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Zubaid
Zubaid
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Zubayd
زُبَيْد
Madh'hiji, Qahtanite Arab confederation
EthnicityArab
NisbaAl-Zubaidi
Qahtanite ArabsZubayd ibn Saab ibn Saad al-Ashira ibn Malik
Parent tribeBanu Saad
Populationover 36 million
LanguageArabic
ReligionIslam

Zubaid or Zubayd (Arabic: زُبَيْد) is an Arab tribe from the Madhhaj confederation, that is one of the largest, richest tribes of Arabia.

It participated in the Islamic conquests in the early days of Islam. Among them were Abu Bakr al-Zubaydi, the great companion Al-Harith bin Omair Al-Zubaidi and Amr bin Ma’di al-Zubaydi, a famous arabic warrior who joined Islam and one of the leaders at the Battle of Al-Qadisiyah.

According to Ibn Khaldun, the Zubaid clan is one of the principal tribes of Madhhaj and comes from the mountainous region surrounding al-Janad - near modern-day Taiz in Yemen. He wrote, "The lands of Madhhaj include the mountainous region near al-Janad (الجَنَد) and are inhabited by the tribes of ‘Ans, Zubaid, and Murad."[1] The region of al-Janad, mentioned in his text, is a historic area located near modern-day Taiz in Yemen. It served as an important administrative and cultural hub during the pre-Islamic and early Islamic periods. Many descendants of Zubaid still live in these historical lands of Madhhaj to this day and nearby regions in Yemen. The tribe also migrated to Iraq,Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Arabian Peninsula before and after the Islamic conquest.

Many other tribes trace their lineage to Zubaid.[2][3][4][5] Zubaid descendants are mainly Muslims.

Other tribes that trace their lineage to Zubaid have their own separate Shaikhs, or tribal leaders, including Dulaim, Jubur, Al-Laheeb, Azzah, Obaid, Al-Uqaydat, Al Bu Sultan, Al Busaraya, Al Bu Mohammed Shuwailat, and Al Bu Shabaan.

References

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from Grokipedia
Zubaid is a large and historically significant tribe of Qahtani (Yemeni) origin, renowned for its generosity and courage, which migrated northward to the territories of present-day , , and surrounding areas during the early Islamic conquests. Largely Shi'a, with some branches converting in the 18th and 19th centuries influenced by itinerant missionaries though Sunni affiliations persist in certain areas, the tribe maintains a strong presence in , particularly along the and rivers in provinces such as Ninewah, , Wasit (including Al-Suwaira), , and . The Zubaid tribe comprises numerous subsections, including the influential Albu Sultan (also known as Albu Sulfan), Jubur, Dulaym, Shawi, and 'Ubayd, some of which function as semi-independent confederations with their own sheikhs and territories. Traditionally engaged in agriculture—cultivating crops like wheat, barley, rice, and maize—as well as animal husbandry (including horses, camels, cattle, and sheep), the tribe has also participated in trade and caravan operations across the desert to Syria, holding exclusive privileges in some historical periods. Socially, Zubaid families have risen from modest beginnings as cultivators and peasants to prominent landowners and political actors, exemplified by the aj-Jaryan family of the Albu Sultan section, led by Shaikh ‘Addai aj-Jaryan, who amassed over 183,000 dunums of land by the mid-20th century through support for and negotiations with British colonial authorities during the Mandate era. Throughout modern Iraqi history, the Zubaid have navigated complex tribal alliances and feuds, such as political ties with the confederation (which descends from Zubaid stock) and rivalries with groups like the , while advocating for stability and supporting structures in contested areas like Hawijah and Al-Suwaira. Key figures include Maad Jassim Al-Samarmad, a contemporary leader in Wasit, and historical chiefs like Shaikh ‘Addai aj-Jaryan, who played roles in land policy negotiations in the early . Today, the tribe continues to influence local dynamics in Iraq's tribal landscape, blending traditional pastoralism with modern socio-political engagement.

