The real name of Abu Talib, the uncle of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the father of Sayyiduna Ali (رضي الله عنه), was Abd Manaf bin Abdul Muttalib.
However, some Shia scholars claim that his name was "Imran," which is an incorrect and baseless assertion.
Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) in his book Al-Radd Ala Al-Rafidah mentioned that some Rafidah (Shia sect) falsely claimed that the Quranic verse:
'Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran over the worlds.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 33)
refers to Abu Talib’s family and that his name was Imran, but he was known by his Kunya (Abu Talib)."
(
Reference: Fath al-Bari, Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari: 7/194)
'Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran over the worlds.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 33)
This is a clear fabrication and contradiction. It is obvious that their misinterpretation of this verse does not support their claim."
( Reference: Minhaj al-Sunnah: 4/350)
'Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran over the worlds.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 33)
This is a major error on their part. They falsely interpret the Quran without understanding its actual meaning.
If they had reflected on the Quran, they would have realized that in the following verse, Allah mentions:
'When the wife of Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed what is in my womb to be dedicated for You.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 35)
This clearly refers to the birth of Maryam (عليها السلام), the mother of Prophet Isa (عليه السلام), and has nothing to do with Abu Talib.
Abu Talib had great natural affection for the Prophet (ﷺ), but he never accepted Islam and died as a disbeliever, as confirmed in Sahih al-Bukhari.
( Reference: Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah: 11/30)
Authentic References:
However, some Shia scholars claim that his name was "Imran," which is an incorrect and baseless assertion.
Scholarly Opinions on Abu Talib’s Name
1 Hafiz Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani (رحمه الله) (D. 852H) States:
"The agreed-upon name of Abu Talib is Abd Manaf. Those who claim that his name was Imran are mistaken. Rather, it is a false statement.Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) in his book Al-Radd Ala Al-Rafidah mentioned that some Rafidah (Shia sect) falsely claimed that the Quranic verse:
'Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran over the worlds.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 33)
refers to Abu Talib’s family and that his name was Imran, but he was known by his Kunya (Abu Talib)."
(
Reference: Fath al-Bari, Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari: 7/194)2 Shaykh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah (رحمه الله) (D. 728H) States:
"Some Rafidah claim that Abu Talib’s name was 'Imran' and that he is the one mentioned in the verse:'Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran over the worlds.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 33)
This is a clear fabrication and contradiction. It is obvious that their misinterpretation of this verse does not support their claim."
(
Reference: Minhaj al-Sunnah: 4/350)3 Hafiz Ibn Kathir (رحمه الله) (D. 774H) States:
"The Rafidah claim that Abu Talib’s name was 'Imran' and that he is mentioned in the verse:'Indeed, Allah chose Adam, Noah, the family of Ibrahim, and the family of Imran over the worlds.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 33)
This is a major error on their part. They falsely interpret the Quran without understanding its actual meaning.
If they had reflected on the Quran, they would have realized that in the following verse, Allah mentions:
'When the wife of Imran said: My Lord! I have vowed what is in my womb to be dedicated for You.' (Surah Aal-e-Imran: 35)
This clearly refers to the birth of Maryam (عليها السلام), the mother of Prophet Isa (عليه السلام), and has nothing to do with Abu Talib.
Abu Talib had great natural affection for the Prophet (ﷺ), but he never accepted Islam and died as a disbeliever, as confirmed in Sahih al-Bukhari.
(
Reference: Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah: 11/30)Conclusion:
- The authentic name of Abu Talib was Abd Manaf bin Abdul Muttalib.
- The claim that his name was "Imran" is a false assertion made by some Shia groups to misinterpret the Quranic verse.
- The Quranic mention of "Imran" refers to the father of Maryam (عليها السلام), not Abu Talib.
- Abu Talib did not accept Islam and died in disbelief, as documented in Sahih al-Bukhari (4772, 3884, 2375, 1360).
Authentic References:- Fath al-Bari (7/194)
- Minhaj al-Sunnah (4/350)
- Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah (11/30)
- Sahih al-Bukhari (4772, 3884, 2375, 1360)
