Qays Ibn Açim al-Tamimi: Biography of an Arab tribe chief in the period of early Islam

Abstract

Qays Ibn Açim tamimi was one of the most important leaders of the tamim arabic tribe in pre and early Islam Era. He led his clan, bani saad, in a period of extreme complexity especially as a result of the rupture with the Persians and the end of intermediary role in authorizing commercial convoys. Added to that, the loss of the bani saad's grasslands in Iraq worsened their economical hard time. Consequently, their leader Qays chose to ally with the new Islamic state in Medina. This tribal leader had a tendency to be obedient; which ensured him a high status in the prophet reign time. Ibn Açim rejected the apostasy movement. On the contrary, he participated actively with his people in the conquest of Iraq. He, then, settled into the city of Basra. Yet, he was deeply related to his early Bedouin life that's why he would occasionally leave Basra for the old houses of his clan. Because of his absence, Kays lost his political significance and influence in his clan until his death in 20 A.H.