History

Origins in Yemen

The Zubaid tribe traces its origins to the ancient lineage of southern Arabia, with traditional genealogies attributing descent from Zubaid ibn Minhal ibn Rabia ibn Ras ibn Malik ibn Udad ibn Zaid ibn Yashjub ibn Areeb ibn Zaid ibn ibn Saba. This eponymous ancestor, Zubaid, is positioned within the broader branch of the Sabaean stock, linking the tribe to the legendary kingdom of Saba in 's highlands. Such genealogical accounts, preserved in medieval Arab historical texts, emphasize the tribe's deep roots in the Yemeni interior, where ties formed the basis of among pre-Islamic Arabian groups. As a principal clan within the Madhhij confederation—a major Qahtanite alliance in south-central Arabia—the Zubaid emerged prominently in the mountainous regions around al-Janad, near modern-day in . The 14th-century historian described the Madhhij heartland as inhabited by sub-tribes including the Zubayd, Banu Ans, and , highlighting their settlement in this rugged terrain as a key factor in their cohesion and resilience. The Madhhij provided a framework for mutual defense and resource sharing, enabling clans like the Zubaid to navigate the alliances and rivalries of the Yemeni highlands. According to traditional accounts, the Zubaid maintained a strong association with the historic city of on Yemen's western coastal plain, where the city's name may derive from the tribe's ; early tribal inhabitation preceded the site's formal founding in 820 CE by the . The Zubaid were renowned for their military prowess in pre-Islamic times, producing legendary warriors who engaged in intertribal conflicts over resources and honor with neighboring groups.

Role in Early Islamic Period

The Zubaid tribe, a prominent within the larger Madh'hij originating from the Yemeni highlands, underwent a significant transition with its collective in approximately 630 CE (9 AH). A delegation from the tribe, led by the renowned warrior and poet , traveled to to meet the Muhammad, where Amr pledged allegiance and embraced , subsequently influencing his tribesmen to follow suit. This event marked the Zubaid's integration into the early Muslim community, with Amr earning the status of a Companion (sahabi) for his direct association with the . Following their conversion, the Zubaid actively participated in key military engagements that solidified the nascent Islamic state. commanded Zubaid cavalry units during the in 630 CE, where tribal contingents helped repel the and Thaqif forces, contributing to the Muslims' eventual victory despite initial setbacks. Under Caliph , during the (632–633 CE), Amr led Zubaid fighters against apostate tribes in and southern Arabia, playing a crucial role in restoring central authority and preventing the fragmentation of . These efforts underscored the tribe's loyalty and martial prowess in the formative struggles against rebellion. The Zubaid solidified their support for the in the subsequent conquests beyond the , providing contingents that aided in the campaigns against the Sassanid Empire after 636 CE. served as a prominent leader in battles such as al-Qadisiyyah (636 CE) and subsequent advances into and Persia, where Zubaid warriors were noted for their valor in flanking maneuvers and skirmishes. Tribal records highlight their alliances with fellow Madh'hij clans, such as and , fostering coordinated support for the caliphal armies and enhancing the confederation's influence within the expanding Muslim forces. Early Islamic chronicles and Arabian poetry frequently extolled the Zubaid's reputation for bravery and , with himself immortalized in verses praising his pre- and post-conversion exploits as a symbol of tribal honor. These accounts, preserved in historical compilations, portray the Zubaid not only as reliable allies but also as exemplars of the martial ethos that propelled the early Islamic expansions.

Migrations to Iraq and Beyond

The initial migrations of the Zubaid to occurred during the Islamic conquests of the 7th and 8th centuries, as groups moved northward from and the as ghazis and settlers, establishing early footholds in southern regions. These movements were facilitated by the tribe's participation in early Islamic campaigns, which opened pathways for settlement along the and river valleys. Branches such as the Ubayd settled along the between and by the 6th century, contributing to the of . Subsequent waves of migration intensified between the 10th and 18th centuries, driven by inter-tribal conflicts in and the broader disruptions of Ottoman-Safavid wars, which prompted Zubaid factions to seek stability in central , particularly Anbar province. During periods of Ottoman decline in the , amid weakened central authority, semi-permanent settlements formed along the western from Falluja to al-Qaim, including by the branch descended from Zubaid stock. These relocations were often spurred by economic pressures and raids, with subtribes like Albu Issa relocating to due to internal strife. In the 19th and 20th centuries, further dispersals occurred northward to and integrations within Iraqi confederations, largely as a response to Wahhabi expansions in that displaced rival tribes. The Dulaim branch, a major Zubaid descendant, solidified its role in Anbar during this era, adapting to Ottoman, British, and later i state structures while maintaining nomadic ties. As of 2014, Zubaid descendants form significant populations in , with the Dulaim alone estimated at 2-4 million members, primarily in western regions.

