The One of Extraordinary Rank

Five days after the death of Hazrat Amina, Umm Ayman brought you to Makkah and handed you over to Abdul-Muttalib. He was so deeply grieved by your becoming an orphan that he had never been so distressed even at the death of his own son.

A carpet used to be spread for Abdul-Muttalib in the shade of the Kaaba. He would sit on it. Such was the respect in which he was held that no one else would sit on that carpet. Therefore, his sons and the chiefs of Quraysh would sit around the carpet. However, whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came there, he would go straight and sit on that carpet.

At that time, you were a healthy boy, and you were approaching the age of nine. Because of their respect for your grandfather Abdul-Muttalib, your uncles would want to move you away from the carpet, but Abdul-Muttalib would say:

“Leave my son alone. By Allah! He is a boy of great rank.”

Then he would lovingly seat you on the carpet, gently rub his hand over your back with affection, and remain extremely happy while listening to you speak.

Sometimes he would say to others:

“Let my son sit here. He himself is aware that he possesses a great rank, and I hope that he will attain such a high status as no Arab has ever attained before him, nor will anyone attain after him.”

Once he said these words:

“Leave my son alone. There is naturally greatness in his temperament… His rank will be extraordinary.”

Eventually, in the later part of his life, Hazrat Abdul-Muttalib’s eyesight failed and he became blind. One day, in this condition, he was sitting on that carpet when you came there and went straight toward the carpet. Someone pulled you away from the carpet. You began to cry. When Abdul-Muttalib heard the sound of your crying, he became restless and said:

“Why is my son crying?”

“He wants to sit on your carpet… We have removed him from the carpet.”

Upon hearing this, Abdul-Muttalib said:

“Seat my son on the carpet itself. He recognizes his own rank. I pray that he reaches such a rank as no Arab before him has ever attained and no one after him will attain.”

After that, no one ever stopped you from sitting on the carpet.

One day, some people from Banu Mudlij came to meet Hazrat Abdul-Muttalib. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was also present with him at that time. The people of Banu Mudlij saw you. These people were experts in recognizing physical features. They would look at a person’s face and make predictions about his future.

They said to Abdul-Muttalib:

One day, Hazrat Abdul-Muttalib was sitting near the Black Stone in the House of Allah. At that time, some Christians from Najran came to him. There was also a priest among them. The priest said to Abdul-Muttalib:

“In our books there are signs of a prophet who is yet to appear among the descendants of Ismail. This city will be his birthplace, and he will have these and these signs.”

While this conversation was taking place, someone brought you there. As soon as the priest’s eyes fell upon you, he was startled. Looking at your eyes, your back, and your feet, he exclaimed:

“That is the prophet! He is the one! What relation is he to you?”

Abdul-Muttalib replied:

“He is my son.”

Upon this, the priest said:

“Oh! Then he is not the one… because our books say that his father will die before his birth.”

Hearing this, Abdul-Muttalib said:

“He is actually my grandson. His father died when he had not even been born.”

The priest then said:

“Yes! Now that makes sense… Protect him completely.”

Abdul-Muttalib loved you so much that whenever he sat down to eat, he would say:

“Bring my son.”

When you came, Abdul-Muttalib would make you sit beside him. He would eat together with you.

A very old Companion, Haidah bin Muawiyah رضي الله عنه, says:

“Once, before Islam, during the time of ignorance, I went to Makkah Mukarramah for Hajj. I was performing Tawaf around the House of Allah. I saw a man who was very old and very tall. He was performing Tawaf around the House of Allah and saying:

‘O my Lord, turn my mount toward Muhammad and make him my support and strength.’

When I heard this old man reciting these verses, I asked the people:

‘Who is this?’

The people told me:

‘He is Abdul-Muttalib bin Hashim. He has sent his grandson in search of one of his camels. The camel has gone missing, and whenever this grandson is sent to search for something that has been lost, he always returns with it. Before sending his grandson, he had already sent his sons in search of this camel, but they returned unsuccessfully. Now, because his grandson has been gone for a long time, he is worried and is praying.’

Only a short while had passed when I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ returning with the camel. When Abdul-Muttalib saw you, he said:

‘My son! I became so worried about you that perhaps its effect will never leave my heart.’”

The name of Abdul-Muttalib’s wife was Ruqayyah bint Abu Saifi. She says:

“For several years, Quraysh had been suffering from a severe famine. The rains had completely stopped. Everyone was worried. During that time, I had a dream. Someone was saying to me in the dream:

‘O people of Quraysh! A prophet is about to appear among you. The time of his appearance has arrived. Through him, you will receive life, meaning that abundant rain will fall, and there will be greenery and prosperity.

