Banu Thaqif

Who are the Banu Thaqif?

The Banu Thaqif are a settled Arab tribe whose home is the city of Ta'if and its surrounding region in western Arabia. Unlike many nomadic Arab tribes, the Thaqif have long been urban and agricultural, building a walled city and cultivating orchards. Their identity is shaped by their history as city dwellers, their role as hosts to pilgrims, and their close ties—sometimes rivalrous, sometimes cooperative—with the Quraysh of Mecca. Their tribal unity is reinforced by shared ancestry, traditions, and a reputation for literacy and political skill.

Where do the Banu Thaqif live?

The Thaqif live in Ta'if, a city set among the eastern ridges of the Hejaz mountains in western Saudi Arabia. The region is known for its fertile land, orchards, and gardens, which have long supported settled agriculture. Ta'if has been a crossroads for trade and pilgrimage, lying near the route to Mecca. The Thaqif have historically controlled much of the agricultural land in and around Ta'if, and some members of the tribe have also lived as Bedouins in the surrounding hills, herding goats and sheep.

What language do the Banu Thaqif speak?

The Banu Thaqif speak Arabic, the main language of their region and of Islamic tradition. Their literacy was noted as high for the period, which helped them gain administrative roles in the early Muslim state. Arabic remains their language today.

How do the Banu Thaqif live?

Traditionally, the Thaqif have made their living through farming, especially the cultivation of orchards and gardens in the fertile lands of Ta'if. They also engaged in trade, hosting pilgrims and running caravans, often in partnership or competition with the Quraysh of Mecca. Some Thaqif lived as Bedouins outside the city, herding goats and sheep. In the 19th century, they were noted to control much of Ta'if's agricultural land and could mobilize armed men, though they lacked horses and camels.

How is Banu Thaqif society organised?

The Thaqif are divided into branches, with the Banu Malik (or Banu Hutayt) and the Ahlaf ('Allies') as the main sections. These divisions reflect clan and lineage ties, and while there were sometimes internal conflicts, both sides shared control of Ta'if by the early 7th century. The tribe's structure is based on kinship and alliances, with leadership roles often held by prominent families. Marital ties with other tribes, especially the Quraysh, have been important for political alliances.

What do the Banu Thaqif believe?

Before Islam, the Thaqif were guardians of the idol al-Lat in Ta'if and hosted pilgrims. After the Muslim siege of Ta'if in 630, they embraced Islam and their idols were destroyed. Islam became central to their identity, and they contributed many learned and politically skilled members to the early Muslim state. Rituals, religious practices, and art followed Islamic traditions from that point onward.

The history of the Banu Thaqif

The Thaqif were settled in Ta'if before Islam, prospering through agriculture and trade. They initially opposed Muhammad but, after the siege of Ta'if, accepted Islam and lost their old religious role. Their literacy and urban background helped them become key administrators and commanders in the expanding Muslim state, especially in Iraq. Thaqafite leaders founded Basra and held high office under the Rashidun and Umayyad caliphs. Their influence continued through the centuries, with the tribe remaining prominent in Ta'if and the surrounding region.

Banu Thaqif life today

Members of the Thaqif continue to live in Ta'if and nearby areas, both as settled townspeople and as Bedouins. They still control much agricultural land and are a significant part of Ta'if's population. The tribe is not isolated and remains part of the broader Saudi society, with a legacy of political and cultural influence dating back to the earliest days of Islam.

Questions people ask about the Banu Thaqif

Sources and further reading

• Banu Thaqif on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• 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 Thaqif themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.