Geography and Settlements

Core Territories in Yemen

The Zubaid tribe maintains its primary concentration in Yemen's Al Hudaydah Governorate, where the historic town of serves as a symbolic and administrative center, reflecting the tribe's enduring ties to the region since medieval times under the (1229–1454 CE). During this period, functioned as the capital of , fostering intellectual and commercial activities that underscored the tribe's influence in the Tihama coastal plain. The tribe's territories extend into the adjacent provinces of and Hodeidah, spanning the fertile lowlands of the Tihama plains along the coast and the mountainous interiors surrounding al-Janad near modern-day . These areas, historically part of the Madhhij tribal to which Zubaid belongs, provided strategic access to agricultural resources and highland-pastoral economies. Today, the tribe's homeland faces ongoing challenges from conflict, but Zabid's status as a since 1993 highlights its architectural legacy, including over 80 mosques and traditional urban planning that embody the historical imprint of Zubaid influence in .

Dispersal in Iraq and the

Branches of the Zubaid tribe maintain a presence in 's Anbar and provinces, where its branches, such as the , form major components of Sunni Arab tribal confederations. The , tracing their origins to the Zubaid lineage, are the largest Sunni tribe in the country and predominate in Anbar, encompassing sub-tribes like Al-Bu Fahd and Al-Bu Mahal that have historically shaped regional power dynamics. These groups played a pivotal role in the 1920 Revolt against the British Mandate, with Zubaid elements south-east of mobilizing against colonial rule and heavy taxation. Scattered Zubaid-affiliated groups exist in southwestern , particularly in the Ahwaz (Khuzestan) region, where they integrated into local communities following early Islamic-era migrations. In eastern , branches like Al-Uqaydat, which claim Zubaid descent, operate as minorities within broader tribal networks in areas such as , often navigating cross-border alliances and conflicts. These dispersals stem from historical movements out of during the Islamic conquests and subsequent expansions. Urban integrations of Al-Zubaidi families are prominent in and , where they have contributed significantly to Iraq's 20th-century nationalism and military institutions. Notable figures, such as Abd al-Karim Qasim (al-Zubaidi), born in , exemplified this involvement through his leadership in the 1958 revolution and emphasis on pan-Arab unity. Tribal members from these branches also supplied key personnel to the Iraqi army under the monarchy and Ba'athist regimes, bolstering national defense structures. In contemporary settings, Zubaid branches in face ongoing challenges, including involvement in post-2003 conflicts that have strained tribal cohesion amid , efforts, and sectarian tensions, particularly in Anbar where Dulaim groups initially resisted coalition forces before shifting alliances.

Tribal Structure and Branches

Main Clans and Subdivisions

The Zubaid tribe, a subtribe of within the larger Madhhij confederation originating in , is organized into several primary clans and subdivisions that reflect its historical migrations and regional adaptations. These branches maintain distinct identities while sharing genealogical ties to the ancestor Mu'ad ibn Karab al-Zubaidi. In , the tribe maintains a presence in the Tihama region, particularly around historical sites like , while Iraqi offshoots emphasize and military alliances amid nomadic lifestyles. Among the most prominent subdivisions is the Dulaim (also spelled Dulaym), the largest Iraqi branch, descending from the and numbering between two and four million members concentrated in al-Anbar Governorate. This clan traces its migration from through the , with subtribes including Albu Fahd, Albu Mahal, and Albu Issa, each led by autonomous sheikhs who oversee local security and economic activities. The Dulaim's pastoral focus has historically positioned it in alliances with regional powers, including during Ottoman and post-2003 insurgencies. Other key Iraqi and border subdivisions include the (Jubour), Azzah (‘Azza), Obaid (Ubayd or ‘Ubayd), and Al Uqaydat, all tracing lineage to Zubaid and maintaining separate sheikhs for autonomy. The , spread across areas like Sharqat and , and the Azzah near , have been noted for their roles in tribal and engagements. The Obaid , with historical ties to Najd sultans before migration to , exemplifies the confederation's reputation for generosity and courage. Al Uqaydat straddles the -Syria border, particularly in , and upholds Zubaid descent through cross-border networks. Additional branches such as Al-Laheeb (Al-Luhaib) and Al-Bu Sultan further diversify the structure, with Al-Laheeb integrated into broader Zubaid networks in Iraq and Al-Bu Sultan linked to the sultanate legacy of Obaid subgroups. Intermarriages across these clans, including with Syrian and Yemeni kin, sustain cohesion despite geographic dispersal from Ninewah and Wasit in Iraq to Yemen's highlands. Smaller internal clans like Al-Hamad, Albu Salem, and Al-Aujan reinforce this framework in central Iraq, emphasizing shared pastoral and alliance-based identities.

