Abu Lahab (549-March 624) was the ruler of Mecca from 619 to 624, succeeding Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib.
Biography[]
Abu Lahab was the paternal uncle of Muhammad and son of Abdul Muttalib. Abu Lahab's name means "Father of Flame", a nickname given to him by his father for his red cheeks, and he was known to be generous and charming. However, he was cruel towards Muslims, and he did everything to pester Muhammad both in public and at home (his wife put thorns wherever Muhammad stepped, and she threw garbage at his house). In the Quran chapter "The Palm Fiber", Abu Lahab was cursed for his cruelty, and he agreed with the embargo against the Muslims of Mecca to starve them out. Often drunk, he sent al-'As ibn Hisham ibn al-Mughira to fight at the battle of Badr in his stead in 624, and the battle was a defeat. Abu Lahab was angry, and he attacked Abbas ibn Shaiba's Lubaba bint al-Harith as she was sharpening arrows. Lubaba responded by using a tent pole to split Abu Lahab's head open, killing him.