Tarikh Islam

Following the demise of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), the initial model for selecting a caliph was established without reliance on a divine text (naṣṣ). This model faced widespread opposition and crises, and for its consolidation, it depended on the economic, military, political, and cultural power of the Quraysh clans, particularly the Banī Sahm ibn ʿAmr. Utilizing a descriptive-analytical method and drawing upon both Shiʿa and Sunni historical and hadith sources, this research investigates the dimensions of this clan's influence on the formation and stabilization of the succession of the first caliphs. The findings indicate that despite its moderate population size, Banī Sahm played a significant role in the political and military developments of early Islam. During the Prophet's era (PBUH), most of the clan's notables were among his opponents, and their defeat in battles engendered a profound enmity towards Amir al-Mu'minīn (Imam Ali) (AS). During the caliphates of Abū Bakr and ʿUmar, particularly through the activities of ʿAmr ibn al-ʿĀṣ, Banī Sahm actively participated in the conquests and the consolidation of the governmental structure. The era of ʿUthmān witnessed a decline in their status and their alignment with protest movements. During the rule of Amir al-Mu'minīn (AS), a significant segment of this clan positioned itself in opposition and supported Muʿāwiyah. A comparative examination of these periods reveals that the political standing of Banī Sahm was consistently variable and contingent upon their interactions with the central authority.