Kinana

Who are the Kinana?

The Kinana are an Arab tribe whose traditional lands stretch from the Tihama coast near Mecca into the Hejaz mountains. They are held together by shared ancestry, tracing their lineage to Kinana ibn Khuzaymah and, through him, to Ishmael according to Arab tradition. The tribe is known for its many branches, including the Nadr, Malik, Milkan, Amir, Amr, and Abd Manat, and for being the parent tribe of the Quraysh. Their identity is rooted in genealogy, shared history, and connections to key events in early Islamic history.

Where do the Kinana live?

The original homeland of the Kinana lies in the Tihama, a coastal plain along the Red Sea, and the mountainous Hejaz region around Mecca. This area is marked by a mix of arid plains and rugged hills. Over time, branches of the tribe also settled in Palestine, especially after the Muslim conquest, and later in Egypt, particularly around Damietta. Their movements reflect the shifting political and military landscape of the region.

What language do the Kinana speak?

The Kinana speak Arabic. As an Arab tribe, their language belongs to the Afro-Asiatic family. Over centuries, Arabic has remained central to their identity and communication, both in their homeland and in the regions where they later settled.

How is Kinana society organised?

Kinana society is organized into several main branches and subgroups, each tracing descent through male ancestors. Important branches include the Nadr (parent of the Quraysh), Malik, Milkan, Amir, Amr, and Abd Manat, with further sub-branches like Bakr, Mudlij, Layth, Du'il, and Damra. Leadership and alliances often shifted among these groups. The tribe’s structure is typical of Arab tribal society, with strong emphasis on lineage, alliances, and customary law. Decisions and actions often reflected the interests of individual branches or confederations rather than the tribe as a whole.

What do the Kinana believe?

Before Islam, the Kinana practiced polytheism, centering their worship on the goddess al-Uzza. With the rise of Islam, most members adopted the new faith, and the tribe became associated with Islam. Rituals, poetry, and oral traditions played a role in their cultural life. Over time, Islamic beliefs and practices became central to their identity, especially as the Quraysh, a branch of the Kinana, became prominent in the early Islamic community.

The history of the Kinana

The Kinana trace their ancestry to Kinana ibn Khuzaymah and, by tradition, to Ishmael. They played a key role in the history of Mecca and the surrounding region, with the Quraysh emerging as a major offshoot. The tribe was involved in conflicts such as the Fijar War and supported various sides in early Islamic struggles. After the Muslim conquest of Palestine, Kinana groups settled there and held positions of authority. In the 12th century, some Kinana left Palestine for Egypt following the Crusader conquest of Ascalon, later serving as troops in the Fatimid and Ayyubid armies. Their presence is recorded in Mecca, Palestine, and Egypt over the centuries.

Kinana life today

Today, the Kinana are recognized as an ancestral Arab tribe, with descendants found in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. Their historical branches and legacy remain important in Arab genealogical tradition. While the tribe itself is less prominent as a political or social unit, its influence persists through its connections to the Quraysh and other major Arab groups.

Questions people ask about the Kinana

Sources and further reading

• Kinana on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• 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 Kinana themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.