Banu Najjar

Who were the Banu Najjar?

The Banu Najjar were a clan based in Yathrib, now known as Medina, in the Hejaz region of Arabia. They formed a branch of the larger Banu Khazraj tribe, which was one of the two main Arab tribes in the city. Their identity was shaped by kinship ties and shared ancestry, tracing their lineage through Taymallah ibn Thalabah ibn Amr ibn al-Khazraj. The Banu Najjar had several sub-clans and played a significant role in the social and political life of pre-Islamic and early Islamic Medina.

Where did the Banu Najjar live?

The Banu Najjar lived in Yathrib, a fertile oasis city in the Hejaz region of western Arabia. The area was known for its date palms and gardens, which provided food and supported settled life. Yathrib was a center of trade and tribal alliances, with both Arab and Jewish communities living in close proximity. The Banu Najjar's garden later became the site of the Prophet's Mosque.

What language did the Banu Najjar speak?

The Banu Najjar spoke Arabic, the common language of the tribes in the Arabian Peninsula. Arabic is a Semitic language and was used for daily life, poetry, and oral traditions. The language remains central to the region today.

How was Banu Najjar society organised?

The Banu Najjar were organized by kinship, with descent traced through the male line to a common ancestor. They had at least three sub-clans, and their social structure was typical of Arab tribes of the time, emphasizing loyalty to family and clan. Marriage alliances and tribal agreements helped maintain their position in Medina. Decision-making was likely carried out by elders and leading men of the clan.

What did the Banu Najjar believe?

Before the arrival of Islam, the Banu Najjar practiced traditional Arab polytheism and kept idols named Samul, Husa, and at-Tamm. These idols were destroyed after the clan converted to Islam. After conversion, they became known for their support of Muhammad and Islamic practices. Their garden became the site of the Prophet's Mosque, an important religious center.

The history of the Banu Najjar

The Banu Najjar are mentioned in the Charter of Medina, which set out the rights and duties of the city's inhabitants after Muhammad's arrival. They were the maternal clan of Muhammad's grandfather, Abdul-Muttalib. When Muhammad emigrated from Mecca to Medina, he stayed with the Banu Najjar, and their land was chosen for the construction of the Prophet's Mosque. Their early support of Muhammad is praised in Islamic tradition. The clan may have had alliances with Jewish groups in Medina before Islam.

Questions people ask about the Banu Najjar

Sources and further reading

• Banu Najjar on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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 Najjar themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.