THE PROTECTOR OF THE NOBLE MESSENGER (S.A.W.A.S.) - HAZRAT ABU TALIB (A.S.)

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the great protector of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and the savior of Islam. It is stated that there must be a Hujjah at all time for the guidance, hence there were twelve guides and protectors during the period of Prophet Ie’sa and the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) was the last of that chain. He was called “Hanif” Reciting the kalmah is required if and when one is converting to Islam.

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and Hazrat Abdullah (a.s.), the father of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) were born from one mother and the father being Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.). Hence the promised leadership (Imamate) from the lineage of Hazrat Isma’il (a.s.) continued through these just followers of Ibra’himi faith. Hazrat Abdul Muttalib (a.s.)’s faith was further strengthened when the forces of Abraha attacked the Ka’bah and on his prayers, Allah destroyed the enemy as detailed in Surah al-Feel of the Glorious Qur’an.

There is a famous tradition when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “I and the man who protects an orphan will be in Paradise together (and he pointed his two fingers jointly)” He further said: “Whoever tapped the head of an orphan, there will be light for every hair he touches on the Day of Judgment.” This should be an eye-opener for those who cast doubts about the faith of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.)

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) performed the marriage ceremony (Nikah) of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) and said: “I am the one who believes in the Lord of Ibra’him, Is’haq and Dawood.” It is the same as the Shahada. Imam Zain al-Abidin said: “I wonder why people doubt of Abu Talib when a woman cannot continue in her matrimonial alliance with a non-Muslim after she had embraced Islam and Fatima bint Asad was among those women.” Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) said: “The faith of Abu Talib was superior to the faith of many people and Ali, the Commander of the Faithful ordered that Hajj should be performed on his behalf.” (Sharah Nahjul Balagha v. 14 page 76) Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: “Abu Talib was like the People of Cave. They had faith in their hearts. For this reason they will be reward twice! (Usul Kafi page 244)

Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) raised exemplary children like the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali (a.s.) and Hazrat Ja’far-e-Tayyiar. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said: “None resembles me like Ja’far because Allah loves Ja’far for his four qualities during the period of Ja’hiliya which are; when everybody lied he never lied, when everybody drink alcohol he never drank, when everybody committed adultery he never committed adultery, when everybody did idol-worshipping he did not worship idols. Can the father who raised such gems of Muslims be an unbeliever? Moreover, his poetry clearly demonstrates his monotheistic faith.

The opponents of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s) refer two Ayahs of the Glorious Qur’an to allege his non-believing. They refer Surah al-An’am Ayah 26 which says: “They keep away from the faith and forbid others to accept it. They destroy no one except themselves, yet they do not realize it.” There is no record in history that Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) stopped anyone from Islam. The famous Zamakshary in his Book “Kashshaf” said that this Ayah was revealed about a man called Nuzur who wanted to convert to Islam while Waleed ibn Muhgeera the father of Khalid bin Walled and Abu Sufiyan the father of Muawiya would discourage him to become a Muslim. Hence Allah condemned Waleed and Abu Sufiyan.The next Ayah is 113 Surah al-Tawbah which say: “After it was made clear that the pagans are to be dwellers of Hell, the Prophet and the believers should not have sought forgiveness from Allah for them even though they may have been relatives.” Surah al-Tawbah was the last Surah revealed in Madinah 13 years after Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) death in Makkah. Barar bin Ma’oon died in Madinah and the Noble Messenger recited the Sala’t al Mayyat for him.

It was a planned conspiracy of the Banu Abbas against the family of Hazrat Abu Talib. Banu Abbas were the descendants of Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib who was born of a slave woman. They became jealous that the family of Hazrat Abu Talib had a conspicuous status; hence they deployed resources to downgrade the family of Hazrat Abu Talib (a.s.) and falsely accused him of being an unbeliever. The major books of Muslims like Sahih Bokhari, Sahih Muslm, and Nisai’ were compiled in Banu Abbas time. In reply to a question about his father, Imam Ali (a.s.) said: “Allah has given me the honor of splitting the Heaven and the Hell and I know where my father will go. If my father wants to do Shafa’h for anyone, Allah will do it. On the Day of Judgment, my father will exceed the light of everyone except the Panjetan.”

Ibn Abil Hadid-e-Mu’tezili said: “If Abu Talib and his son (Ali) had not been there, the religion (Islam) would not have been successful. He supported and protected Muhammad in Makkah, and his son (Ali) dived in the whirlpool of death in Yathrib for him.”

Sources used:

The Glorious Qur’an, The Message by Ayatollah Ja’far Subhani, Lectures of Ammar Nakshwani