Ancestry
The lineage and ancestry of Mohammad
Arab tradition preserved careful genealogies. The chart traces Mohammad's male ancestors through the noble Quraysh tribe back to Adnan, and, by tradition, ultimately to the prophet Abraham. His mother's line meets his father's at a shared ancestor, Qusayy ibn Kilab.
His line of forefathers
The traditional chain of his ancestors is: Mohammad son of Abdullah, son of Abd al-Muttalib, son of Hashim, son of Abd Manaf, son of Qusayy, son of Kilab, son of Murra, son of Ka'b, son of Lu'ayy, son of Ghalib, son of Fihr, son of Malik, son of al-Nadr, son of Kinana, son of Khuzayma, son of Mudrika, son of Ilyas, son of Mudar, son of Nizar, son of Ma'add, son of Adnan.
From Adnan, tradition continues the line back to the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim) and his son Ishmael (Isma'il), making Mohammad a descendant of the same prophetic family honored in Judaism and Christianity.
His parents
- Father
- Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, who died before Mohammad was born.
- Mother
- Amina bint Wahb, of the clan of Zuhra. Her line meets the father's line at the shared ancestor Qusayy ibn Kilab. She died when Mohammad was about six.
His names and titles
Tradition records several names and honorific titles for him, each reflecting an aspect of his role:
- Mohammad and Ahmad — both mean “the praised one.”
- al-Mahi — “the one through whom disbelief is erased.”
- al-Hashir — “the gatherer,” at whose feet people will be gathered.
- al-Aqib — “the last,” who came after the other prophets.
- Seal of the Prophets — the final prophet in the Islamic tradition.
Common questions
Who were the Quraysh?
The Quraysh were the leading tribe of Mecca, custodians of the Ka'ba shrine and prosperous traders. Mohammad belonged to one of their clans, Banu Hashim. The Quraysh first opposed his message, but most eventually accepted Islam.
Is Mohammad really descended from Abraham?
Islamic tradition traces his ancestry through Ishmael, Abraham's elder son, who is associated with Arabia. This connection is central to Muslim belief, linking Mohammad to the same prophetic heritage shared with Jews and Christians.
Why does lineage matter in this story?
In ancient Arabia, a person's tribe and ancestry shaped their identity, alliances, and protection. Mohammad's respected lineage gave him standing, while his clan ties offered some safety during the difficult early years of his mission.