Banu Hashim

Origins and Early History

The Banu Hashim is a clan within the larger Quraysh tribe, which was a dominant force in Mecca during the time of the Prophet Muhammad. The Quraysh tribe itself is believed to have descended from Ishmael, the son of Abraham. The Banu Hashim clan is named after Hashim ibn Abd Manaf, the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad. Hashim was a successful businessman and is credited with establishing the Quraysh tribe's control over the Kaaba, the sacred shrine in Mecca that attracts pilgrims from all over the Arabian Peninsula.

A large black cube-shaped building surrounded by people.

A large black cube-shaped building surrounded by people.

Hashim's son, Abdul Muttalib, continued his father's work and further increased the prestige of the Banu Hashim clan. He is most well-known for discovering the Zamzam Well, a source of water that is considered holy in Islam. Abdul Muttalib's son, Abdullah, was the father of the Prophet Muhammad, making the Prophet a member of the Banu Hashim clan.

The Prophet Muhammad and the Early Islamic Period

The Prophet Muhammad was born into the Banu Hashim clan in 570 CE. His father, Abdullah, died before he was born, and his mother, Amina, died when he was only six years old. As a result, Muhammad was raised by his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, and later by his uncle, Abu Talib. Abu Talib, also a member of the Banu Hashim clan, played a significant role in protecting Muhammad during the early years of Islam, when the new religion faced significant opposition from other Quraysh tribes.

The Banu Hashim clan played a crucial role in the early years of Islam. Many members of the clan, including Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, were among the first to convert to Islam. The clan also suffered as a result of their support for the Prophet. During the boycott of the Hashimites and the Muslims by the Quraysh, the Banu Hashim clan was forced to withdraw to a ravine outside of Mecca, where they lived in extremely difficult conditions for three years.

After the Death of the Prophet Muhammad

After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, members of the Banu Hashim clan continued to play a significant role in the Islamic community. Ali ibn Abi Talib, a member of the Banu Hashim clan, became the fourth caliph of the Islamic community. His caliphate, however, was marked by conflict and civil war, known as the First Fitna.

Ali's sons, Hasan and Husayn, also played significant roles in early Islamic history. Hasan, the older of the two, briefly succeeded his father as caliph before abdicating in favor of Muawiyah I. Husayn, the younger son, is remembered for his stand against the Umayyad Caliphate at the Battle of Karbala, an event that is particularly significant in Shia Islam.

The Banu Hashim Today

Today, the descendants of the Banu Hashim clan are known as Hashemites. The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is currently ruled by a member of this family, King Abdullah II. The Hashemites also ruled Iraq and Syria briefly during the 20th century.

See Also

• Quraysh Tribe
• Life of Prophet Muhammad
• Ali ibn Abi Talib and the First Fitna
• The Battle of Karbala and its Significance in Shia Islam