Seerah · About 578 CE · Makkah

The Death of His Grandfather

Abd al-Muttalib, a leading figure of Quraysh and custodian of duties connected to the sanctuary, kept his grandson close and is described as showing him marked favour. He died when the boy was about eight.

Guardianship passed to Abu Talib, a full brother of Abdullah. Abu Talib had limited means but took the responsibility seriously, and it shaped the next four decades.

On the sources: Age eight is the standard figure; the CE year follows from it.