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Abū Umayya ibn Al-Mughīra (ابو ٱمية بن المغيرة), whose original name wasSuhayl and whose by-name wasZād ar-Rākib ("the Travellers' Provider")[1]: 80 was the chief ofMecca in the early seventh century.
He was the son ofMughīrah ibn Abd Allah ibn Umar ibn Makhzūm, hence a member of theMakhzum clan of theQuraysh tribe.[1]: 80 Among his brothers were the following.
His wives and children included the following.
He was a wealthy merchant. He was known asZad ar-Rakib because on all his journeys he paid the expenses of every person in the company.[1]: 80
Abu Umayya was the chief of Mecca at the time when theKaaba was rebuilt[5]: 24 in 605. All the clans of Quraysh shared this task, with the Makhzum clan working on the section between the Black Stone and the southern corner.[2]: 84–85
Controversy arose over who should have the honour of replacing the Black Stone. The dispute became so severe that for four or five days, all work on the rebuilding ceased. Abu Umayya played a key role in settling the dispute by suggesting that the next man to enter the gate should be appointed umpire. The Quraysh agreed to this. As it happened, the next man to walk in was the future prophet Muhammad. The Quraysh were pleased, saying, "This is the Trustworthy One. We are satisfied. This is Muhammad." He settled the dispute by placing the Black Stone on a cloak. Representatives from each clan took one corner, and they lifted the cloak together. Muhammad then placed the stone with his own hand.[2]: 86