Search among your people for a man who is tall, fair-skinned, has thick eyelashes, and whose eyebrows meet. Let that man come out with all his children, and let one man from every family among you also come out. All of them should be clean and apply perfume. They should kiss the Black Stone, and then all of them should climb Mount Abu Qubais.

Then the man whose appearance has been described should step forward and pray for rain, while all of you say Ameen. Then rain will fall.’”

In the morning, Ruqayyah told Quraysh about her dream. They searched for these signs, and they found all of them in Abdul-Muttalib. Therefore, everyone gathered around him. One man from each family came. They fulfilled all the conditions.

After that, they all climbed Mount Abu Qubais. The Noble Prophet ﷺ was also among them. At that time, you were still a young boy.

Then Abdul-Muttalib stepped forward and supplicated:

“O Allah! These are all Your servants, the children of Your servants, Your female servants, and the children of Your female servants. You see the difficult time that has befallen us. We have been suffering from continuous famine.

Now camels, cows, horses, mules, and donkeys have all been affected, and the animals are in distress. Therefore, remove this drought from us. Grant us life, greenery, and prosperity.”

He had barely finished making this supplication when rain began to fall. The valleys became filled with water.

However, something very strange happened during this rain. Quraysh certainly received this rainfall, but this rain did not fall at all in the nearby settlements of the tribes of Qais and Mudar.

People were now extremely surprised. How could this be? Rain had fallen upon one tribe while all the surrounding tribes remained deprived of rain.

The chiefs of all the tribes gathered and began discussing the matter. One chief said:

“We are suffering from severe famine and drought, whereas Allah Almighty has granted Quraysh rain, and this happened because of Abdul-Muttalib. Therefore, we should all go to him. If he prays for us, perhaps Allah will also send rain to us.”

Everyone liked this suggestion. Therefore, these people came to Makkah Mukarramah and met Abdul-Muttalib. They greeted him and then said:

“O Abdul-Muttalib! We have been suffering from drought for several years. We have learned about the blessing associated with you, so please pray for us as well, because Allah granted Quraysh rain through your supplication.”

After hearing them, Abdul-Muttalib said:

“Very well. Tomorrow I will also pray for you in the plain of Arafat.”

Early the next morning, Abdul-Muttalib set out toward the plain of Arafat. His sons and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ were also with him, along with other people.

In the plain of Arafat, a chair was placed for Abdul-Muttalib. He sat upon it and took the Noble Prophet ﷺ into his lap. Then he raised his hands and supplicated:

“O Allah, Lord of the shining lightning and Master of the roaring thunder, Nourisher of those who nourish, and One who makes difficulties easy.

These are the people of the tribes of Qais and Mudar. They are extremely distressed. Their backs have become bent. They complain to You of their helplessness and powerlessness, and they complain of the destruction of their lives and wealth.

Therefore, O Allah, send them clouds that pour down abundant rain, and grant them mercy from the sky so that their lands become green and their difficulties are removed.”

While Abdul-Muttalib was still making this supplication, a black cloud appeared. It came toward Abdul-Muttalib and then moved in the direction of the settlements of Qais and Banu Mudar.

Seeing this, Abdul-Muttalib said:

“O group of Quraysh and Mudar, go! You will receive water and relief.”

Thus, when these people reached their settlements, rain had already begun to fall there.

When you had reached the age of seven, you developed an eye ailment. Treatment for your eyes was carried out in Makkah, but you did not recover.

Someone said to Abdul-Muttalib:

“There is a monk living in the marketplace of Ukaz. He treats eye ailments.”

Abdul-Muttalib took you to him. The door of his place of worship was closed. He called out to him, but the monk gave no answer.

Suddenly, a severe earthquake struck the place of worship. The monk became frightened that the building might collapse on him. Therefore, he immediately came outside.

When he saw you, he was startled. He said:

“O Abdul-Muttalib! This boy is the prophet of this Ummah. If I had not come outside, this place of worship would certainly have collapsed upon me. Take this boy back immediately and protect him. Do not let anyone from among the Jews or Christians kill him.”

Then he said:

“And as for his eyes… the remedy for his eyes is already with him.”

Abdul-Muttalib was surprised and said:

“With him? I do not understand.”

“Yes. Apply his saliva to his eyes.”

They did exactly that, and his eyes immediately became well.

Many of your signs had been written in the ancient heavenly scriptures. Its details are very interesting.

In Yemen, there was a tribe called Himyar. There was a man there named Saif bin Dhi Yazan. He was known as Saif Himyari.

At one time, his forefathers had ruled this country, but then the Abyssinians attacked Yemen and took control of it. The Abyssinians established their rule there.

Yemen remained under the control of the Abyssinians for seventy years. When Saif grew older, he developed a strong desire to liberate the land of his forefathers. Therefore, he prepared an army.

