Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib

Al-Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib was a paternal uncle and sahabi (companion) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, just three years older than his nephew. A wealthy merchant, during the early years of Islam he protected Muhammad while he was in Mecca, but only became a convert after the Battle of Badr in 624 CE (2 AH). His descendants founded the Abbasid Caliphate in 750.

Early years Abbas, born around 565 CE, was one of the younger sons of Abd al-Muttalib. His mother was Nutayla bint Janab of the Namir tribe. Thus, he was a half-brother of Muhammad's father Abdullah. After his father's death, he took over the Zamzam Well and the distribution of water to the pilgrims. He became a spice merchant in Mecca, a trade that made him wealthy. Within this role, he managed a caravan network to and from Syria, where he eventually recruited and trained Muhammad as an apprentice for leading the northern leg of the journey.

Conversion to Islam During the years when Islam was gaining adherents (610–622), Abbas provided protection to his kinsman but did not adopt the faith. He acted as a spokesman at the Second Pledge of Aqaba, but he was not among those who emigrated to Medina.

Having fought on the side of the polytheists, Abbas was captured during the Battle of Badr. Muhammad allowed al-Abbas to ransom himself and his nephew.

Ibn Hisham said that Abbas had become a secret Muslim before the Battle of Badr; but a clear statement to that effect is missing from Tabari's citation of the same source. It is said by some authorities that he converted to Islam shortly after the Battle of Badr.

It is elsewhere implied that Abbas did not formally profess Islam until January 630, just before the fall of Mecca, twenty years after his wife Lubaba converted. Muhammad then named him "last of the migrants" (Muhajirun), which entitled him to the proceeds of the spoils of war. He was given the right to provide Zamzam water to pilgrims, a right which was passed down to his descendants. After these military exploits, Abbas brought his family to live in Medina, where Muhammad frequently visited them and even proposed marriage to his daughter.

Later Abbas fought in the expedition to Tabuk. Fatima bint Junayd, from the Al-Harith clan of the Quraysh tribe. Hajila bint Jundub ibn Rabia, from the Hilal tribe. Musliya, a Greek concubine. Tukana, a Jewish woman from the Qurayza tribe, whom Abbas married after 632. It is not known whether any of the children were hers. The known children of Abbas were: Al-Faraa, who married Qatn ibn Al-Harith, a brother of Lubaba. Her mother is not named. The following were all the offspring of Lubaba: Al-Fadl. Abd Allah. Ubayd Allah. Ubayd Allah's daughter Lubaba married Abbas ibn Ali and had a son Ubayd Allah ibn Abbas ibn Ali. Qutham. Ma'bad. Abd al-Rahman. Umm Habib. Other children: Al-Harith. His mother is said to have been either Fatima Mushir, whose mother is not named. Kathir, son of Musliya. Amina, probably the daughter of Musliya. Safiya, probably the daughter of Musliya.

Descendants

The Abbasid dynasty founded in 750 by Abu al-ʻAbbās ʻAbdallāh as-Saffāh better known as As-Saffah claimed the title of caliph (literally "successor") through their descent from Abbas's son Abdallah.

Many other families claimed direct descent from Abbas, including the Dhund Abbasi, A tribe in Pakistan and Azad Kashmir; the Berber Banu Abbas; and the modern-day Bawazir of Yemen; and Shaigiya and Ja'alin of Sudan.

Family tree