Quran
Hadith
Islamic Text
بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَنِ الرَّحِيمِ
In the Name of Allah Most Merciful Most Kind
Short Answer
Sunni scholars said Abu Talib died Kafir. They do not believe that he became Muslim at the time of death. Some of them have said that there is agreement upon this. This position has an abundance of evidence from the Quran and Sunnah. It can also be traced back to Sahabah.
عَنْ أُسَامَةَ بْنِ زَيْدٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا، أَنَّهُ قَالَ: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ، أَيْنَ تَنْزِلُ فِي دَارِكَ بِمَكَّةَ؟ فَقَالَ: وَهَلْ تَرَكَ عَقِيلٌ مِنْ رِبَاعٍ أَوْ دُورٍ. وَكَانَ عَقِيلٌ وَرِثَ أَبَا طَالِبٍ هُوَ وَطَالِبٌ، وَلَمْ يَرِثْهُ جَعْفَرٌ وَلاَ عَلِيٌّ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُمَا، شَيْئًا لِأَنَّهُمَا كَانَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ، وَكَانَ عَقِيلٌ وَطَالِبٌ كَافِرَيْنِ
Usama bin Zaid (May Allah Most High be pleased with them both) said: I asked, O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, will you stay in your house in Mecca? He ﷺ replied, “Has Aqil left any property or house?” Aqil along with Talib had inherited the property of Abu Talib. Jafar and Ali (May Allah Most High be pleased with them both) did not inherit anything as they were Muslims. Whereas Aqil and Talib were non-believers. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1588).
Due to the overwhelming evidence that Abu Talib died Kafir and did not embrace Islam, the scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah have asserted this fact. Although every Muslim would love the opposite to be true, we cannot contradict Quran and Sunnah.
Imam al-Nawawi
Imam al-Nawawi commented on the above Hadith regarding the inheritance of Abu Talib. Like many other Sunni scholars, he mentioned that the Hadith is a proof for Muslims not inheriting from non-Muslims. In another book, Imam al-Nawawi spoke about the uncles of the Prophet ﷺ. He said that two of them became Muslim. Abu Talib was not one of the two. They were Sayidina Hamzah and Sayidina al-Abbas.
وَفِيهِ أَنَّ الْمُسْلِمَ لَا يَرِثُ الْكَافِرَ وَهَذَا مَذْهَبُ الْعُلَمَاءِ كَافَّةً إِلَّا مَا رُوِيَ عَنْ إِسْحَاقَ بْنِ رَاهَوَيْهِ وَبَعْضِ السَّلَفِ أَنَّ الْمُسْلِمَ يَرِثُ الْكَافِرَ وَأَجْمَعُوا أَنَّ الْكَافِرَ لَا يَرِثُ الْمُسْلِمَ. (المنهاج شرح صحيح مسلم بن الحجاج)
It proves that a Muslim does not inherit from a Kafir. This is the view of all scholars except what was narrated from Ishaq bin Rahawayhi and some of the predecessors. Namely, a Muslim inherits from a Kafir. They (the scholars) unanimously agreed that the Kafir does not inherit from a Muslim. (Imam Abu Zakariyah al-Nawawi, Sharh Sahih Muslim).
أعمامه – صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ – أحد عشرة: أحدهم الحارث، وهو أكبر أولاد عبد المطلب، وبه كان يكنى، وقثم، والزبير، وحمزة، والعباس، وأبو طالب، وأبو لهب، وعبد الكعبة، وحجل، بحاء مهملة مفتوحة ثم جيم ساكنة، وضرار، والفيداق. أسلم منهم حمزة، والعباس، وكان حمزة أصغرهم سنًا. (تهذيب الأسماء واللغات)
His ﷺ uncles were eleven. Al-Harith, was the eldest of Abdul Muttalib’s sons. His title was from him. (Also) Qutham, al-Zubayr, Hamzah, al-Abbas, Abu Talib, Abu Lahab, Abdul-Kabah, and Hajal (it has a Ha without a dot and with a Fathah, then a Jeem with a Sukoon), Dirar, and Fidaq. Among them, Hamzah and al-Abbas embraced Islam. Hamzah was the youngest of them. (Imam Abu Zakariyah al-Nawawi, Tadheeb al-Asma wa al-Lughaat).
Imam Qadi Iyad
In his commentary on Sahih Muslim, Imam Qadi Iyad commented on the fact that Abu Talib did not become Muslim, but still benefitted from the Barakah (blessings) of the Prophet ﷺ.