Leadership and Governance

The traditional leadership structure of the Zubaid tribe, like that of many Yemeni tribes, centers on a paramount known as the shaykh al-mashayikh, elected from among senior clans based on demonstrated skills in , generosity, and knowledge of rather than strict heredity. This leader presides over tribal councils, or , where elders convene to resolve disputes through 'urf, the orally transmitted emphasizing arbitration, restitution, and communal harmony over punitive measures. Clan subdivisions serve as the foundational units for selecting these leaders, ensuring representation across the tribe's branches. Historically, Zubaid leaders navigated complex balances between tribal autonomy and external authority, as seen in medieval emirs associated with the city of , Yemen's ancient capital, where they managed local governance amid shifting dynasties. In Ottoman-era , Zubaid sheikhs, including those from branches like , maintained semi-independent control through 'urf in rural areas while aligning with provincial pashas to secure resources and avoid direct confrontation with imperial rule. In , post-2003, Zubaid-affiliated sheikhs, such as those from the branch like Ali Hatem al-Sulaiman, played influential roles in transitional politics, forming alliances with interim governments and participating in elections from 2005 to 2010 to stabilize Sunni Arab regions amid and reconstruction efforts. Women within the Zubaid tribe and broader Yemeni tribal contexts hold informal leadership roles, particularly in mediating family feuds and intra-clan disputes, leveraging kinship ties and cultural norms to facilitate reconciliation outside formal male-dominated majlis.

Culture and Society

Social Customs and Traditions

The , like other Yemeni groups, places great emphasis on diyafa (), a core where guests are provided with food, shelter, and protection regardless of circumstances, reinforcing tribal bonds and communal solidarity. This tradition is particularly pronounced in rural settings, where extended family networks host gatherings centered around shared meals and discussions, often under the influence of regional dispersal that adapted practices to local environments. Tribal poetry, or shi'r, serves as a vital cultural medium for the Zubaid, with bards historically preserving epic narratives of heroism and lineage; notable among these are the pre-Islamic verses of , a renowned Zubaid warrior-poet whose works recount battles and valor, continuing to be recited in oral performances to maintain . Marriage and kinship systems among the Zubaid favor within clans to preserve social and economic ties, a practice common in 's tribal societies where unions strengthen alliances and inheritance lines. In the Tihama region, where the tribe's core territories lie, weddings involve elaborate rituals coordinated by families, including negotiation of () and a festive (zaffah) featuring music, dances, and the bride's departure on a , symbolizing transition and communal celebration. Economic traditions reflect the tribe's historical adaptation to diverse landscapes, with agriculture in Yemen's Tihama lowlands focusing on crops like dates and grains such as and , supported by seasonal flooding from the Red Sea hills. Following migrations, Zubaid branches in engaged in herding, grazing livestock along the River to sustain pastoral livelihoods amid settled and nomadic patterns. Festivals and oral histories form a cornerstone of Zubaid communal life, with celebrations aligned to Islamic holidays like and featuring poetry recitations and storytelling that transmit tribal epics and genealogies, often accompanied by rhythmic chants derived from traditional shi'r. These gatherings emphasize heritage preservation, varying slightly across dispersed settlements but unified by the enduring role of verse in fostering identity.

Religious Practices and Identity

The Zubaid tribe is predominantly affiliated with Shi'a Islam in Iraq following conversions influenced by itinerant missionaries in the mid-18th to early 19th centuries, though branches in and some Iraqi sub-groups remain Sunni. In , particularly in the core territories around , the tribe adheres to the of , with the Great Mosque of —established in the —serving as a longstanding center for Sunni scholarship and tribal religious life. This mosque and its associated attracted scholars from across the Muslim world, reinforcing the tribe's Sunni identity through education and communal worship. Yemeni branches of the Zubaid have experienced Zaydi Shi'a influences due to centuries of governance under the Zaydi imamate, which ruled over a Sunni majority and integrated tribal structures into its administration from the 9th to 20th centuries. Despite this, the tribe's primary allegiance in Yemen remained Sunni, shaped by the imamate's pragmatic alliances with southern Sunni groups for political stability. In Iraq, where significant Zubaid descendants settled, the tribe is predominantly Shi'a, though Sunni sub-branches persist in areas like Wasit and Diyala amid local demographic shifts. Tribal religious sites in these regions function as focal points for practices aligned with their respective sects, including daily prayers and community gatherings. Islam has served as a unifying force for the Zubaid since their early conversions during the Islamic expansion in the , fostering a centered on shared faith amid dispersals across and . This unity was reinforced through annual pilgrimages to , which tribal members undertake as a rite of devotion and social cohesion, and participation in anti-colonial efforts framed as religious duty. Notably, Zubaid tribes in played a key role in the 1920 Revolt against British mandate rule, portraying the uprising as a to defend Muslim sovereignty and tribal autonomy. In contemporary contexts, the Zubaid's in has been tested by sectarian conflicts since , positioning them within broader dynamics while navigating alliances across sects. This has heightened their emphasis on Islamic practices as a marker of resilience, without deep involvement in ideologies. In , ongoing civil strife has similarly underscored , though the tribe maintains its Shafi'i Sunni orientation amid regional Zaydi dynamics.

