Qahtan
In the classical Arab genealogical tradition, Qahtan is one of the two great ancestral divisions of the Arabs (the Qahtanite or 'southern' Arabs), alongside Adnan.
- Tradition
- Qahtanite (southern) Arabs
- Region
- Arabia
In the genealogical tradition
Classical Arab genealogists divide the Arabs into two great lines: the descendants of Qahtan (often called the 'southern' or 'pure' Arabs) and the descendants of Adnan. Qahtan is associated by tradition with South Arabia.
Note on sources
The detailed genealogies below Qahtan are recorded variously across classical works, and accounts differ. This page presents the broad traditional framework only; specific branch and family claims must be attributed to a named source before publication.
Frequently asked questions
Who are the Qahtanite Arabs?
In the classical tradition, they are the Arabs traced to Qahtan, one of the two great ancestral lines (with Adnan).
Sources
- ابن حزم الأندلسي، جمهرة أنساب العرب، 456هـ
- القلقشندي، نهاية الأرب في معرفة أنساب العرب، 821هـ
This page is an educational, historical reference compiled from published sources.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: 2026-07-09