Ihyaaud Deen An Effort to Revive Deen in Totality
Abdul Muttalib was always greatly concerned for the safety of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and would try to keep him safe and protected at all times.
It is reported that once, Abdul Muttalib addressed Hazrat Ummu Ayman (radhiyallahu ‘anha), whose name was Barakah and who was responsible for looking after Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at that time, saying, “O Barakah! Ensure that you do not become negligent in regard to taking care of and protecting my grandson, for the Ahl-e-Kitaab claim that my grandson will be the Nabi of this ummah.” (Bidaayah wan Nihaayah 2/262)
Just as Abdul Muttalib was convinced that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) will be divinely chosen by Allah Ta‘ala one day in the world, and it was for this reason that he was concerned about his safety and protection at all times, similarly his beloved and respected mother, Aaminah, was also convinced that this child will one day be divinely chosen by Allah Ta‘ala in the world.
It is reported that during the time when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was in Madinah Munawwarah with his mother, Aaminah, some of the Jews of Madinah Munawwarah had seen him and recognized him as the final Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala.
Hazrat Ummu Ayman (radhiyallahu ‘anha), who was also present with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in Madinah Munawwarah at that time, says, “One day, two men from the Jews of Madinah Munawwarah came to me and said, ‘Bring the boy named Ahmed to us as we wish to see him.’
“After I brought Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) before them, they began to look at him from the front, after which they made him turn around and looked at him from the back. Thereafter, one of them addressed the other and said, ‘This boy is the Nabi of this ummah, and this place (i.e. Madinah Munawwarah) is the land to which he will perform hijrah and migrate.’
“When Aaminah heard of what had transpired, and what the Jews had said regarding her son, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), she began to fear for his safety and thus left Madinah Munawwarah to return to Makkah Mukarramah. Thereafter, on coming to Abwaa on the return journey, she passed away.” (Bidaayah wan Nihaayah 2/259)
The Demise of Abdul Muttalib
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) remained in the care of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, for a period of two years. When he turned eight, Abdul Muttalib bid farewell to this world. (Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah 2/262)
There are different views regarding the age of Abdul Muttalib’ at the time of his demise. Among the various views are the following: He was either eighty-two, or eighty-five, or ninety-five, or one hundred and ten or one hundred and twenty years old at the time of his demise. He was buried in Hajoon.
Prior to Abdul Muttalib passing away, he handed over Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to his son, Abu Taalib, who was the full brother of Rasulullah’s (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) respected father, Abdullah.
At the time of handing him over to Abu Taalib, Abdul Muttalib made a bequest to him urging him to raise Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and care for him with the greatest affection and love.
Once, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was asked whether he could recall the death of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Yes, I recall the event as I was eight years old at that time.” (Dalaa’il-un-Nubuwwah li-Abi-Nu’aim #103)
Hazrat Ummu Ayman (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) says, “When Abdul Muttalib’s funeral bier was lifted, I recall seeing Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) walking behind the bier while weeping.” (Tabaqaat Ibnu Sa’d 1/95)
Source: The Illustrious Sahaabah