Notable Figures

Pre-Modern Leaders and Warriors

Amr ibn Ma'adi Yakrib (d. 642 CE), a renowned poet-warrior from the Zubaid clan of the Madhhij tribal confederation in Yemen, exemplified the pre-Islamic martial ethos through his numerous raids and battles against rival tribes, including engagements with legendary figures such as Antarah ibn Shaddad and Amir ibn Tufayl. Born into a warrior lineage, he led cavalry charges in tribal conflicts across southern Arabia, earning fame for his bravery and skill in personal combat, often commemorated in his own verse that celebrated the valor of Zubaid horsemen. His pre-Islamic life was marked by a code of honor emphasizing revenge, hospitality, and poetic eulogy of victories, as seen in surviving fragments where he describes the clash of swords and the speed of his mounts in raids. Amr converted to Islam in 631 CE, shortly before the Prophet Muhammad's death, after initially resisting the new faith amid the tribal upheavals in Yemen. Following the Prophet's passing, he joined the Muslim forces during the (632–633 CE), serving under to suppress apostate rebellions in southern Arabia, where his local knowledge and cavalry expertise proved decisive in restoring caliphal authority. Under the , Amr played a pivotal role in the conquest of (633–636 CE), commanding Zubaid contingents in key battles such as al-Qadisiyyah and Jalula against the ; his contributions extended to campaigns in Persia, where he met his death at the in 642 CE while fighting Persian forces. In the medieval period, Zubaid emirs held significant influence in the city of , which served as a key political and economic hub under the (1229–1454 CE); as the tribe's namesake settlement, Zabid hosted Rasulid rulers who relied on local Zubaid leaders for administration and defense, fostering a legacy of amid the dynasty's commercial in the Tihama region. Their reputation for legendary strength permeated Arab lore, with tales of unyielding endurance in battle and poetic depictions of invincible horsemen underscoring Zubaid as symbols of pre-Islamic and early Islamic heroism. The legacy of Zubaid pre-modern leaders endures in Arabic literature, particularly through Amr ibn Ma'adi Yakrib's pre-Islamic poetry, which influenced subsequent verse by blending martial themes with vivid imagery of desert warfare and tribal loyalty, echoing motifs in the broader canon of Jahiliyyah odes like the Mu'allaqat.

Contemporary Members

In northern Yemen, Sheikh Muhammad Mutahhir al-Washli serves as a key tribal leader in the Zubaid areas around Zabid district in Hodeidah Governorate. Appointed by the Houthis as the "chief of sheikhs" in Zubaid following their 2014 takeover of Sana'a, al-Washli's role reflects the erosion of traditional tribal autonomy under Houthi governance, as his position lacks deep roots in customary lineage—he is the son of a local judge and feudal lord from the Ans subtribe. Despite this, he maintains influence over local tribal affairs amid the conflict, navigating Houthi-imposed structures in a region historically central to the Zubaid confederation. Sheikh Maad Jassim Al-Samarmad is a prominent leader of the Al-Zubayd tribe in Wasit province, , particularly in Al-Suwaira, where he advocates for stability and supports central government structures. Shaikh ‘Addai aj-Jaryan, from the Albu Sultan section of the Zubaid, was a historical chief in the early who played roles in anti-colonial protests and land policy negotiations during the British Mandate era in . The Zubaid tribe's contemporary members also include diaspora figures and military affiliates in Iraq and the Arabian Peninsula, where branches like the Obaid and maintain separate leadership. For instance, Wasfi al-Assi was appointed emir of the Al-Obaid tribe in , , in 2022, underscoring the tribe's enduring transnational networks. However, in Yemen's core territories, political alignments remain divided, with northern leaders adapting to Houthi dominance.

References

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