The Quraysh Tribe and its Surnames
The Quraysh was one of the most powerful and influential Arab tribes in pre-Islamic and early Islamic history. This tribe played a central role in the leadership of Mecca and later in the spread of Islam. Many notable surnames (family names) have originated from different clans within the Quraysh tribe. In this article we will talk about 11 Quraysh tribe and its surnames.
| Surname | Clan (English) | Clan (Arabic) | Meaning/Significance | Famous Figures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hashimi | Banu Hashim | بنو هاشم | Descendant of Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, the great-grandfather of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) | Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Abbasid Caliphs |
| Makhzumi | Banu Makhzum | بنو مخزوم | Related to the warrior clan known for its military strength | Khalid ibn al-Walid (The Sword of Allah) |
| Umayyad | Banu Umayya | بنو أمية | Connected to Umayya ibn Abd Shams, a key political faction in Islamic history | Umayyad Caliphs (Mu’awiya I, Abd al-Malik) |
| Abd al-Dar | Banu Abd al-Dar | بنو عبد الدار | “Servant of the House” (Kaaba), custodians of the Kaaba in pre-Islamic times | Custodians of the Kaaba in pre-Islamic Arabia |
| Abd Shamsi | Banu Abd Shams | بنو عبد شمس | “Servant of the Sun,” associated with a notable Meccan lineage | Early Meccan elites, Umayyad rulers |
| Zuhri | Banu Zuhra | بنو زهرة | Related to the clan of Prophet Muhammad’s mother, Amina bint Wahb | Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (Companion of the Prophet) |
| Adi | Banu Adi | بنو عدي | Derived from Adi ibn Ka’b, an ancestor of Umar ibn al-Khattab | Umar ibn al-Khattab (Second Caliph of Islam) |
| Sahmi | Banu Sahm | بنو سهم | Influential merchant and aristocratic family in Mecca | Amr ibn al-As (conqueror of Egypt) |
| Taymi | Banu Taym | بنو تيم | A Quraysh sub-clan known for its role in early Islam | Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (First Caliph of Islam) |
| Mahzumi | Banu Mahzum | بنو مخزوم | A variant of Makhzumi, known for their military prowess | Several notable warriors in early Islam |
The Quraysh Tribe and its Surnames
1. Hashimi (Banu Hashim)
Banu Hashim was the most distinguished clan of the Quraysh, as it was the lineage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The name “Hashimi” comes from Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, who was known for his generosity and leadership in pre-Islamic Mecca. The Abbasid Caliphate also descended from this noble clan.
2. Makhzumi (Banu Makhzum)
The Banu Makhzum were a powerful warrior clan within the Quraysh. They were known for their military strength and opposition to early Islam. The most famous figure from this clan is Khalid ibn al-Walid, the brilliant general known as “The Sword of Allah” for his battlefield strategies.
3. Umayyad (Banu Umayya)
The Banu Umayya was another influential branch of the Quraysh tribe. They later established the Umayyad Caliphate, which ruled the Islamic world from 661 to 750 CE. Mu’awiya I, the founder of the Umayyad dynasty, and Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, a major reformer, belonged to this clan.
4. Abd al-Dar (Banu Abd al-Dar)
The Banu Abd al-Dar were the hereditary custodians of the Kaaba in pre-Islamic Arabia. Their responsibility included maintaining the keys of the Kaaba and overseeing religious rituals. Although they initially opposed Islam, some members later embraced it.
5. Abd Shamsi (Banu Abd Shams)
The Banu Abd Shams were closely related to the Umayyads, as they descended from the same ancestor. This clan was known for its wealth and political influence in Mecca. Many of its members were part of the ruling elite before and after the rise of Islam.
6. Zuhri (Banu Zuhra)
The Banu Zuhra clan was famous as it was the lineage of Amina bint Wahb, the mother of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Another significant member was Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, a skilled commander who played a crucial role in the conquest of Persia.
7. Adi (Banu Adi)
The Banu Adi were known for their political acumen and administrative skills. The most notable figure from this clan was Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Second Caliph of Islam, who was instrumental in expanding the Islamic empire and establishing strong governance.
8. Sahmi (Banu Sahm)
The Banu Sahm were primarily a merchant clan in Mecca but also held political influence. Their most famous figure, Amr ibn al-As, was a military leader who conquered Egypt and became its governor during the Rashidun and Umayyad Caliphates.
9. Taymi (Banu Taym)
The Banu Taym were known for their wisdom and leadership in Mecca. The most famous personality from this clan was Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, the closest companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the First Caliph of Islam.
10. Mahzumi (Banu Mahzum)
The Banu Mahzum were among the most powerful clans in Mecca before Islam. They were known for their wealth and military might. Many of their members, including Khalid ibn al-Walid, played a critical role in early Islamic history.
The Quraysh Tribe and its Surnames
The Quraysh tribe has left a profound impact on Islamic history. The Quraysh tribe and its surnames today can be traced back to the Quraysh and its sub-clans, signifying noble lineage, leadership, and contributions to the Muslim world. Understanding these surnames helps us connect with Islamic heritage and appreciate the historical significance of these names.
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