Khuzāʿah
The tribe recorded as holding Mecca before Quraysh.
- Recorded as
- Holding Mecca before Quraysh
- Placement
- Disputed — Azd or Muḍar
Overview
Khuzāʿah is recorded in the histories as having held Mecca and the guardianship of its sanctuary before Quraysh. Its genealogical placement is itself disputed — some sources reckon it to the Azd and so to Qaḥṭān, others to Muḍar — another instance of the branch framework failing to settle a case.
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
Who held Mecca before Quraysh?
The histories record Khuzāʿah. Its own genealogical placement is disputed between the Azd and Muḍar.
Sources
- ابن حزم الأندلسي، جمهرة أنساب العرب، 456هـ — أنساب خزاعة
- القلقشندي، نهاية الأرب في معرفة أنساب العرب، 821هـ — باب خزاعة
This page is an educational, historical reference compiled from published sources.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