On the auspicious occasion of the birth anniversary of Hazrat Abu Talib ibn Abdul Muttalib on 29 Shawwal, World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League (WABIL) extends its joyous felicitations to the Imam of our Time (atfs), the Ahlul Bayt (a.s), righteous scholars, and all believers.
 
Abu Talib was the main supporter, protector and uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (sawa) and the father of Imam Ali (as).  History tells us that he was a noble respected member of the Quraish tribe, and indeed his role in the advent of Islam was central to the survival of the faith. Abu Talib and his wife Fatima bint Asad raised the Prophet after the demise of the Prophet’s grandfather. He was extremely attached to his nephew, and showered him with his protection and love. Not only did the Prophet accompany his Uncle on his business trips in his youth, but he then also sought his counsel on his marriage to Lady Khadijah.
 
Some Muslims including the Wahhabi sub-sect claim that Abu Talib died as an unbeliever and will, God forbid, dwell in Hellfire. However, Sunni sources themselves testify to how this could not be possible, and how Abu Talib was indeed a staunch believer in Islam and was right from the beginning of his life on the path of Ibrahim (a.s) as a Hanif, monotheist.  Abu Talib never worshipped idols, he never consumed intoxicants, he never ate from haram, he never took interest, nor did he abuse or ever oppress anyone.  Both Tarikh Tabari and Tarikh Ibn Kathir state that when the pagan Makkans approached Abu Talib telling him to stop his nephew from preaching the message of Islam, Abu Talib in fact told the Prophet to go forth in preaching Islam. The Prophet (sawa) always counted on Abu Talib’s support. According to the Sharh of Ibn Hadid, another Sunni source, Abu Talib said, ‘I believe that Muhammad's faith is the best of all the religions of the Universe.’ Only a believer could utter such a statement. Indeed, let us be clear, that only a believer could raise the Prophet, feed him pure halal food, and recite his marriage vows. It is unthinkable that a non-believer would have carried out all these acts.
 
Abu Talib suffered sanctions, hunger, and poverty to support the Prophet throughout the terrible time of sanctions. However the greatest tragedy is that rather than praising him for this, some Muslims who are influenced by Bani Umayya propaganda claim that Abu Talib is in the hellfire. A fabricated narration claims that at the time of death, Abu Talib refused to recite the Kalima Shahadah, and that when the Prophet said that he would pray for his forgiveness, Allah revealed, " It is not fitting for the Prophet and those who believe that they should pray for forgiveness for pagans even though they be of kin, after it has become clear to them that they are the companions of the fire." [9 : 113].
 
However, this entire narration is a fabrication by the enemies of Imam Ali (a.s), for the surah quoted (surah Bara’ah) was revealed in Madinah in the 9^th year of hijrah, whereas Abu Talib passed away three years before hijrah.
 
When the Prophet was asked about Abu Talib, he said,’All the good, I hope it from my Lord (for Abu Talib)’. (Tathkirat al_khawaas 10) (Al-Ghadeer 7:374). 
 

Imam Mohammad Al-Baqir (a.s.) said: If the faith (Imaan) of Abu Talib is put in a scale against the faith of all people, the faith of Abu Talib will be more weighty. Don’t you know that Ameerul Mu’mineen Ali (a.s.) used to send people to perform Hajj on behalf of Abullah and Aaminah (Prophet’s parents) and Abu Talib as long as Imam Ali was alive , then He made a will to continue that after His death).(Shaikh al-Abtah 32, Al-Ghadeer 7:381, Abu Talib Mo’min Quraish by Al-Khunaizi 257). It is obvious that Hajj can only performed on behalf of Muslims. 
 
Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (a.s.) asked Younus Bin Nabatah: O Younus, what do people say about Abu Talib? Younus replied: People say that he is in a shallow in the fire from which his brain is boiling. Imam al-Sadiq (a.s.) said: The enemies of Allah are lying. Abu Talib (in the paradise) is with the prophets, the truthful, martyrs and pious people, who are the best to be with. (Shaikh al-Abtah 32, al-Hujjah 17, al-Ghadeer 7:394 from Kanz al-Fawaa’ed).
 
On this wonderful day, we congratulate you all, and pray that you may follow in the footsteps of Abu Talib by always supporting the faith of the Prophet and being loyal to the beloved Messenger of Allah.
 
Peace and blessings upon the Noble Abu Talib.
 
Sayed Mohammad Al-Musawi
World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League
London U.K
 

 
 

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