Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
While Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remained in the care of Abdul Muttalib, the Quraish were undergoing drought and famine. This drought and famine continued for a few years, until one day, a certain woman called out to the Quraish and advised them that they should make dua for rain through the intermediary of this blessed child (Rasulullah [sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)]) as it is hoped that Allah Ta‘ala will send down rain through his intermediary.
Hearing this, Abdul Muttalib immediately stood up, and with great love and affection, he carried Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and placed him on his shoulder. Then, through the intermediary of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), he began making dua for rain, and it was not long thereafter that Allah Ta‘ala blessed them with rain. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was still a child at that time.
Abdul Muttalib’s Special Love and Affection for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Abdul Muttalib had great love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and thus he would always show him special attention. In fact, his love, compassion and kindness for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) even exceeded the love, compassion and kindness which he had for his own children.
Such was his deep attachment to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that at the time of meals, he would not eat without Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being present. Before eating, he would say, “Bring my beloved grandson to me!” and it was only after Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was brought and was seated with him that he would commence eating with him. (Bidaayah wan Nihaayah 2/261-262)
The Conviction of Abdul Muttalib Regarding Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) Being a Blessed Child
Abdul Muttalib knew well that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was an extremely special child who will be divinely chosen and selected by Allah Ta‘ala in the world, and he knew that a time will come in the world when people will greatly revere him, honour him and praise him.
It is narrated that prior to the blessed birth of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Abdul Muttalib had seen a dream. He dreamt that an iron chain appeared from his back. One end of the chain extended towards the sky, the other towards the earth, another towards the west and another towards the east.
After some time, the chain transformed into a tree. Every leaf of the tree was glittering with a brightness seventy times more intense than the brilliance of the sun. People from the east as well as the west were clinging onto its branches.
Some of the Quraish were also holding onto the branches of this tree, while a few others from the Quraish were determined to chop the tree down. Whenever this group decided to approach the tree to cut it down, an extremely handsome young man came and pushed them aside.
In interpretation of his dream, Abdul Muttalib was informed that a boy will be born from his progeny, and people from the east to the west will follow him. The beings of the heavens as well as the earth will sing his praises. It was on account of this dream that Abdul Muttalib kept the name of this blessed child ‘Muhammed’ (which means ‘The Extremely Praised One’). (Extracted from Seeratul Mustafa 1/61-62)
Source: The Illustrious Sahaabah
