Kalbiyya

Kalbiyya refers to a historical Arab tribe that played a significant role in the early Islamic period, particularly during the Umayyad Caliphate. They were part of the larger Quda'a tribal confederation, which traced its lineage back to southern Arabia (Yemen).

The Kalbiyya were strategically important due to their presence in Syria, a key region for the Umayyad dynasty. Their alliance with the Umayyads, particularly through the marriage of the Umayyad Caliph Mu'awiya I to a Kalbiyya woman named Maysun bint Bahdal al-Kalbiyya, significantly strengthened the Umayyad power base. This marriage also cemented the Kalbiyya's political influence within the caliphate.

This tribal connection and support were crucial for the early Umayyads, helping them to solidify their rule against other rival factions and tribes. The Kalbiyya’s influence continued through the reign of Mu’awiya’s son, Yazid I, and beyond, playing a role in various political events and power struggles within the Umayyad Caliphate. Their dominance eventually waned with the rise of the Abbasid Caliphate.