The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 120
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 120 among the remaining sons of ‘Abdu Manāf bin Qusaiyy only the Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib maintained good relations. In this manner, the dynasty was divided into two parties. To one side were the Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib and to the other were the Banū Nawfal and Banū ‘Abdi Shams. This party alliance was influential to the extent that when the Banū Hāshim and other Muslims were besieged in the The Valley of Abū Ṭālib by the infidels of Makkah, even then the Banū Muṭṭalib stood by the Banū Hāshim and remained separated from the rest of the Quraish. However, the Banū Nawfal and Banū ‘Abdi Shams allied with the infidels and opposed the Banū Hāshim. The kind conduct demonstrated by Muṭṭalib towards ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib was also a means of strengthening relations of friendship between the Banū Muṭṭalib and Banū Hāshim. Thus, the Banū Muṭṭalib and Banū Hāshim always remained together as one. It was due to this relationship of unity that the Holy Prophet sa would always, separate a portion for the Banū Muṭṭalib along with the Banū Hāshim, from the division of Khumus 1 (in other words the 1/5 portion of the spoils of war which was separated for the cause of Allāh, his prophet, the close relatives of the prophet and other common Islāmic requirements). When the Banū Nawfal and Banū ‘Abdi Shams, on account of their equivalent relationship to the Holy Prophet sa , requested that they also be given a portion from the Khumus , in the similitude of the Banū Muṭṭalib, he refused and said, “The Banū Hāshim and Banū Muṭṭalib are one. ” 2 Search for the Fountain of Zamzam The fountain of Zamzam , which was the fundamental cause for the inhabitation of Makkah, had been sealed and lost for centuries. When the responsibility of Siqāyatul Ḥājj 3 came into the hands of ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib, he began to search and locate that lost water spring on the basis of a dream. Therefore, he and his son Ḥārith occupied themselves in its search, however, none among the Quraish assisted the Banū Hāshim. Quite the contrary, some even ridiculed father and son. At that time, whilst feeling shame and indignation at his weakness, overcome by emotions, ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib vowed if God blessed him with ten sons and all of them reached adulthood before his eyes, he would 1 Literally means 1/5 in Arabic (Publishers) 2 Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābul-Manāqib, Bābu Manāqibi Quraish, Ḥadīth No. 3502 3 Providing water during the Ḥajj to pilgrims (Publishers)