Abdul Muttalib’s son, Abdullah, the father of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, was a handsome youth. He was called “Dhabih” (the sacrificed) in reference to the rediscovery of Zamzam. When Abdul Muttalib was digging beside the Ka’bah in search of the old well, the Quraysh watched him idly. Once he began to reach wet soil, they insisted on sharing in his discovery, and they raised a great clamour. Abdul Muttalib vowed to Allah that he would sacrifice one of his ten sons if he were allowed to uncover the well. In the end, Abdul Muttalib continued excavating and discovered the old well.
Afterwards, he drew lots to determine which son he would sacrifice, and Abdullah was chosen. Abdul Muttalib took Abdullah to the Ka’bah and was prepared to sacrifice him, but the Quraysh, particularly Abdullah’s brothers and maternal uncles, were opposed to the sacrifice. Finally, it was decided that one hundred camels should be sacrificed in his place. Hence, the Prophet is called the descendant of the “two sacrificed ones” (Isma’eel and his own father Abdullah). Similarly, he is referred to as the descendant of “two elders held for ransom,” for Isma’eel was ransomed for a ram and his father for a hundred camels.
Abdullah was married to Amina, the daughter of Wahb. Wahb was a chieftain of Banu Zahra. Shortly after the marriage, Amina became pregnant, but before she could give birth to their child, Abdullah was sent by his father to Yathrib or Syria on business. Tragically, he passed away in Yathrib on the return journey and was buried in the house of Nabgha Dhabyani.
Answer the following:
- Why did Abdul Muttalib decide to sacrifice Prophet Muhammed صلى الله عليه وسلم father Abdullah?
- How many camels were offered as ransom for saving the life of the Prophet’s صلى الله عليه وسلم father Abdullah?
- In which place did Prophet Muhammed صلى الله عليه وسلم father Abdullah die and where is he burried?
