It had been eight years since the Saga of the Elephant. Abdulmuttalib had grown very old. He was now on his death bed… 

Just as he had assembled his people around the carpets beneath the shade of the Kaaba, he had now gathered all his children together. His sons and daughters huddled together around their father’s bed…

The old father looked at all his children with sorrowful eyes and instructed them on what they needed to do after his death. Finally, to Abbas he said, “Even though you are not my eldest son Abbas, from now on you are responsible of the supervision of the zamzam well. You will serve water to all the guests…

Then he continued, “Now for the biggest responsibility… to protect and raise Muhammad, son of Abdullah, as deserving of a most precious gift.”

All his children cried at once, “Beloved father, we all, readily and gladly, would love to take on this duty!” Abdulmuttalib turned to Abduluzza (Abu Lahab) and said, “O Abduluzza, your wealth is abundant however your heart is stern, your mercy is little… My Abdullah’s son is an orphan, with no father and no mother… His heart is wounded and broken… Perhaps he may be saddened by some of your actions… This is why I cannot give entrust you with this duty!”

The he turned to Hamza and said, “O Hamza, I know you have been supporting my grandson more than all your siblings. However, you still don’t have any children of your own. One who does not have a child cannot know how to raise one. Besides, you love to explore and hunt. When you go out to the woods, you may neglect him and his needs…”

Then Abu Talib jumped in, “Beloved father… Allow me to take Muhammad into my care. I believe I qualify for this job more than my siblings. Perhaps my wealth is not much, I may not be rich, but my loyalty surpasses everyone elses…”

Abdulmuttalib smiled with joy… It was indeed Abu Talib who he had in mind for this job. He said, “You are indeed deserving of this duty more than everyone else O Abu Talib. However, before we make our decision, I must talk to Muhammad first and ask him who he prefers…”

Looking at the door he said, “Now bring me Abdullah’s son!”

Eight-year-old Muhammad came inside… When he saw all his uncles and aunts sitting around his grandfather he ran straight to his grandfather and gave him a hug, then sat beside him…

“My beloved grandson… which of your uncles or aunts would you prefer as your caretaker after me?” Abdulmuttalib asked.

Muhammad ran straight to Abu Talib and embraced him. Upon this Abu Talib said, “I thank Allah that his choice and my choice are the same!”

Abdulmuttalib was relieved, “Thankfully, Muhammad’s thought was the same as mine…”

Then he instructed Abu Talib, “This child has not felt the compassion of his father, nor did he see much from his mother… For his care I have held you higher in esteem than the rest of my children. You are closer to him than all my other children, for you and his father are from the same mother. If you live to see his adulthood, follow him and help him in his cause, do not hold back your support from him…”

He then embraced Muhammad, kissed and cuddled him and then held his hands out toward Abu Talib and said, “I am trusting you to guide my grandson by his hands going forward…”

And with a relieved heart, Abdulmuttalib closed his eyes to this world…