وقد نالته بركتهُ مع موته على الكفر وخُفّفَ عذابُه بذلك، فكيف لو أسعده الله باتباعه؟ (إِكمَالُ المُعْلِمِ بفَوَائِدِ مُسْلِم)
Indeed he (Abu Talib) received his (the Prophet’s ﷺ) blessing despite dying upon Kufr. His punishment was lightened. How would it have been if Allah (Most High) honored him (Abu Talib) by following him (the Prophet ﷺ)? (Imam Qadi Iyad, Sharh Sahih Muslim).
Imam al-Ghazali
In his final book, Minhaj al-Abideen, Imam al-Ghazali mentioned the fact that Abu Talib died non-Muslim in passing. This seems to be a norm amongst Sunni scholars. There does not seem to have been much discussion about him becoming Muslim or not, since the Quran and Sunnah are abundantly clear about him dying non-Muslim. Therefore, leaving no room for discussion or difference.
فإنها كرامة حرص خليله ابراهيم صلوات الله وسلامه عليه أن يمن بها على أبيه فلم يفعل. وحرص حبيبه المصطفى صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أن يمن بها على عمه فلم يفعل. (منهاج العابدين إلى جنة رب العالمين)
It (religion) is a blessing that His Khaleel Ibrahim, may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him, was keen to have Him (Most High) bestow upon his father, but He did not do so. His beloved Chosen One ﷺ was keen to have Him (Most High) bestow it upon his uncle, but He did not do so. (Imam al-Ghazali, Minhaj al-Abideen p208).
Imam al-Zabeedi
Imam al-Zabeedi has a celebrated commentary on one of Imam al-Ghazali’s most famous books, Ihya Uloom al-Deen. In his work he discusses the various types of intercession. He mentions Abu Talib when he addresses intercession (Shafa’ah) that will benefit disbelievers (Kufar).
سابعها فيمن دخل في النار من الكفار أن يخفف عنهم العذاب في أوقات مخصوصة كما في حق أبى طالب وأبى لهب. (اتحاف السادة المتقين بشرح إحياء علوم الدين)
The seventh (type of intercession) is for those of the disbelievers who enter Hell. The punishment is lightened for them at specific times. As is the case with Abu Talib and Abu Lahab. (Imam Murtada al-Zabeedi, Ithaaf al-Saadah).
Imam al-Sayuti
Imam al-Sayuti quotes the Hadith of Abu Talib being in the fire, and explains that it is due to refusing to accept the invitation of the blessed Prophet ﷺ.
قَدْ صَحَّ فِي أبي طالب أَنَّهُ أَهْوَنُ أَهْلِ النَّارِ عَذَابًا لِقَرَابَتِهِ مِنْهُ – صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ – وَبِرِّهِ بِهِ مَعَ إِدْارَكِهِ الدَّعْوَةَ وَامْتِنَاعِهِ مِنَ الْإِجَابَةِ وَطُولِ عُمُرِهِ. (الحاوي للفتاوي)
It has been authentically narrated about Abu Talib that he is the least punished of the people of the fire. This is due to his closeness and kindness to him ﷺ. Despite his being aware of the call (to Islam) and refusing it. Although he had a long life. (Imam Jalal al-Deen al-Sayuti, al-Hawi).
Imam Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani
Imam Ibn Hajr confirms that Abu Talib died upon the religion of Abd al-Mutalib. Then he explains that the Prophet ﷺ continued to intercede for him until his punishment was lightened.
بَعْدَ أَنِ امْتَنَعَ مِنَ الْإِقْرَارِ بِالتَّوْحِيدِ وَقَالَ هُوَ عَلَى مِلَّةِ عَبْدِ الْمُطَّلِبِ وَمَاتَ عَلَى ذَلِكَ أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ لَمْ يَتْرُكِ الشَّفَاعَةَ لَهُ، بَلْ شَفَعَ لَهُ حَتَّى خُفِّفَ عَنْهُ الْعَذَابُ بِالنِّسْبَةِ لِغَيْرِهِ وَكَانَ ذَلِكَ مِنَ الْخَصَائِصِ فِي حَقِّهِ. (فتح الباري شرح صحيح البخاري)
He (Abu Talib) refrained from accepting monotheism (Tawheed). He said that he follows the religion of Abd al-Muttalib and died in that state. The Prophet ﷺ did not abandon interceding (Shafa’ah) for him. Rather he continued to intercede for him until his torment was lightened in relation to others. That was unique to his case. (Imam Ahmad bin Ali Ibn Hajr al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari).
Imam Zakariyah al-Ansari
Some people raise the issue of the great love Abu Talib had for the Prophet ﷺ. They contest that it is not feasible for him to have such love and still die upon Kufr. Imam Zakariyah explains that this was natural love and not religious love.
