ʿAbd Manāf

Quraysh clan

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July 23, 2026

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The Quraysh were a prominent Arab tribe that controlled Mecca and the Kaaba shrine during the time of the Prophet Muhammad's birth. This tribe was composed of ten main clans, several of which gained significant prominence due to their members' roles in early Islam. Notable clans included the Hāshimite clan, to which Muhammad belonged, and the clans of the first two caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar.1

The house of ʿAbd Manāf, a branch of the Quraysh, played a crucial role in establishing trade agreements with regions like Byzantium, Persia, Yemen, and Ethiopia. This facilitated commerce and solidified the Quraysh's superior position among other tribes. Their control over the Kaaba granted them a degree of sanctity and influence, making them known as the "Protected Neighbours of Allah". This commercial success led to a stratified society within Mecca, distinct from the more egalitarian Bedouin lifestyle.234

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history of Arabia
Arabian and Islamic expansion
…of the Quraysh house of ʿAbd Manāf concluded pacts with Byzantium, Persia, and rulers of Yemen and Ethiopia, promoting commerce outside Arabia. The ʿAbd Manāf house could effect such agreements because of Quraysh’s superior position with the tribes. Quraysh had some sanctity as lords of the Meccan temple (the Kaʿbah)…
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…of the Quraysh house of ʿAbd Manāf concluded pacts with Byzantium, Persia, and rulers of Yemen and Ethiopia, promoting commerce outside Arabia. The ʿAbd Manāf house could effect such agreements because of Quraysh’s superior position with the tribes. Quraysh had some sanctity as lords of the Meccan temple (the Kaʿbah)…
Read More