When it comes to his family, what do we actually know about the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)? Who were the Family of Prophet Muhammad’s grandparents, parents, children, and wives? If we don’t know much about someone’s life, how can we follow them or even have a relationship with them? In this guide, we provide you with important information about the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) family.

Parents

The parents of the Prophet (peace be upon him) were noble, pious, and devout. They were far from all the evils found in their society. They never worshipped idols. His father, Abdullah, belonged to a noble tribe of Mecca called the Quraysh. A few months before the birth of the Prophet (peace be upon him), his father, Abdullah, fell ill and died while traveling for trade.

The mother of the Prophet (peace be upon him) was from the tribe of Banu Zahra in Yathrib. While taking her young son on a trip to visit his father’s grave, her mother also fell ill and died. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was only six years old when both his parents died.

Foster mothers

Thubayyah al-Islamiya looked after the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) for a few days after his birth. After that, Halimah Sa’diyah took over the responsibility of raising the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) until he was six years old.

After the revelation of Islam, Thubayyah and Halimah (may Allaah be pleased with them) and their entire family also became Muslims. Sometimes, Halimah would go to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), and he would respectfully spread his blessed cloak on the ground so that she could sit on it with him.

Also Read: Muslim Prophets’ Names – Complete List in Islam

Grandparents

Your grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, raised you very well after the death of your mother. He surrounded the little child with love and affection. He took care of you as if you were his own son. When you, Muhammad (peace be upon him), were eight years old, your grandfather, who had raised you with great love, also passed away. Fatima bint Amr was the grandmother of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him).

She was married to Hazrat Abdul Muttalib bin Hashim. Her full name was Fatima, the daughter of Umar bin A’id bin Imran bin Makhzoom. Her mother’s name was Sahar, and Sahar’s mother’s name was Tahmoor, the daughter of Ubaid, the son of Tahmoor Qusai.

Uncles

The Family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) included nine uncles, among them Abu Talib, Hamza, Abbas, Abu Lahab, Harith, Zubair, Gidaq, Al-Muqoon, and Zarar. Not all of them accepted Islam, but only two of them accepted Islam, including Hamza and Abbas.

Abu Talib took care of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) after the death of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib. He was a loving man for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and treated him like his own son. He raised the young Muhammad (peace be upon him) with great love as long as he was alive. He completely protected his nephew from the Quraysh and declared war on anyone who tried to harm him.

Abu Lahab was a great enemy of Islam and the Family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was his nephew, but he still called him bad and did not stop hurting him. He, along with his wife Umm Jamil, Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him), and the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) were raised together because they were almost the same age.

Even before Hamza (may Allah be pleased with him) converted to Islam, he loved the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and fought shoulder to shoulder with him against the enemies of Islam. The day he converted to Islam was considered a great victory for Islam because he was a very brave and strong man. He was given the name Asadullah (lion of Allah) because of his great physical strength.

Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) was the uncle and friend of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), who was a few years older than his nephew. Abbas was one of the youngest brothers of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)’s father. He was a wealthy merchant. In the early years of Islam, he protected the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) when he was in Mecca, but he converted only after the Battle of Badr. The Family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) remains an inspiring example of love, loyalty, and sacrifice in Islamic history.

Children

The Family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Khadija (may Allah be pleased with them) had a total of six children, including four daughters and two sons. Maria (may Allah be pleased with her) was blessed with one son. Unfortunately, all the sons of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) except Abdullah Qasim and Ibrahim died in childhood.

Zainab (may Allah be pleased with her) was the eldest of the Prophet’s four daughters. She was married to her first cousin, Abu Al-As (may Allah be pleased with her), who was the son of her maternal aunt. He did not convert to Islam at the time of their marriage, but he was always a loving and devoted husband to Zainab and a good son-in-law to the Prophet (peace be upon him). Zainab faced many hardships in her life, including being seriously injured for her love and support of Islam.

Ruqayyah (may Allah be pleased with her) was the second-oldest daughter of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Her first marriage to Utbah ended in divorce when her father’s uncle, Abu Lahab, forced her to divorce him. Her second marriage was to Hazrat Uthman (RA), who was subjected to severe torture by the disbelievers. Ruqayyah (RA) was a very virtuous and good woman who bravely endured many hardships. When she died, she was only 20 years old.

Umm Kulthum (RA) was the third daughter of the Prophet (PBUH). Like Ruqayyah (RA), her first marriage was to the youngest son of Abu Lahab, but like her brother, she divorced him on the orders of her parents. After Ruqayyah (RA) died, the Prophet (PBUH) gave Umm Kulthum (RA) to Hazrat Uthman (RA). They had an ideal marriage, but after only a few years together, Umm Kulthum (RA) fell ill and died.

Fatima (RA) was the youngest daughter of the Prophet (PBUH). She had a close relationship with her father. She was a hardworking and noble woman, but she herself was very poor. Despite being very kind to others, the Prophet (peace be upon him) married her to his cousin Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), who was the son of his uncle Abu Talib.

At the time of Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her), she was the only surviving child of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but she also passed away in the month of Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her) was one of the four most perfect spiritual and chosen women in the world; therefore, she is also called the Lady of Paradise, that is, the leader of the women who will go to Paradise.The Family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) continues to inspire Muslims with their devotion, patience, and unwavering faith in Allah.

Adopted son

Hazrat Zaid bin Harith (RA) was the servant of the Prophet (PBUH). The Prophet (PBUH) loved him very much, which is why he is also called the beloved of the Prophet (PBUH). He was among the first people to accept Islam. His name has also been mentioned in the Holy Quran. He (RA) initially served as a commander in the Muslim army and led many important battles, and was finally martyred in the Battle of Mu’ta.

Grandchildren

Hazrat Zainab (RA) had two sons and a daughter. One of her sons died in infancy, but her other son, Ali (RA), had a very close relationship with her grandfather, the Prophet (PBUH). Her daughter, Umamah, was also very close to her grandfather, who often spoiled gifts upon seeing them. Hazrat Zainab (RA) also had a son, Abdullah, by her husband, Uthman (RA), but he died at a young age.

Fatima and Hazrat Ali (RA), who later became the fourth Caliph of Islam, also had six children: Hassan, Hussain, Mohsen, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Zainab. Unfortunately, Mohsen and Ruqayyah died in infancy. Hassan and Hussain were especially close to the Prophet (PBUH), who loved them very much. Hassan and Hussain (RA) reminded others of the Family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in both their appearance and character.

Also Read: List of Sahaba – Companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Conclusion

The Family of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) established its high ranking in Islamic history. From his pious and pure parents to his loving foster mothers, everyone played a very important role in his life with their goodness and sincerity. His grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, also raised him with great love, and his uncles Hamza and Abba,s always stood by him with courage and loyalty.

Through his marriages and children, his family became a guide and example for future generations. The daughters of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Zainab, Ruqayya, Umm Kulthum, and Fatima, were the manifestations of his principles and religious convictions. Similarly, his grandsons Hassan and Hussain, through their exemplary conduct, continued to uphold the values of his power and martyrdom. The connection felt by his adopted son Zaid bin Harith was so strong that it could be likened to that of a blood relation, not merely ascribed to a bond of love and loyalty.

The Family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is a brilliant illustration of faith, patience, love, and devotion to God. Studying their lives makes the love of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) grow in the hearts of the Muslims and encourages them to practice his teachings with more sincerity and respect.

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