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in category Seerah

Which tribes did the prophet (saw) call to Islam whilst he was in Mecca?

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In a Nutshell:
Over twenty tribes are mentioned by name in the books of seera, but the Messenger (saw) quite likely encountered most of the Arabian tribes numbering over 40.


Background

After the death of Abi Talib, the Meccan leaders started to harm the Messenger (saw) and oppose his dawa - resulting in being locked out of Meccan society.

So he (saw) began searching for protection and support from other tribes who would adopt his call; help him delivering it and defending him against any enemy; secure his dawa and implement its teachings i.e. providing him with mana'ah and nusrah.

Which tribes did the prophet (saw) call to Islam whilst he was in Mecca?



Names of Other Tribes

Most of the tribes whom the Messenger (saw) visited, invited and offered himself did not respond positively to his call.

The Messenger (saw) offered himself to a large number of tribes, estimated at around 40, however only around half their names are known:

  1. Banu Thaqeef of Taif
  2. Banu Amr ibn Umayr of Taif;
  3. Banu Amr ibn Mu'awiyah in Yemen;
  4. Banu Rabi'ah, a competing tribe to Quraysh in the north and the centre of Arabia;
  5. Banu Amir ibn Sa'sa'ah in the modern-day Najd;
  6. Banu Kalb in northwestern of Arabia (Dawmat al-Jandal);
  7. Banu Hanifah in southern Arabia (al-Yamamah);
  8. Banu Fazarah in central Arabia (Ramlah in Nagd);
  9. Banu Muharib Ibn Khasfah;
  10. Banu Ghassan on the borders of Syria;
  11. Banu Murrah in the east of Arabia;
  12. Banu 'Ibs;
  13. Banu Nadr bin Hawazin from which Quraysh descended;
  14. Banu Kindah from which Banu Nadr descended;
  15. Banu Ka'b;
  16. Banu Sulaym;
  17. Banu al-Bukaa;
  18. Banu al-Harith bin Ka'b;
  19. Banu Uzrah;
  20. Banu Hadea-Maut (al-Hadaaremah)
  21. Banu Thalaba bin Ukaba
  22. Banu Qays ibn al-Hatim
  23. Hamdan


Powerful and Influential Tribes

  • Banu Thaqeef of Taif: A wealthy tribe known for trade and agriculture. They were initially hostile to Islam, leading to the Siege of Ta'if. Following negotiations, they embraced Islam and became valuable allies.
  • Banu Rabi'ah: Large, influential tribe in northern and central Arabia, rivals to the Quraysh of Mecca. Many from the tribe eventually converted to Islam.
  • Banu Amir ibn Sa'sa'ah: Prominent tribe in the Najd region. They played roles in both pre-Islamic conflicts and later Muslim conquests.
  • Banu Hanifah: A dominant tribe in al-Yamamah (southern Arabia). They initially opposed Islam but later converted, even producing a false prophet (Musaylimah).
  • Banu Ghassan: Powerful Arab kingdom along the Syrian borders. Served as a buffer state for the Byzantine Empire, some converted to Christianity, while others later accepted Islam.


Key Tribes with Varied Interactions

  • Banu Amr ibn Umayr of Taif: A branch of the Thaqeef tribe, likely shared a similar history and trajectory as the larger Thaqeef.
  • Banu Amr ibn Mu'awiyah in Yemen: Presence in Yemen indicates trade connections and some influence. Their interactions with the Prophet would depend on specific historical events.
  • Banu Kalb: Significant tribe in northwestern Arabia. Their interactions with the Prophet likely fluctuated between alliance and conflict depending on political dynamics.
  • Banu Fazarah: A nomadic tribe in central Arabia with a history of raiding. Their relationship with the Prophet and early Muslims was likely tense due to their lifestyle.
  • Banu Muharib Ibn Khasfah: Part of a tribal coalition, they likely participated in conflicts alongside other tribes depending on the context.
  • Banu Murrah: Large tribe in eastern Arabia, their interactions likely depended on trade relations and proximity to the expanding Muslim state.
  • Banu 'Ibs: Bedouin tribe, known for their involvement in pre-Islamic battles. Their relationship with the Prophet would depend on their willingness to accept Islam.


Lineage Related Tribes

  • Banu Nadr bin Hawazin: Ancestor tribe to the Quraysh (the Prophet's tribe). Likely had some historical tensions, but lineage ties were significant in Arabian society.
  • Banu Kindah: Parent tribe of the Banu Nadr, indicating shared ancestry with the Quraysh. Their direct relationship with the Prophet would depend on their political alliances.


Other Notable Tribes

  • Banu Ka'b: A large, influential tribe known for poets and warriors. While historically important, their specific interactions with the Prophet would require more detailed sources.
  • Banu Sulaym: Powerful tribe known for raiding. Their history suggests possible conflicts with the early Muslim community.
  • Banu al-Bukaa, Banu al-Harith bin Ka'b, Banu Uzrah, Banu Hadea-Maut, Banu Thalaba bin Ukaba, Banu Qays ibn al-Hatim, Hamdan: These were significant Arabian tribes, but their detailed interactions with the Prophet Muhammad would require more in-depth historical references.



Conclusion

There are over twenty tribes mentioned by name in the books of seera, however the Messenger (saw) encountered most of the Arabian tribes which number over 40.



References

Ibn Hisham, as-Seera al-Nabawiyah
Ya'muri, 'Uyun al-Athar
Ibn Kathir, as-Seera al-Nabawiyah
Ibn Sa'd, at-Tabaqaat
binimad.com


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