Ṭālib ibn Abī Ṭālib (Arabic: طَالِب بْن أَبِي طَالِب) was a first cousin of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and a brother of Ali.
Ṭālib ibn Abī Ṭālib طَالِب بْن أَبِي طَالِب | |
|---|---|
| Born | c. 570 Hejaz, Arabia |
| Died | Unknown, probably c. 624 |
| Known for | Cousin of Muhammad and brother of Ali |
| Parents |
|
| Relatives | |
| Family | Banu Hashim |
| Notes | |
Went missing in 624 in modern day Saudi Arabia, and has been missing for ~1400 years | |
Family edit
He was born in Mecca, the eldest son of Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib and of Fatimah bint Asad.[1] The young Muhammad lived in their house from the time he and Talib were both eight years old.[2]: 79
He had no offspring.[1]
Inheritance Law edit
When his father Abu Talib died in 620,[2]: 191 his inheritance was divided between Talib and his brother Aqil. Their two younger brothers, Ja'far and Ali, did not inherit anything. This established the Islamic legal principle: "No believer will inherit an infidel's property, and no infidel will inherit the property of a believer."[3][4]
Battle of Badr edit
In 624 Talib set out with the Meccan army to rescue the merchant-caravan that was threatened with a Muslim attack.[2]: 291 When word came from Abu Sufyan that the caravan had arrived safely home so there was no need to continue the march, some of the Quraysh nevertheless wanted to continue as far as Badr. They said to Talib: "We know, O Son of Hashim, that if you have come out with us, your heart is with Muhammad." A poem about his decision to return to Mecca is attributed to him.
O God, if Talib goes forth to war unwillingly with one of these squadrons,
Let him be the plundered not the plunderer, the vanquished not the victor.[2]: 296
After some discussion, Talib decided not to accompany them. Talib never arrived in Mecca. He was never seen again and his body was never found.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c Muhammad ibn Saad. Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir. Translated by Haq, S. M. (1967). Ibn Sa'd's Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Volume I Parts I & II, 135. Delhi: Kitab Bhavan.
- ^ a b c d Muhammad ibn Ishaq. Sirat Rasul Allah. Translated by Guillaume, A. (1955). The Life of Muhammad. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- ^ Bukhari 2:26:658; 5:59:579.
- ^ Muslim 7:3132.