Banu al-Qayn

According to traditional Arab genealogy, the Banu al-Qayn was founded by a certain al-Nu'man ibn Jasr, who was known as al-Qayn (the iron smith). However, according to all historical indications, the tribe was strictly Bedouin and its tribesmen did not involve themselves in metalwork. The Banu al-Qayn formed part of the Quda'a, a large tribal confederation. ==History==

According to historian Irfan Shahid, "it is almost certain" that the Banu al-Qayn, along with the Judham and Amila tribes, "functioned as military units in the Roman period, forming part of the Nabatean confederacy". Moreover, Shahid argues the Banu al-Qayn dated back to the biblical era and "represent[ed] the strand of ethnographic continuity in the region, running from biblical to Byzantine to Muslim Arab times". In the 4th century CE, the tribe's dwelling places were in Transjordan and they served as foederati (federates) of the Byzantine Empire. They were among the Arab foederati, including the Banu Kalb, Judham, Bali, and Lakhm, that fought the Muslim Arabs at the Battle of Mu'tah in 629. However, at least part of the Banu al-Qayn was on friendly terms with the Muslims for the latter had hoped for help from the Banu al-Qayn during the Battle of Chains that same year. ==References==