Through this army, he attacked the Abyssinians and drove them out of Yemen. In this way, he succeeded in liberating the land of his forefathers and became its king.

This was the land of Yemen in Arabia. When the Abyssinians had occupied it, the Arabs were greatly saddened. Seventy years later, when the people of Yemen expelled the Abyssinians, the Arabs became extremely happy.

One reason for their happiness was that these same Abyssinians had attacked Makkah with Abraha.

Delegations from all around Arabia began coming to congratulate Saif.

A delegation from Quraysh also went to congratulate him. The leader of this delegation was Abdul-Muttalib.

When this delegation reached Yemen, Saif was in his palace. He had a crown on his head, a sword placed in front of him, and the Himyari chiefs were seated on his right and left.

Saif was informed of the arrival of the Quraysh delegation. He was also told about their status and rank. He permitted them to enter.

The delegation entered the court. Abdul-Muttalib stepped forward and stood before him. He asked permission to speak.

Saif said:

“If you are familiar with the etiquette of speaking before kings, then you have our permission.”

Abdul-Muttalib then said:

“O King! We are the servants of the Kaaba and the guardians of the House of Allah. We have come to congratulate you.

The Abyssinian rule over Yemen had also become a burden upon us. Congratulations to you! Through this achievement of yours, your ancestors will also receive honor, and the coming generations will also gain dignity.”

Saif was extremely pleased upon hearing his words. He involuntarily exclaimed:

“O man! Who are you? What is your name?”

He replied:

“My name is Abdul-Muttalib bin Hashim.”

Upon hearing the name Hashim, Saif said:

“Then you are the son of our sister.”

The mother of Abdul-Muttalib belonged to the Khazraj tribe of Madinah, and the Khazraj tribe originally came from Yemen. Therefore, when Saif heard the name Hashim, he said:

“Then you are the son of our sister.”

Then he said:

“We welcome all of you. We value your feelings.”

After this, the Quraysh delegation was accommodated in the official guesthouse. They were treated with great hospitality. One month passed in this way.

After one month of hospitality, Saif called them. He summoned Abdul-Muttalib to him and said:

“O Abdul-Muttalib! I am revealing to you one of the hidden secrets of my knowledge. If there were anyone other than you, I would never tell him. Keep this secret a secret until Allah Almighty Himself reveals it.

We possess a hidden book. It is a treasure of hidden secrets. We keep it concealed from others.

I have read in this book about very great news and about a great danger… and it concerns you.”

Abdul-Muttalib was extremely astonished upon hearing these words and exclaimed:

“I do not understand. What are you trying to say?”

“Listen, Abdul-Muttalib. When a child is born in the valley of Tihamah, that is, in Makkah, and there is a tuft of hair between his shoulders—that is, the Seal of Prophethood—he will attain leadership and authority, and because of him you will receive honor and distinction until the Day of Judgment.”

Upon hearing this, Abdul-Muttalib said:

“O King! May Allah grant you such good fortune as well. Your awe is preventing me from asking you; otherwise, I would ask you when the time of this child will be.”

The king replied:

“It is his time now. He will either be born in this very period or has already been born. His name will be Muhammad. His mother will die, and his grandfather and uncle will raise him.

We also wished that this child would be born among us. Allah Almighty will cause him to appear openly and will appoint supporters for him from among us—that is, from the Khazraj tribe of Madinah.

Through them, his family and tribe will gain honor, and through them his enemies will suffer humiliation. Through them, he will confront all people, and through them important regions of the earth will be conquered.

That prophet will worship the Most Merciful. He will threaten Satan. He will cool the fire temples—that is, he will eliminate the fire-worshippers. He will break the idols.

His every word will be the final command. His orders will be based upon justice. He will command good deeds and practice them himself. He will forbid evil deeds and eliminate them.”

Abdul-Muttalib prayed for Saif bin Dhi Yazan and then said:

“Please tell me some more details.”

“The matter is concealed and the signs are hidden, but, O Abdul-Muttalib, there is no doubt that you are his grandfather.”

Upon hearing this, Abdul-Muttalib immediately fell into prostration.

Then Saif said to him:

“Raise your head. Lift your forehead high, and tell me: Have you seen any of the signs I have mentioned among your own family?”

Abdul-Muttalib replied:

“Yes. I had a son whom I loved very much. I married him to a noble and honorable woman, Amina bint Wahb bin Abd Manaf. She belonged to one of the most respected families of my people.

A boy was born to my son through her. I named him Muhammad.

Both the father and mother of this child have passed away. Now I and his uncle Abu Talib are taking care of him.”

Saif then said to him:

“Everything I have told you is exactly as this event has happened.

Now protect your grandson and keep him safe from the Jews, because they are his enemies. However, Allah Almighty will never allow those people to gain control over him.

