Banu Khuzaa (بنو خزاعة) was an influential Arab tribe that settled in Mecca and the surrounding Hijaz before the coming of Islam. They played a great role in the history of the Kaabah, the society of Mecca, and the period of transition between the religion of Ibrahim عليه السلام and the later idol worship on the Arabian Peninsula.
The tribe is known above all because, after the Jurhum, they were the guardians of the Ka’bah before Qusai ibn Kilab of Quraysh took over this position.
Origin and settlement in Mecca
According to the Islamic sources, Banu Khuzaa originally came from Yemen and were related to the larger tribal grouping of al-Azd. They migrated northward after the collapse of the Ma’rib dam and settled in Mecca and the surrounding valleys, where they gradually gained control over the Kaabah and the city.¹
They drove out the earlier custodians, among them parts of the Jurhum, and took the administration of Mecca upon themselves, and Banu Khuzaa held this position until the time of Qusai ibn Kilab (forefather of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).²
Administration of the Kaabah
During the centuries in which they administered the Kaabah, Banu Khuzaa regulated:
- Access to the Ka’bah
- The care of the pilgrims
- Hospitality and the protection of visitors
- Rights concerning water and trade
Their rule was an important phase in the religious and political development of Mecca.
One of the most influential leaders was ‘Amr ibn Luhayy, who held a great religious and social standing within the tribe.
‘Amr ibn Luhayy and the introduction of idolatry
Although he was at first known for justice and generosity, Ibn Ishaq and Ibn Kathir relate that ‘Amr ibn Luhayy, during a journey to ash-Shaam, saw idolatry and approved of it. He brought the idol Hubal to Mecca and placed it beside the Kaabah.³
Takeover by Quraysh
When Qusai ibn Kilab grew stronger with the support of Quraysh and other allies, he took over the rule of Mecca from Banu Khuza’a. According to al-Azraqi, it came to an agreement in which Quraysh received the administration of the Ka’bah, while Khuza’a continued to dwell in the region.⁵
Despite the loss of leadership, they remained influential in Mecca and the Hijaz.
Alliance with the Muslims
During the Treaty of al-Hudaybiyyah, Banu Khuza’a entered into an alliance with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, while their rivals Banu Bakr allied themselves with Quraysh. When Banu Bakr later attacked Khuza’a with the support of Quraysh, this became a direct violation of the treaty.⁶
This incident was one of the reasons for the Conquest of Mecca. Khuza’a called upon the Prophet ﷺ for help, and he came to their aid, whereby their relationship with the Muslims played a decisive role in the end of pagan domination in Mecca.
Banu Khuza’a in the Islamic period
After the conquest of Mecca, many members of the tribe entered fully into Islam and took part in the further expansion of the Islamic community. Some individuals served as administrators, army commanders and transmitters of knowledge.
Al-Baladhuri, Futuh al-Buldan, account of migrations from Yemen.
Ibn Hisham, al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, section on Qusai ibn Kilab.
Ibn Kathir, al-Bidayah wa an-Nihayah, chapter on ‘Amr ibn Luhayy.
Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith concerning ‘Amr ibn Luhayy.
Al-Azraqi, Akhbar Makkah, section on the rule of Mecca.
Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Rusul wa al-Muluk, account of al-Hudaybiyyah and the attack on Banu Khuzaa.