How Did It All Start? Islam For The Uninformed.

A Simplistic Narration Of The Pre-Islamic Story.

The lineage of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is traced back to Ishmael and concludes with his father, Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib. The lineage emphasizes the Quraish tribe, and the prominence of the Quraish tribe among the bloodline of Ismael is historically significant. The family tree includes Kilab ibn Murrah and the Hashim clan of the Quraish tribe.

The Quraish tribe was prominent among the bloodline of Ismael due to their leadership and central role in Meccan society, particularly related to trading, governance, and religious duties at the Kaaba. This status provided them with influence, resources, and recognition, making them a central part of the genealogical narrative.

The lineage of the Prophet Muhammad is documented in Islamic sources, outlining the lineage from Ismael to Muhammad’s father, Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib. Islamic sources also emphasize the prophetic family, including the Hashimite family, after the grandfather Hashim ibn ‘Abd Munaf.

Judeo-Christian writings do not provide direct documentation or prophetic sayings related to the Hashim clan of the Quraish tribe. However, Islamic tradition and historical texts trace the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad to Ismael, and the connections between biblical figures and Islamic genealogy have been discussed in both religious and historical contexts.

The Islamic sources provide detailed information about the lineage of the Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing the historical and genealogical connections to Ismael, the Quraish tribe, and the Hashim clan, and this narrative is further supported by Islamic tradition and historical documentation. Let’s look at a few.

The Family lineage of the Beloved Prophet (PBUH)

Father’s side: Muhammad the son of Abdullah, the son of Abdul Mutalib, the son of Haashim, the son of Abd Manaaf, the son of Qusaay, the son of Kilaab, the son of Murrah, the son of Ka`ab, the son of Luway, the son of Ghalib, the son of Fahar, the son of Maalik, the son of Nadhar, the son of Kinanah, the son of Khuzaymah, the son of Mudrikah, the son of Ilyaas, the son of Mudhar, the son of Nazaar, the son of Ma`ad, the son of Adnaan. [Bukhari]

It is narrated by Abdullah bin Abbas (Allah be pleased with him) that when the prophet used to say his family linage, he used to stop at Adnaan.

Mother’s side: Muhammad the son of Aminah, the daughter of Wahab, the son of Abd Manaaf, the son of Zuhrah, the son of Kilaab, the son of Murrah (After Kilaab the prophet’s fathers and mother’s side of the lineage become one).

In other narrations the family chain of the prophet goes back to the prophet Ibrahim (PBUH).

Allah Mentions in the Quran:

لقد جاءكم رسول من أنفسكم

“Now hath come unto you an Apostle from amongst yourselves.”
(S. Tawbah, Ayat 128)

Ibn Abbas and Zuhri when reciting the above verse used to read the Faa (ف) with a Fatha and used to say that the meaning behind this verse is that the prophet was chosen from among the best people.

Abdul Mutalib

Abdul Mutalib was the grandfather of the beloved prophet (PBUH) and was known for his beauty and hospitality. He always used to stay away from evil, and the tribe of Quraish used to look up to him as a leader. Abdul Mutalib was the first person to go to the cave of Hira for meditation in solitude. Once while Abdul Mutalib was asleep in the Hateem (crescent shaped area immediately adjacent to the Ka’bah), he dreamt that he was being ordered to dig up the well of Zam Zam. This well had been buried for many years and nobody knew where it had been buried. After great thought Abdul Mutalib and his son Harith started digging where he was instructed in his dream, and eventually the well of Zam Zam was found. From This well many pilgrims used to drink, and till today it fulfils the same purpose.

Abdullah ibn Abdul Muttalib

Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib, the father of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), was from the Quraysh tribe in Mecca and the family of Banu Hashim. He was the son of Abdul Muttalib and Aminah bint Wahb. Abdullah married Aminah, and their son, Muhammad, became the last Prophet of Islam. Abdullah died before the birth of Prophet Muhammad. His early death had a significant impact on the life of the Prophet and his family.