How One Dream Revived the Heart of Makkah
Episode 5 | The Final Dawn Series
In this chapter of The Final Dawn, we uncover the story of a man whose unwavering faith led him to unearth one of Islam’s greatest miracles—the rediscovery of Zamzam. Long before the rise of the Prophet ﷺ, there lived a man whose leadership, dreams, and destiny would lay the foundation for what was to come. His name was Abdul Muttalib—grandfather of the final messenger.
But before his name echoed through history, he was simply a boy from Yathrib, raised far from the politics of Makkah.
A Boy From Yathrib
Long before he was known as Abdul Muttalib, he was Shayba, a child born with a streak of white in his hair. Raised in Yathrib (later known as Madinah), Shayba was the son of Hashim, a noble Qurayshi who had passed away on a trade journey. When Shayba’s uncle found him, he recognized the strength of his character and brought him back to Makkah.
The people, unaware of his noble lineage, mistook him for a servant—thus giving him the name Abdul Muttalib, meaning “the servant of Muttalib.” But Allah had a plan for this child. His destiny was to rise far beyond anyone’s expectations.
A Leader of Wisdom and Dignity
As he grew, Abdul Muttalib became one of the most respected figures in Makkah. He was known for his wisdom, integrity, and leadership. He served as the custodian of the Kaaba—a position of immense spiritual responsibility.
But beyond his status, he was a man of sincere heart and deep conviction. So when he began to have recurring dreams—dreams instructing him to dig near the Kaaba for a hidden well—he didn’t dismiss them. He acted.
The Dream That Changed Everything
Imagine being in his shoes. One night, a dream tells you there is something hidden—something sacred—beneath the earth. Then it happens again. And again. Most would be filled with doubt. But Abdul Muttalib was filled with certainty.
With his only son Harith by his side, he began to dig. Under the burning desert sun, with the eyes of Makkah watching—and mocking—they worked. Day after day. Until… the ground broke, and water gushed forth. Fresh, pure, life-giving water.
It was Zamzam—the ancient well of Isma’il, lost for generations, now reborn before a stunned crowd.
A Miracle… and a Challenge
But not everyone celebrated. The Quraysh, seeing the significance of what had just happened, wanted a share in its control. A dispute erupted.
To settle the matter, they journeyed across the desert to consult a priestess. The journey turned into a trial of survival. So desperate were they, they even began to dig their own graves. And just when Abdul Muttalib was about to give up hope, another spring appeared, saving their lives.
It was a sign—clear and undeniable. The well belonged to Abdul Muttalib. Even his rivals had no choice but to accept it.
A City Reawakened
Zamzam wasn’t just water—it was a spiritual revival. For the people of Makkah, it was a sign that the legacy of Ibrahim and Isma’il was not forgotten. Pilgrims returned. The Kaaba regained its honor. And Abdul Muttalib became a symbol of divine favor.
Yet beneath the glory, he felt a quiet sorrow. He had only one son to help him. And so, he made a solemn vow:
If Allah grants me ten sons who grow to adulthood, I will sacrifice one in His name.
A promise that would one day lead to a moment of great testing—when a young boy named Abdullah, his son, would be placed at the center of fate.
