Ghaṭafān
A large Najdī grouping of the pre-Islamic period, parent of ʿAbs and Dhubyān.
- Grouping
- Muḍar (ʿAdnānī)
- Region
- Najd
- Reckoned to it
- ʿAbs, Dhubyān
Overview
Ghaṭafān is placed under Muḍar and associated with Najd. The sources reckon ʿAbs and Dhubyān to it, and much of the pre-Islamic narrative material — the war of Dāḥis and al-Ghabrāʾ above all — concerns the relations between them.
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
Which tribes are reckoned to Ghaṭafān?
ʿAbs and Dhubyān above all — the war of Dāḥis and al-Ghabrāʾ is an account of the relations between them.
Sources
- ابن حزم الأندلسي، جمهرة أنساب العرب، 456هـ — أنساب غطفان
This page is an educational, historical reference compiled from published sources.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