Banu Amir Tribe of early Nejd in Arab

by Ady Grewal Content writer

Banu Amir was a large tribe of Arab Peninsula which was extending from central and southwestern Arabia that occupied Nejd for centuries after the rise of Islam. Before the advent of Islam, it is tracing its lineage to Adnan through Hawazin tribe of Northern Arabian stock. However, its original motherland was the border area between Nejd and Hejaz in Khurmah and Ranyah. Before the advent of Islam, the tribe was involved in a long war with Quraysh tribes.

Later on, the tribe was allied with Muhammad (SAW) and his successors. The tribe had many well-known Arabic poets, such as Amir Ibn Al-Tufayl, Al-Rai and female poet Lyla Al-Akhyaliyyah. Yet, the most famous of whom was Labid Ibn Rabiah who wrote one of the Seven Hanged Poems which are read by the people who go through cheap Umrah Package 2020 to perform the minor pilgrimage.

Branches

There were some other branches of Banu Amir Tribe such as:

• Banu Kilab: This was a Bedouin tribe that lived in western Nejd and led the Banu Amir confederation prior to Islam. Tribe dominated central Arabia after the Qartmatian’s demise but later on tribe migrated northwards to Syria.

• Banu Numayr: This was also a Bedouin tribe and was positioned on the western border of Al-Yamamah. The tribe was allied with Umayyad dynasty.

• Banu Ka’b: Banu Ka’ab was the large tribe of Bani Amir and was divided into four clans such as Banu Uqayl, Banu Ja’dah, and Banu Qushayr.

• Banu Hilal: This was a well-known branch of Bani Amir and enlisted by the

Fatimid rulers of Egypt in the 11th century.

The military campaign of Banu Amir

Banu Amir Tribe was involved in military conflict with Prophet Muhammad (SAW) but after four months of Uhud Battle, a delegation from Banu Amir came to Muhammad (SAW) to present the gifts. The marks of Uhud Battle are still found in the Arab land from those who go with Islamic travel in order to perform Umrah. However, Prophet (SAW) did not accept the gifts by saying that first, they should enter Islam and at that spot He (SAW) preached Abu Bara and invited him to embrace the true faith. While Abu Bara requested Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to send some Sahaba to the people of Banu Amir Tribe in order to give the message of Islam. Muhammad (SAW) did not reply as He (SAW) felt that some harm might befall on these Muslim missionaries. Yet, Abu Bara guaranteed the safety of the emissaries of Muhammad (SAW).

Tabari Volume 7, p.151 describes the event in this way:

Allah’s Apostle declined to accept gifts by saying, "Abu Bara', I do not accept offerings from polytheists, if you want me to accept it, to become a Muslim." The Messenger of God clarified Islam to him, explained its rewards for him and the promises of Allah-Almighty to the believers, and recited the Qur'an to him. Though he did not accept Islam, however, he was not far from doing so, as he said "Muhammad (SAW) the true faith to which you call me is good and striking. He further requested Allah’s Apostle to send some of his Sahaba (companions) to the people of Najd to call them to the religion of Islam, he would hope that they would respond to him." Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said, "I fear that the people of Najd would do them some harm." Abu Bara' replied that he would guarantee their protection, so send them to call people to his religion.

Thereupon Prophet Muhamad (SAW) sent al-Mundhir b. `Amr along with seventy Sahaba to give the message of Islam to the people of Nejd.