ʿAbdu ʾllāh (عبد الله)
Definition and Significance
ʿAbdu ʾllāh (عبد الله) is most notably recognized as the father of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His life and untimely demise are significant aspects of early Islamic history, setting the stage for the birth of one of the most influential figures in the world.
Etymology
The name ʿAbdu ʾllāh (عبد الله) is derived from two Arabic words: “ʿAbd” meaning “servant” or “slave,” and “Allah,” the Arabic word for “God.” Therefore, ʿAbdu ʾllāh translates to “Servant of God.”
Life and Background
ʿAbdu ʾllāh was the youngest son of ʿAbdu ʾl-Mut̤t̤alib, a notable figure from the Quraysh tribe of Mecca. According to historical sources, such as Kātibu ʾl-Wāqidī (p. 18) and Muir’s Life of Mahomet (vol. i. p. 11), he was married to Āminah, who was the mother of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Untimely Death
During the pregnancy of his wife Āminah, ʿAbdu ʾllāh embarked on a mercantile expedition to Gaza, located in modern-day Palestine. Tragically, on his return journey, he became ill and passed away in al-Madīnah before witnessing the birth of his son, Muhammad.
Arabic and Turkish Translations
- Arabic: عبد الله
- Turkish: Abdullah
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Muhammad: His Life Based on the Earliest Sources” by Martin Lings
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad” (4 Volumes) by Ibn Kathir, translated by Trevor Le Gassick
- “Ar-Raheeq Al-Makhtum (The Sealed Nectar)” by Saifur Rahman al-Mubarakpuri
Takeaways
- Name Significance: ʿAbdu ʾllāh means “Servant of God,” emphasizing piety and devotion.
- Historical Importance: His early death left an indelible mark on the early life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), highlighting the trials faced by the Prophet from an early age.
- Cultural Context: Understanding ʿAbdu ʾllāh’s life provides insight into the familial and societal structure of pre-Islamic Mecca.
Conclusion
ʿAbdu ʾllāh (عبد الله) holds a significant place in Islamic history, not only as the father of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also as a character whose life events shaped the early circumstances surrounding the Prophet’s upbringing. By exploring his life, one gains a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural context of the era.
