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Islam /
Abbas
Arabic:
'al-¢abbās ibn ¢abd 'al-muttalib
(Ca. 568-652) In Islam, one of the central persons of early Islam, uncle of Muhammad.
Seen with Muslim eyes, Abbas' main achievement was protecting Muhammad after Abu Talib died. He is remembered for being one of those in a position privileged enough to help wash Muhammad's body after his death. Also, through his son, Abdullah, a line passes to the founders of the Caliphate dynasty known as nothing less than the Abbasids.
He was a slow converter to Islam, happening first after 14 years. During the years before converting, he was far from the fiercest opponents to the new faith promoted by Muhammad. Historical accounts are not clear, leaving modern readers with open options: During these years, did he help Muhammad or fight against him? One incident is clear, that he was part of the army facing Muhammad at the Battle of Badr, since we known that he was one of the Meccan fighters captured. Historians are uncertain to whether or not he converted to Islam while at Badr or after returning to Mecca.
Abbas was a successful merchant, known for the grandeur with which he surrounded himself during his travels. Stories tell that he was in charge of the Zamzam well when this was part of the pre-Islamic pilgrimage of the Ka'ba. His job was to put raisins in the water, to sweeten its taste.
For the 20 years he lived after Muhammad's death, little or nothing is told.
Biography
Ca. 568: Born in Mecca.
619: With the death of Abu Talib, Abbas becomes the protector of Muhammad, now increasingly unpopular in Mecca.
624: Converts to Islam.
628 or 629: Gives his sister-in-law, Maimuna, in marriage to Muhammad.
652: Dies in Madina.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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