Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib

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`Abbas ibn `Abd al-Muttalib (العباس بن عبد المطلب) (c. 566 – c. 653) was a uncle and companion of Muhammad.

Key Facts

• He was only born a few years before his nephew Muhammad, and was one of Muhammad's father's youngest brothers.
• The Abbasid dynasty claimed the title of caliph (literally "successor to the prophet") through his son Abdullah ibn Abbas.
• He is buried in Medina.

Background

Muhammad had 10 or 11 uncles. Four of them earned a great name in history - Abu Talib, Abu Lahab, Hamza and Abbas. Abu Talib became important because he brought up his orphan nephew, Muhammad, with great love and care and always supported and protected him. Abu Lahab is famous because he tried to destroy Islam. Both Hamza and ‘Abbas became Muslims and remained firm and strong in their faith in Islam.