Division of Tribal Administration

The division of the common administrative duties of the Quraish was as follows:

  1. ‘Uqāb: In other words, the duty of flag bearing during times of war. This task was also under Qusaiyy during his lifetime and was later delegated to the Banū ‘Abdid-Dār. During the time of the Holy Prophetsa, this task was assigned to Ṭalḥah bin Abī Ṭalḥah. Another name for this duty was Liwā’.

  2. Qiyādah: In other words, the duty of command during wars and in caravans. During the time of the Holy Prophetsa, this task was delegated to Abū Sufyān of the Banū Umaiyyah.

  3. Sifārat: In other words, the duty of communicating with other tribes or sovereignties as an ambassador. During the time of the Holy Prophetsa, this task was delegated to Ḥaḍrat ‘Umar of the Banū ‘Adiyy.

  4. Diyāt and Maghārim: In other words, the duty of passing judgements with relevance to bloodmoney, etc., in the event of mutual conflicts and violence. This task was assigned to Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakr of the Banū Taim.

  5. Qubbah: In other words, the command of cavalry and the setup of camp. This task was assigned to Walīd bin Mughīrah of the Banū Makhzūm.

  6. Izlām: In other words, administering the system of divining arrows. This work was delegated to Ṣafwān bin Umaiyyah of the Banū Jamḥ.

  7. Mashwarah: In other words, the administering of mutual consultation between all the tribes in matters of great significance. This work was delegated to the Banū Asad, and during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, it was assigned to Yazīd bin Rabī‘ah Al-Aswad.

  8. Qaḍā’: In other words, to pass verdicts in the matter of various legal cases. This work was delegated to Ḥārith bin Qais of the Banū Sahm, etc., etc.