And do not mention to your tribesmen what I have told you. I fear that these matters may create jealousy and envy among them.

They may think, ‘Why should this honor and greatness be granted to them?’

These people will create obstacles in his path. If they do not remain alive until then, their descendants will do this.

If I did not know that death would overtake me before the appearance of this prophet, I would set out with my camels and caravan and go to Yathrib, because I find in this book that the city of Yathrib will be the center of his kingdom, the source of his strength, and the place of his help and support.

It will also be the place of his death, and he will be buried there.

Our book is filled with knowledge from the previous scriptures.

I know that if I openly announce his greatness right now, dangers will arise for him and for me.

If this fear did not exist, I would immediately tell everyone about him. I would narrate before the Arabs the stories of his superiority and his high rank.

But I have revealed this secret to you… I have not told it even to any of your companions.”

After this, he called the companions of Abdul-Muttalib.

He gave each of them ten Abyssinian male slaves, ten Abyssinian female slaves, striped Yemeni garments, a large quantity of gold and silver, one hundred camels, and boxes filled with amber.

Then he gave Abdul-Muttalib ten times as much and said:

“Come to me after one year and bring me news about him and tell me about his circumstances.”

Before the year had passed, that king died.

Abdul-Muttalib would often mention that king.

When you reached the age of eight, Abdul-Muttalib passed away. Thus, the companionship of a great guardian came to an end.

At that time, Abdul-Muttalib was ninety-five years old. Some historical books mention an even greater age for him.

When Abdul-Muttalib passed away, you were present beside his bier. You began to cry.

Abdul-Muttalib was buried at the place of Ajun, beside his grandfather Qusay.

Before his death, he entrusted the Noble Prophet ﷺ to his son Abu Talib.

Now Abu Talib became your guardian.

He too developed immense love for you. His brothers Abbas and Zubair also took great care of you.

Then Zubair also passed away, and your uncle Abu Talib continued to take care of you.

He also loved the Messenger of Allah ﷺ greatly. When he witnessed your blessings and miracles, his love for you increased even more.

He was financially weak. The entire household could not always have enough food for two full meals a day.

But when the Noble Prophet ﷺ ate with them, even a small amount of food became sufficient for all of them. Everyone would become full.

Therefore, whenever it was time for lunch or dinner and everyone sat at the dining cloth, Abu Talib would say:

“Do not start eating yet. Let my son come, and then begin.”

Then you would come and sit with them.

Your blessing would become apparent in such a way that even after everyone had eaten their fill, food would still remain.

If there was milk, the Noble Prophet ﷺ would first be given milk to drink. Then the sons of Abu Talib would drink.

They would all drink from the same bowl and become completely satisfied, yet the milk would still remain.

A cushion was kept for Abu Talib, and he would sit leaning against it.

Whenever the Messenger of Allah ﷺ came, he would come and sit directly beside that cushion.

Seeing this, Abu Talib would say:

“My son is aware of his elevated rank.”

Once, a famine struck Makkah. There was no rain at all.

People began saying to one another:

“Pray to Lat and Uzza for rain.”

Some said:

“Put your trust in Manat, the third great idol.”

During this time, an old man said:

“You are running away from truth and reality. Among you is the sign of Ibrahim عليه السلام and Ismail عليه السلام. Why are you leaving it and following the wrong path?”

The people asked him:

“Do you mean Abu Talib?”

He replied:

“Yes, that is exactly what I mean.”

Then everyone went toward the house of Abu Talib.

When they reached there, they knocked on the door.

A handsome man came outside. He was wearing a wrapped loincloth.

All the people moved toward him and said:

“O Abu Talib! A famine has struck the valley. Children are starving. Therefore, come and pray for rain for us.”

So Abu Talib came outside. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was also with him.

You looked as though the sun had emerged in the darkness.

There were other children with Abu Talib as well, but he held your arm.

After that, Abu Talib held your finger and performed Tawaf around the Kaaba with you.

While they were performing Tawaf, the other people repeatedly looked toward the sky. There was not even a single piece of cloud in the sky.

But suddenly, clouds began gathering from every direction.

Such heavy rain fell that the city and the wilderness were completely watered.

Once, Abu Talib went to the fair of Dhi al-Hijaz. This place was approximately eight kilometers from Arafat.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was also with him.

At that time, Abu Talib felt thirsty. He said to you:

“Son of my brother, I am thirsty.”

He did not say this because you had water with you… rather, he said it to express his discomfort.

Upon hearing his uncle’s words, you immediately got down from the mount and said:

“Dear uncle, you are thirsty?”

He said:

“Yes, my nephew. I am thirsty.”

As soon as you heard this, you struck a stone with your foot.