Abu Talib (RA) is the most famous uncle of Prophet Muhammed (SAW), and is the father of Imam Ali (AS), the Prophet's cousin. Abu Talib adopted Muhammed in youth when his granddad (Abdul Mutalib) died, and he continued to protect him from his (the Prophet's) enemies. Abu Talib (RA) continued to protect the Prophet until he died. Sunnis and Shia debate on whether or not he died a Muslim.