Qusai ibn Kilab holds a pivotal place in the lineage of the Quraysh tribe, marking the beginning of an era that would shape the future of the Arabian Peninsula. As the first chief of Quraysh, his leadership laid the foundation for a structured and organized Meccan society. His descendants played crucial roles in history, culminating in the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Qusai ibn Kilab: The Founder of Quraysh Leadership
Qusai ibn Kilab ibn Murrah, or Qusayy ibn Kilāb ibn Murrah also spelled Qusayy, Kusayy, Kusai, or Cossai, was born Zayd. He lost his father at a young age but grew up to become the leader of Mecca and the Quraysh tribe. He is famous as the ancestor of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Caliphs Uthman and Ali. His lineage also extends to the Umayyads, Abbasids, and several prominent Hashemite dynasties in the Islamic world.
See Also: Qusai ibn Kilab: A Short Biography of the First King of Quraysh
The Ancestors of Qusai ibn Kilab
Fihr ibn Malik: The Progenitor of Quraysh
Fihr ibn Malik is regarded as the common ancestor of all Quraysh tribes. He laid the foundation for the unity of the Quraysh and established their dominance in Mecca.
Ghalib ibn Fihr
Ghalib ibn Fihr carried forward the legacy of his father and reinforced Quraysh’s position as a leading tribe.
Lu’ayy ibn Ghalib and Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy
Lu’ayy ibn Ghalib played a significant role in strengthening the tribal customs and maintaining the unity of the Quraysh. His son, Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy, continued this mission and was instrumental in shaping the tribal hierarchy.
Murrah ibn Ka’b
Murrah ibn Ka’b was an important figure, and father of influential leaders, like Qusai ibn Kilab.
Qusai ibn Kilab’s Immediate Lineage
Kilab ibn Murrah: The Father of Qusai
Kilab ibn Murrah traced their lineage back to Fihr, the progenitor of the Quraysh, and ultimately to Ismail (Ishmael), son of Ibrahim (Abraham). From his father’s second wife, Asma bint Adiy (also known as Hind bint Harithah al-Bariqiyyah) of the Banu Asad, Kilab had two half-brothers: Taym ibn Murrah and Yaqazah ibn Murrah.
He married Fatimah bint Sa’d ibn Sayl, who gave birth to two sons:
- Zuhrah ibn Kilab, the forefather of the Banu Zuhrah clan.
- Qusai ibn Kilab, who became the first Quraysh custodian of the Ka’aba.
After Kilab’s passing, his wife Fatimah remarried Rabi’ah ibn Haram from the Banu Udhrah tribe.
Qusai ibn Kilab’s Sons
Qusai ibn Kilab had four prominent sons:
- Abd Manaf – The second chief of Quraysh and a forefather of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
- Abd al-Uzza – His son Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza established the Banu Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza clan.
- Abd al-Dar – Entrusted with key responsibilities of the Kaaba.
- Abd – Played a lesser-known role but continued the family line.
Descendants of Abd Manaf ibn Qusai
Hashim ibn Abd Manaf: The Third Major Chief of Quraysh
Hashim ibn Abd Manaf became a highly influential leader, responsible for establishing the Quraysh’s trade routes. He laid the economic foundation that helped Mecca prosper.
Abd al-Muttalib: The Fourth Major Chief of Quraysh
Abd al-Muttalib, the grandson of Hashim, became one of the most respected leaders in Mecca. He was known for his wisdom and generosity. His most notable son was Abdullah, the father of the Prophet Muhammad.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): The Seal of Prophethood
Born to Abdullah and Amina, Prophet Muhammad emerged as the final messenger of Islam, spread the message of Islam and changed history forever.
See Also: Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Family Tree: Quraysh to Imam Mahdi
The Other Branches of Quraysh
Banu Makhzum: The Clan of Warriors
- Makhzum ibn Yaqza founded this powerful clan known for its military prowess.
- Al-Walid ibn al-Mughira was a key leader of this clan and one of the staunchest opponents of Islam.
- Abu Jahl (Amr ibn Hisham), the nephew of Al-Walid, was another major adversary of the Prophet Muhammad.
Banu Zuhrah: The Clan of Prophet Muhammad’s Mother
- Abd Manaf ibn Zuhrah was the head of this clan.
- Atika bint Abd Manaf married Wahab ibn Abd Manaf and gave birth to Amina, the mother of Prophet Muhammad.
Banu Asad: The Clan of Prominent Leaders
- Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza founded this clan.
- Khuwaylid ibn Asad was the father of Khadijah, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad.
Banu Abd al-Dar: The Keepers of the Kaaba
This clan was responsible for the maintenance of the Kaaba, ensuring its sanctity and management.
