Banī Zayd
A Najdī tribe long settled in the towns of al-Washm and al-Maḥmal.
- Region
- Najd — al-Washm and al-Maḥmal
- Character
- Largely settled (ḥaḍar)
Overview
Banī Zayd are recorded in Najd, particularly in the settled districts of al-Washm and al-Maḥmal north-west of Riyadh. They are among the groups whose history is largely one of ḥaḍar — town and oasis life — rather than the desert, which is a reminder that a tribal name does not by itself imply a nomadic past.
On lineage
Branch lists and affiliations here are given as reported by the classical genealogists, who themselves disagree. Nothing on this page establishes any living family's descent: a shared name may reflect descent, alliance (ḥilf) or clientage (walāʾ), and the sources usually say which only when they know.
Frequently asked questions
Were Banī Zayd nomadic?
Largely not — their recorded history is mostly one of settled town and oasis life in Najd.
Sources
- ياقوت الحموي، معجم البلدان، 626هـ — مادة: الوشم
This page is an educational, historical reference compiled from published sources. It is not an authority on lineage. Where sources differ, we report the difference without taking a position. Corrections are welcome via our contact page.
Last reviewed: 2026-07-28