He was appointed as the governor of the city of Mecca, in the wake of its conquest, by the Islamic prophet Muhammad in the January of 630, at a young age.
[1][2] Attab had converted to Islam after Mecca was conquered by the Muslims.
[2][3] Due to its sanctity for the Muslims, the governorship of Mecca was a coveted post and Attab was appointed over several other more experienced potential candidates from the Quraysh, which dominated the city.
[1][2] Attab was married to Juwayriya, a daughter of Abu Jahl, one of the early principal leaders of Qurayshite opposition to Muhammad.
[3][2] His son Abd al-Rahman was a prominent soldier in Aisha’s army who was slain by Malik al-Ashtar in the Battle of the Camel in 656.