Qays ibn Zuhayr

Qays ibn Zuhayr also known as Abu Hind was a tribal chief of the Banu Abs tribe. He fought against the tribe of Banu Dhubyan in the 6th-century war of Dahis and al-Ghabra. Qays converted to Christianity in his final years and then emigrated to Oman where he stayed for the rest of his life.

Biography Family Qays was the son of Zuhayr ibn Jadhima, the former chieftain of the Ghatafan tribal confederation. The full lineage of Qays' father has been stated as Zuhayr, son of Jadhima, son of Rawaha, son of Rabi'a, son of Mazin, son of al-Harith, son of Qutay'a, son of Abs; this traces the lineage of Qays back to the progenitor of the Banu Abs tribe. His mother was Tumadur bint al-Sharid, while his brother was Malik ibn Zuhayr.

Leadership Qays became the tribal chief of the Banu Abs, succeeding his father. Qays successfully killed Ibn Badr in the ensuing battles as well.

Qays ibn Zuhayr also guarded the caravans of Lakhmid ruler Al-Nu'man III ibn al-Mundhir whenever they entered Al Yamama, which gave him special gifts and privileges from Al-Nu'man himself.

Final years and death Qays ibn Zuhayr eventually agreed to stop fighting against the Banu Dhubyan as the blood money for his brother had been paid off by two noblemen from a neighboring tribe. Qays had also converted to Christianity during his final years.

Personality Aside from being known as a cunning and courageous tribal chief and warrior amongst the pre-Islamic Arabs, Qays was a famed poet. He received the title "ar-Ra'i" due to the decisions he made, which the pre-Islamic Arabs favoured. Some also narrated that he was wise and gave frequent sermons to his people.