or more beautiful than you..." It is worth mentioning that the Prophet (a.s.) was eight years old when his grandfather Abdul Muttalib died.3 Abu Talib He was one of noblest men of his time and a master in Quraysh. The Prophet (a.s.) grew up under the true love and care of his uncle Abu Talib who was loyal in his love and kindness towards him and who preferred him to all his family and children too. We dealt with the life and personality of AbuTalib in a distinct article so we do not prolong it here.
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References: 1 Encyclopedia of Imam Ameerul Mo'minin Ali bin Abi Talib, vol. 1 p. 23. 2 Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 77 p.56. 3 Al-Imta. wel Mu.anasah, vol. 2 p. 81.