On the wire
Latin AmericaFuture of Amazon rainforest policies at stake in Brazilian presidential electionUnited StatesNative American drive mining company off sacred landCanada$2.2M Boost For Quantum Test Targeting Iron Issues In First Nations GroupsWorldCelebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with City Hall Flag Raising and Native-Led Events Across SeattleOceaniaMāori Band Coterie Revives Iconic Warriors Anthem — LBBLatin AmericaWake Forest-CINCIA Researchers Brief Pope on Amazon Mercury Pollution | NewswiseWorldIndigenous Peoples Day: Reflections on 500 Years of ResistanceWorldIndigenous Peoples Day 2026WorldPRCS Announces Facility Schedule Changes for Indigenous Peoples’ DayWorldIndigenous Peoples History and Storytelling is topic on October 6Latin AmericaFuture of Amazon rainforest policies at stake in Brazilian presidential electionUnited StatesNative American drive mining company off sacred landCanada$2.2M Boost For Quantum Test Targeting Iron Issues In First Nations GroupsWorldCelebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day with City Hall Flag Raising and Native-Led Events Across SeattleOceaniaMāori Band Coterie Revives Iconic Warriors Anthem — LBBLatin AmericaWake Forest-CINCIA Researchers Brief Pope on Amazon Mercury Pollution | NewswiseWorldIndigenous Peoples Day: Reflections on 500 Years of ResistanceWorldIndigenous Peoples Day 2026WorldPRCS Announces Facility Schedule Changes for Indigenous Peoples’ DayWorldIndigenous Peoples History and Storytelling is topic on October 6
Kabila

Banu Jusham

A once-large Arab tribe descended from Hawazin, settled in western Morocco

The Banu Jusham were a large Arab sub-tribe originally from the Arabian Peninsula, descended from Hawazin. After defeat by the Almohads, they were settled in western Morocco, especially in Tamasna, and became part of the region's tribal landscape.

  • Descended from the Hawazin tribal confederation
  • Resettled in western Morocco by the Almohads
  • Originally from the Arabian Peninsula
  • Practiced polytheism, later converted to Islam
  • Included branches like Banu Uday and Banu Ghazia

Who were the Banu Jusham?

The Banu Jusham were a large Arab sub-tribe with roots in the Arabian Peninsula. They trace their ancestry to Jusham ibn Muawiya, a descendant of the larger Hawazin tribal confederation. Their identity was shaped by shared lineage, oral traditions, and connections to the broader Qaysi and Adnanite Arab groups. Over time, their branches included Banu Uday, Banu Ghazia, Bani Asima, Bani Amer, and Bani Eshan.

Where did the Banu Jusham live?

Originally, the Banu Jusham lived in the Arabian Peninsula, a region of deserts and oases. After their defeat by the Almohads, they were resettled in western Morocco, particularly in the area known as Tamasna. This region is characterized by plains and proximity to the Atlantic coast, offering a different environment from their ancestral lands.

What language did the Banu Jusham speak?

The sources do not specify the language spoken by the Banu Jusham. As an Arab tribe, it is likely they spoke varieties of Arabic, but no specific dialect or language information is given.

How did the Banu Jusham live?

There is no detailed information in the sources about the traditional livelihoods of the Banu Jusham. As a tribe in the Arabian Peninsula and later in Morocco, their ways of life would have adapted to local conditions, but the sources do not describe their economic activities, food, housing, or tools.

How was Banu Jusham society organised?

The Banu Jusham were organized as a sub-tribe within the larger Hawazin confederation, with several branches such as Banu Uday and Banu Ghazia. Their society was structured around descent from a common ancestor, with oral genealogies playing a key role in group identity. Leadership and social organization would have reflected broader Arab tribal customs, but the sources do not provide further details.

What did the Banu Jusham believe?

Before the 630s, the Banu Jusham practiced polytheism, as was common among many Arab tribes. After the 630s, they converted to Islam. The sources do not provide further information on their rituals, art, music, or dress.

The history of the Banu Jusham

The Banu Jusham were prominent in the Arabian Peninsula during the time of Mohammed and are remembered in genealogies and oral traditions. After their defeat by the Almohads, a powerful North African dynasty, they were relocated to western Morocco by the Almohad ruler Yaqub al-Mansur. There, alongside the Riyah tribe, they settled in the region of Tamasna and became part of the local tribal structure.

What became of the Banu Jusham?

The sources do not provide information about the current status or numbers of the Banu Jusham as a distinct community. Their historical presence is noted in western Morocco, but it is not clear if they continue to exist as a separate group today.

Questions people ask about the Banu Jusham

Where did the Banu Jusham live?

The Banu Jusham originally lived in the Arabian Peninsula and were later settled in western Morocco, especially in the region of Tamasna.

How many Banu Jusham were there?

The sources do not provide a specific population figure for the Banu Jusham.

What language did the Banu Jusham speak?

The sources do not specify their language, but as an Arab tribe, they likely spoke varieties of Arabic.

What was the religion of the Banu Jusham?

The Banu Jusham practiced polytheism before the 630s and converted to Islam after the 630s.

What happened to the Banu Jusham after the Almohad period?

After defeat by the Almohads, the Banu Jusham were settled in western Morocco, but the sources do not detail their later history.

Sources and further reading

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Banu Jusham themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.

Neighbours in Morocco

All peoples of Morocco
BarghawataBuṛɣwaṭa 🇲🇦 MoroccoBerber confederation of 29 tribes on Morocco's Atlantic coast, 8th–11th centuries Historical Banu Ifran 🇩🇿 Algeria and 3 moreA Zenata Berber tribe of North Africa, founders of Tlemcen and rulers in Andalusia Historical MiknasaImeknasen 🇩🇿 Algeria and 2 moreZenata Berber tribe from the Aurès mountains and Ouarsenis region Historical Oulad Zyan 🇲🇦 MoroccoArab tribe of the Chaouia confederation near Casablanca, Morocco

Seven peoples, once a week

Every Monday: seven peoples you may never have heard of, who they are and where they live.