Mukhtasar Muslim (Abridged) 99 — Could the Prophet benefit Abu Talib?

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib, may Allah be pleased with him, that he said: O Messenger of Allah! Have you benefited Abu Talib in any way? He used to protect you and would get angry for your sake (i.e., whenever someone would trouble you, he would get angry at them). The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Yes, he is in the upper level of Hell, and if it were not for me (i.e., if I had not supplicated for him), he would have been in the lowest level of Hell (where the punishment is very severe)."