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 Ḥājj1 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 sacrifice one of them in the way of God.2 After the labour of some time, ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib was able to locate the site of Zamzam. Upon digging that site, the old spring once again gushed forth. Along with this, the treasure which was buried by the Jurhum tribe upon their departure from Makkah was also discovered. This unexpected occurrence fully established ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib’s authority over the Quraish. Although they attempted to contest ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib in his newly found treasure, ultimately, they were silenced in awe. Gradually, they began to acknowledge his greatness. Ultimately, ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib was regarded by the Quraish as an exceedingly venerable leader.3
Ḥarb bin Umaiyyah, the father of Abū Sufyān, was a very close friend of ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib, but the success of ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib ignited the fiery spark of jealousy in his heart as well. In the likeness of his father, he also attempted to contest the Banū Hāshim but failed. After this display of detestation, ‘Abdul-Muṭṭalib’s sitting remained with ‘Abdullāh bin Jad‘ān Taimī, who was a chieftain of noble character.4
1 Providing water during the Ḥajj to pilgrims (Publishers)
2 Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Dhikru Nadhri ‘Abdil-Muṭṭalib ain-Yanḥara Ibnahū, Volume 1, p. 40-41, Dāru Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)
3 * Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Dhikru Qusaiyy bin Kilāb, Volume 1, p. 40, Dāru Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)
* As-Sīratun-Nabawiyyah, By Abū Muḥammad ‘Abdul-Malik bin Hishām, pp. 118-119, Dhikru Ḥafri Zamzama wa mā Jadala minal-Khalfi, Dārul-Kutubil-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (2001)
4 Aṭ-Ṭabaqātul-Kubrā, By Muḥammad bin Sa‘d, Dhikru Qusaiyy bin Kilāb, Volume 1, p. 40, Dāru Iḥyā’it-Turāthil-‘Arabī, Beirut, Lebanon, First Edition (1996)