Abu Lahab, whose real name was ʿAbd al-ʿUzzā ibn ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib, was a prominent figure in early Islamic history, best known as an uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and one of his most vehement adversaries. As a member of the influential Banu Hashim clan of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca, Abu Lahab wielded significant social and economic power. His opposition to the Prophet’s message of Islam, alongside his wife Umm Jamil, earned them both a unique condemnation in the Quran’s Surah Al-Masad (The Palm Fiber, Chapter 111). This description explores Abu Lahab’s background, his role in opposing Islam, his depiction in Islamic sources, and his legacy, drawing on Quranic exegesis (tafsir), hadith, and historical accounts.br Background and Familybr Abu Lahab was born into the Banu Hashim, a respected clan of the Quraysh tribe, which held custodianship of the Kaaba, Mecca’s sacred sanctuary. His father, ʿAbd al-Muṭṭalib, was the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, making Abu Lahab one of the Prophet’s paternal uncles. The name “Abu Lahab” (Father of Flame) was a nickname, possibly derived from his ruddy complexion or fiery temperament, while his given name, ʿAbd al-ʿUzzā, reflected devotion to the pre-Islamic deity al-ʿUzzā. As a wealthy merchant, Abu Lahab profited from Mecca’s pilgrimage-based economy, centered on idolatry, which Muhammad’s monotheistic message threatened to dismantle.br Abu Lahab was married to Arwā bint Ḥarb, known as Umm Jamil, a member of the powerful Banu Umayyah clan and sister of Abu Sufyan, a leading Quraysh figure. Together, they had at least six children: Utbah, Utaybah, Muʿattab, Durrah (also called Fakhita), ʿUzzā, and Khālida. Some sources mention another son, also named Durrah, possibly from a different mother, though details are unclear. Initially, Abu Lahab’s sons Utbah and Utaybah were married to the Prophet’s daughters, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum, respectively. However, under pressure from Abu Lahab and Umm Jamil, both sons divorced the Prophet’s daughters after Muhammad began preaching Islam, aiming to isolate and humiliate him. Their daughter Durrah was briefly married to Zayd ibn Haritha, the Prophet’s adopted son, but this marriage also ended in divorce. Notably, several of their children—Utbah, Muʿattab, and Durrah—later converted to Islam, diverging from their parents’ staunch opposition.br Role in Opposing the Prophetbr Abu Lahab’s hostility toward the Prophet Muhammad began early in the latter’s prophetic mission, around 610–613 CE, when Muhammad publicly declared his prophethood. As a leading Quraysh figure, Abu Lahab saw Islam as a direct threat to his wealth, social standing, and the tribal traditions centered on the Kaaba’s idolatrous practices. His opposition was both personal and ideological, exacerbated by his close familial tie to Muhammad, which made the Prophet’s challenge to Meccan norms feel like a betrayal of clan loyalty.