The Administrative Effect of Umayyad-Thaqafi Affinity Until the End of AL-Sufyani Branch

Abstract

The current study attempts to highlight one of the social aspects that contributed to strengthening Arab tribal relations between each other among such aspect is the affinity between members of different clans and tribes

Digging in depth of the history of Arab affinity has discovered its roots in the early Arab history. It was defined as one of the most important means that was resorted to by tribes and clans of the Arabian region to avoid any sort of enmity and hatred that was present in pre-Islamic era of the Arab society and even in the post-Islamic one as well. Besides, most of relationships of affinity led to positive social, economic and administrative paths among Arab clans and tribes.

The Umayyad-Thaqafi affinity was described as one of most important types of affinity in the pre- and post-Islamic era of Arab history. Where it was reflected in a positive manner upon its members whether in avoiding bloodshed or in building up family relations or creating social, economic and commercial environment for Umayyad or Thaqafi tribes.

Moreover, when the ruling and authority of the Arab state was transferred to Umayyad figures, the affinity contributed to mark the nature of administrative relation and power between Umayyad-Thaqafi tribes. Where Umayyad Caliphs stressed on sharing power and administrative affairs with Thaqafi figures, especially with the ones who had matrimonial bonds with the Umayyad family.

The current study attempted to dig in depth of Umayyad-Thaqafi affinity during pre- and post-Islamic era, unveiling its motives and its impact on letting a lot of Thaqafi figures assume high ranking administrative posts in the Umayyad state, especially in ruling Iraq, Islamic Mashreq State, Arabian Peninsula and Egypt.