Jund Hims: The Military and Tribal History of Early Islamic Syria
Following the Muslim conquest of Syria in the 7th century CE, the region underwent a significant administrative transformation. Caliph Umar (r. 634–644) divided the territory into four military districts, known as junds. Among these, Jund Hims emerged as the northernmost district, initially encompassing the territory of Hims proper, the future district of Jund Qinnasrin in far northern Syria, and the Jazira (Upper Mesopotamia).
The city of Homs, known as Emesa to the Byzantines, became a strategic hub and a center for diverse tribal settlements. During and immediately after its conquest, the city saw a substantial influx of South Arabian tribesmen, including the Himyar, Hamdan, Kinda, Khawlan, Alhan, and Hadhramawt groups. These tribes, with the exception of the Kinda, formed the core of the Qahtan faction in Syria, marking one of the first instances where they adopted Qahtan as a collective identity.
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Key Facts
- Establishment: Created by Caliph Umar as one of four Syrian military districts.
- Initial Scope: Included Hims, the future Jund Qinnasrin, and the Jazira.
- Tribal Core: Dominated by South Arabian tribes forming the Qahtan faction.
- Political Shifts: Experienced a transition from a broad district to a smaller one as Qinnasrin and Jazira were separated due to the dominance of the Qays tribe.
- Major Conflicts: Played a role in the Battle of Siffin, the Battle of Khazir, and the Battle of Marj Rahit.
Tribal Dynamics and Political Alliances
The social fabric of Jund Hims was defined by complex tribal loyalties. Alongside the South Arabian groups, urban Ansar from Medina settled in Homs. Additionally, the Quda'a group—comprising the Kalb, Salih, Tanukh, and Bahra'—who had been established in Syria as Byzantine allies, also settled within the district.
The Leading Households
The early Muslim leadership in Homs was concentrated in three primary households: al-Simt ibn Aswad of Kinda, the Dhu'l-Kala of Himyar, and the family of Hawshab Dhu Zulaym of Alhan. These families were instrumental in the conquest of Syria. Notably, Samayfa, head of the Dhu'l-Kala, led the troops of Jund Hims under Governor Mu'awiya ibn Abi Sufyan during the Battle of Siffin against Caliph Ali (r. 656–661).
The Three-Way Tribal Rivalry
Syrian politics were characterized by a rivalry for preeminence between three main factions:
- The Qahtan: Centered in Hims and consisting of South Arabian tribes.
- The Quda'a: Allied with the Kinda and Ghassan, they maintained a strong presence in Hims, Dimashq (Damascus), and Urdunn (Jordan), and were closely aligned with the Umayyads.
- The Qays: North Arabian tribes who dominated the northern regions of Qinnasrin and the Jazira.
This tribal divide eventually led to administrative changes. During the reigns of Mu'awiya I (r. 661–680) or Yazid I (r. 680–683), the Qinnasrin–Jazira region was separated from Jund Hims to account for the dominance of the Qays.
Conflict and the Umayyad Dynasty
The stability of Jund Hims was frequently tested by succession crises. After the deaths of Yazid I and Mu'awiya II in 683 and 684, tribal loyalties split. The Quda'a, Kinda, Ghassan, and the South Arabian Akk and Ash'ar supported Marwan I. Conversely, the Qahtan of Hims and the Qays supported the anti-Umayyad candidate, Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr of Mecca.
This tension culminated in the Battle of Marj Rahit in 684, where the Qahtan and Ansar of Hims fought alongside the Qays against the Umayyads. Although the anti-Umayyad forces were routed, the aftermath saw the formation of the Yaman (Yemeni) faction—an alliance of the Qahtan, Quda'a, Kinda, and Judham—to oppose the Qays.
Later Unrest and the Third Fitna
In the later Umayyad period, specifically during and after the Third Fitna (a period of civil war), the troops of Hims became increasingly hostile toward the dynasty. Following the death of al-Walid II (r. 743–744), they rejected Yazid III and elected Mu'awiya ibn Yazid as their leader. While Yazid III eventually suppressed the revolt, he secured peace by paying the tribal nobility and appointing Mu'awiya ibn Yazid as governor.
The instability continued after Yazid's death, as the troops of Hims refused to recognize Caliph Ibrahim (r. 744–744) and rebelled against Caliph Marwan II (r. 744–750), despite support for Marwan II from the household of Husayn ibn Numayr.
Summary of Jund Hims Tribal and Administrative Evolution
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Founder | Caliph Umar (r. 634–644) |
| Original Territories | Hims, Qinnasrin, and the Jazira |
| Primary Factions | Qahtan, Quda'a, and Qays |
| Key Alliances | Yaman faction (Qahtan, Quda'a, Kinda, Judham) |
| Major Battles | Siffin, Khazir, Marj Rahit |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Jund Hims?
Jund Hims was one of the four military districts created by Caliph Umar in Syria after the Muslim conquest in the 7th century CE, serving as the northernmost district.
Who were the Qahtan and Quda'a?
The Qahtan were a faction of South Arabian tribes (including the Himyar and Hamdan) who settled in Homs. The Quda'a were a group of tribes (including the Kalb and Tanukh) who were long-established in Syria and often allied with the Umayyad dynasty.
Why was Jund Hims administratively divided?
The northern regions of Qinnasrin and the Jazira were separated from Jund Hims during the rule of Mu'awiya I or Yazid I because the Qays tribe dominated those specific areas.
What was the significance of the Battle of Marj Rahit?
Occurring in 684, this battle saw the Qahtan and Ansar of Hims align with the Qays against the Umayyads. Its aftermath led to the creation of the Yaman faction to oppose the Qays.
How did the troops of Hims react to the later Umayyad caliphs?
The troops became increasingly rebellious, refusing to recognize Caliphs Yazid III, Ibrahim, and Marwan II at various points, often electing their own leaders from the local tribal nobility.