Is Abdullah ibn Abd al-Muttalib, the father of the Prophet, the one intended by the Hadith: "Indeed, my father and your father are in the Fire," and what is his sin to be in the Fire when he is from the people of the Fatrah (those who lived in a period without a prophet)?

The hadith was narrated by Muslim, Ahmad, and Abu Dawud from Anas (may Allah be pleased with him), and it was not narrated by Al-Bukhari. Scholars have different opinions regarding the fate of the people of the 'Fatrah' (those who lived in periods between prophets), and among them is the father of the Prophet (peace be upon him):

1. They are in Hellfire, based on the verse: (Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him). 2. They are excused, based on the verse: (And We would not punish until We had sent a messenger). 3. They will be tested on the Day of Resurrection, and this is the most plausible opinion for reconciling the evidence.

As for the father of the Prophet (peace be upon him), despite being among the people of the 'Fatrah', the hadith indicates that he is in Hellfire because Allah knew that he would not respond positively to the test. It has also been said that the reason for their not being excused is that remnants of the religion of Abraham reached them, or that the intended meaning of 'father' here is his uncle Abu Talib.