المحبة الإيمانية، وهي اتباع المحبوب، لا الطبيعية؛ لأنها لا تدخلُ تحت الاختيار، فلا نكلف بها، ومن ثمَّ لم يحكم بإيمان أبي طالب مع حبه للنبي – صلى الله عليه وسلم. (تحفة الباري)
Faith based love, is following the beloved. It is distinct from natural love. Since that is not one’s choice. Therefore, we are not held to account regarding it. For that reason, Abu Talib is not judged a believer, despite his love for the Prophet ﷺ. (Imam Zakariyah al-Ansari, Minhatu al-Bari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari).
Imams Birgivi and al-Khadimi
They both discuss the reason for Abu Talib refusing to embrace Islam. Once again, we see scholars of Ahl al-Sunnah deeming Abu Talib dying upon Kufr to be a fact. They did not see a need to discuss whether it was the case or not.
(وَالسَّبَبُ الثَّالِثُ لِلْكُفْرِ الْجُحُودِيِّ خَوْفُ الذَّمِّ) مِنْ النَّاسِ (وَالتَّعْيِيرِ) مِنْ الْعَارِ يَعْنِي أَنَّ سَبَبَ الْكُفْرِ عِنَادًا قَدْ يَكُونُ خَوْفَ ذَمِّ النَّاسِ وَتَعْيِيرِهِمْ (كَكُفْرِ أَبِي طَالِبٍ) هُوَ أَبُو الْإِمَامِ عَلِيٍّ كَرَّمَ اللَّهُ وَجْهَهُ وَعَمُّ النَّبِيِّ – صَلَّى اللَّهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ – فَإِنَّهُ مَعَ حُصُولِ الْمَعْرِفَةِ لَهُ بِنُبُوَّةِ النَّبِيِّ – صَلَّى اللَّهُ تَعَالَى عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ – لَمْ يُؤْمِنْ لِخَوْفِ ذَمِّ النَّاسِ وَتَعْيِيرِهِمْ. (بريقة محمودية في شرح طريقة محمدية)
(The third reason for willful disbelief is fear of censure) from people (and reproach) meaning shame. Meaning, the reason for disbelief is stubbornness. It may also be due to fear of people’s censure and reproach. (Like the disbelief of Abu Talib) the father of Imam Ali, may Allah honor his face, and the uncle of the Prophet ﷺ. Even though he attained recognition of the prophethood of the Prophet ﷺ he did not believe. This was due to fear of people’s censure and reproach. (Imams al-Birgivi and al-Khadimi, Sharh Tariqah Muhammadiyah).
Other scholars
There are so many other scholars who mentioned the fact that Abu Talib died non-Muslim. This is certainly not an exhaustive list. Some of them can be found in related answers on this website.
والشفاعة في تخفيف العذاب عن بعض الكفار كأبي طالب وأبي لهب. (السيرة الحلبية)
And intercession in lightening the torment of some infidels, such as Abu Talib and Abu Lahab. (Imam al-Halabi, al-Seerah al-Halabiyah).
(ويزاد للكفار)
أي في دركاتهم، بل قد يخفف عن بعضهم، كأبي طالب وأبي لهب. (حاشية الصاوي على الجلالين)
(And it will be increased for the disbelievers) meaning in their levels. Although it may be reduced for some of them, like Abu Talib and Abu Lahab. (Imam al-Saawi al-Maliki, Haashiyah ala al-Jalaalayn).
وكفر العناد وهو ان يعرف بقلبه ولا يعترف بلسانه ولا يدين به ككفر ابى طالب. (روح البيان)
The Kufr of stubbornness is when he knows it (the truth) in his heart but does not acknowledge it with his tongue. He does not accept it as his religion. Like the Kufr of Abu Talib. (Imam Ismaeel al-Khalwati, Ruh al-Bayan).
(أهون أهل النار عذابا أبو طالب)
عم المصطفى صلى الله عليه وسلم (وهو منتعل بنعلين من نار يغلي منهما دماغه) هذا وما قبله يؤذن بموته على الكفر وهو الحق ويزعم بعض الناس أنه أسلم. (فيض القدير شرح الجامع الصغير)
(The least punished of the people of the Fire will be Abu Talib). The uncle of the Chosen One ﷺ. (He will wear sandals which will cause his brain to boil). This and what came before it informs of his death upon Kufr, which is the truth. Despite some people claiming that he entered Islam. (Fayd al-Qadeer, Imam Abd al-Rauf al-Munaawi).
Conclusion
There are so many Sunni scholars that have stated that Abu Talib died Kafir, some have said that the opposite opinion is from the Shia. Imam al-Sakhaawi was amongst those scholars. Imam Ibn Hajr alluded to it too. I did not include many Hanafi scholars above since I have a separate article where I mention them.
And Allah Most High Knows Best.
–Answered by Shaykh Noorud-deen Rashid (14.12.23)
