The Role of Arab Tribes in the Jihad in Al-Andalus through Poetry and Literature

Almohadeen Era

Abstract

The current study aims to discuss the role of Arab tribes in the Jihad in Al-Andalus through poetry and literature (during the Almohadeen era). Arab identity has emerged prominently in Jihad poetry, where poets praised the Arabs' positions in supporting and defending the religion, bearing its consequences, as well as lauding their strength, dignity, courage, and chivalry. Poets, in doing so, expressed a deep Islamic spirit, firmly connecting it with Arab identity. Among the significant influences left on Jihad poetry in Al-Andalus, especially during the rise of the Almohadeen state, is the role played by Arab tribes in the Crusades. When we speak of the role of Arabs, we do not mean the initial conquering Arabs who established states in Al-Andalus, but rather those Arab tribes that migrated from Yemen and the Arabian Peninsula, settling first in Upper Egypt, then being expelled by the Fatimids in the fifth century Hijri to Africa. These tribes include the Bani Hilal, Bani Sulaym, and the Arab tribes of Al-Maql. When Almohadeen conquered Africa, leaders of these tribes presented themselves to the caliph, Abd al-Mu'min, who received them kindly. However, the Hilalians rebelled against the Almohadeen, challenging them. They were met by the caliphate's armies and decisively defeated in an area known as "Setif." After this defeat, the Hilalians reconsidered their position, submitted to the might of the Almohadeen, and sent representatives to the caliph, Abd al-Mu'min, in Marrakech. He honored their leaders, released their prisoners, and returned their captives.