Abu Talib ibn ג€˜Abduג€™l-Muttalib Vieths: The Funniest Man in Arabia

Abu Talib ibn ג€˜Abduג€™l-Muttalib Vieths was known throughout Arabia for his quick wit and sharp tongue. He was the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, but that didn't stop him from poking fun at his nephew's religious teachings.
One day, Abu Talib was sitting in the shade of a tree, watching Muhammad preach to a group of followers. Muhammad was talking about the importance of prayer, and how it could bring people closer to God.
"Prayer is like a ladder," Muhammad said. "It takes you from the earth to the heavens."
Abu Talib snorted. "I'd rather take a camel," he said. "It's faster."
The followers laughed, and Muhammad shook his head. "My uncle is always trying to make me look like a fool," he said. "But I know that he loves me, deep down."
Abu Talib did love his nephew, but he couldn't resist teasing him. One day, Muhammad came to Abu Talib and asked him for some money.
"Why do you need money?" Abu Talib asked.
"I'm going to buy a new robe," Muhammad said. "I'm tired of wearing this old thing."
Abu Talib laughed. "You're a prophet," he said. "You should be wearing rags."
Muhammad sighed. "I know," he said. "But I want to look presentable when I'm preaching."
Abu Talib gave Muhammad the money, but he couldn't help but make one more joke. "Don't spend it all on clothes," he said. "You might need some of it to buy food."
Muhammad smiled. "I will," he said. "Thank you, uncle."
Abu Talib was a kind and generous man, but he was also a bit of a prankster. He loved to make people laugh, and he never missed an opportunity to tease his nephew.
One day, Abu Talib was invited to a wedding. He was seated at the head table, next to the bride and groom. The groom was a young man named Ali, and he was very nervous.
Abu Talib leaned over to Ali and whispered, "Don't worry, my boy. I've been married many times, and I can tell you that the hardest part is the first night."
Ali looked at Abu Talib in horror. "What do you mean?" he asked.
Abu Talib smiled. "I mean," he said, "that's when you find out if you're a husband or a eunuch."
Ali turned pale, and the bride burst out laughing. Abu Talib had struck again.
Abu Talib ibn ג€˜Abduג€™l-Muttalib Vieths was a one-of-a-kind character. He was a devout Muslim, but he never took himself too seriously. He was always ready to make a joke, and he loved to make people laugh.