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[[File:Pre_Islamic_Arabian_Tribes_(Harold_Dixon).svg|thumb|387x387px|Map of the [[Arabian Peninsula]] in 600 AD, showing the various Arab tribes and their areas of settlement. The [[Lakhmid kingdom|Lakhmids]] (yellow) formed an Arab monarchy as clients of the [[Sasanian Empire]], while the [[Ghassanids]] (red) formed an Arab monarchy as clients of the [[Roman Empire]] A map published by the British academic Harold Dixon during [[World War I]], showing the presence of the Arab tribes in [[West Asia]], 1914]]
The Banu Awf ([[Arabic language|Arabic]]: بنو عوف, '''''Banu ‘Awf'''''), today known as Al Aufy and various spellings such as Al Aufi, Al Oufi, Al Awfi, and Al Awfy (Arabic: العوفي) is an ancient Arab tribe with a significant historical influence in the [[Arabian Peninsula]], particularly in [[Oman]]. The tribe is renowned for its diverse lineage and contributions to the sociopolitical and cultural landscape of the region. The tribe's symbol is the poisonous [[Nerium|oleander]], symbolising their resilient ability to survive and danger when provoked. The largest concentration of the Al Aufy tribe is in Oman, specifically in [[Wadi Bani Awf]], an ancestral valley that holds cultural and historical importance<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Pinaki |date=2017-10-22 |title=The Aufis of Wadi Bani Auf |url=https://medium.com/pinaki-ch/aufis-of-wadi-bani-auf-8506f1e6cbcc |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Pinaki / Photographic Literature |language=en}}</ref> and is today a popular tourism destination known for its rugged beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Wadi Bani Awf {{!}} Oman, Middle East {{!}} Attractions |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/oman/rustaq/attractions/wadi-bani-awf/a/poi-sig/1610468/1331790 |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=Lonely Planet}}</ref>

== Origins and early history ==
The majority of the Banu Awf tribe initially adopted [[Judaism]] upon settling in the Jewish-ruled Tayma after following a regional pagan belief system.{{cn|date=May 2024}} This adoption was a condition imposed by the local Jewish population.{{cn|date=May 2024}} After adopting Judaism, the tribe moved to Yathrib (modern-day Medina). The Banu Awf tribe was included in the [[Constitution of Medina]], becoming allies of the Islamic [[Muhammad|Prophet Muhammad]] while maintaining their Jewish faith.{{cn|date=May 2024}} By this time, some had already converted to [[Islam]]<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=The Story of Abdur-Rahman Ibn Awf |url=https://www.islamreligion.com/articles/11334/story-of-abdur-rahman-ibn-awf |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=www.islamreligion.com |language=en}}</ref> and through tribal and political relations the tribe were considered ''[[Muslims]]'' (one community with the Believers),<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Rabba Dr Lindsey Taylor-Guthartz |title=Torah in Motion |url=https://torahinmotion.org/sites/default/files/programs/TiM%20Islam%20session%201%20beginnings%20handout%20%281%29.pdf |website=Torah in Motion}}</ref> though not all yet [[Mumin|''Mumins'']]. This agreement exemplified the early coexistence and mutual support between different religious communities in Medina.<ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-01 |title=Focus on the Early History of Islam: A Refreshing Look at the Seerah (Part 3) |url=https://islamonline.net/en/focus-on-the-early-history-of-islam-a-refreshing-look-at-the-seerah-part-3/ |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=IslamOnline |language=en}}</ref>

During the 7th century, the Banu Awf largely converted to Islam from Judaism, [[Christianity]], and [[Paganism]]. Towards the end of the century, many had adopted [[Ibadi Islam|Ibadhi Islam]]{{cn|date=May 2024}}, like most Omanis, which emphasizes egalitarian principles and the election of leaders based on piety and knowledge rather than lineage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE ISLAM IN OMAN {{!}} Silk Roads Programme |url=https://en.unesco.org/silkroad/silk-road-themes/intangible-cultural-heritage/islam-oman |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=en.unesco.org}}</ref>

The tribe descends from the northern Arabian [[Adnanites]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite book |last=Carter |first=JRL |title=Tribes in Oman |date=1982 |publisher=Peninsular Pub. |isbn=978-0907151029}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=ʿAdnān {{!}} Arabian legendary figure {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Adnan |access-date=2024-05-22 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> specifically from the [[Banu Zuhrah]] clan of the [[Quraysh|Quraysh tribe]].<ref name=":3" /> This lineage connects them to notable historical figures and events in early Islamic history. Before and after the arrival of Islam, members of the tribe were involved in various occupations, including farming, trading, beekeeping, and animal husbandry.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Miles |first=SB |title=The Countries and Tribes of The Persian Gulf |year=1919}}</ref>

== Islamic era ==
A notable figure from the Banu Awf is [[Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf|ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf]] (c. 581–654), one of the ten [[Companions of the Prophet|companions of Prophet Muhammad]] promised paradise. He played a pivotal role in the early Islamic community, significantly contributing to the spread and consolidation of Islam. Known for his immense wealth, he used his resources to support the early Muslim state and various initiatives. Abdur-Rahman distinguished himself in both the battles of [[Battle of Badr|Badr]] and [[Battle of Uhud|Uhud]] and was known for his steadfastness and generosity.<ref name=":3" />

== Medieval period ==
In the [[Medieval|medieval period]], [[Malik ibn Awf]] was a prominent military leader during the early Islamic conquests. Another significant historical figure is [[Muhammad Aufi]], a Persian historian and philologist from the 12th century, who authored several important texts and contributed to the preservation of Persian literature.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

== Notable historical events ==
The Al Aufy tribe has been involved in many major conflicts, serving as military commanders since the 7th century, and fighting in the wars during the [[Buyid dynasty|Buyid Dynasty]], the [[Seljuk Empire]], the [[Nabhani dynasty]], the [[Persian Empire]], the [[Portuguese Empire]], the [[Ottoman Empire]], the [[Yarubid]] Imamate, and under the [[House of Busaid|Al Said Dynasty]]. Members have also served in [[World War I]] and [[World War II]], the [[Dhofar War|Omani civil wars]].<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":4">{{Cite book |last=Ibn Razik |first=Salil |title=The History of the Imams and Seyyids of Oman}}</ref>

The tribe and its territories fell under various kingdoms, imamates, dynasties, and empires<ref name=":4" /> over two thousand years but were treated with deference and caution by various rulers due to their martial reputation and the "Five Fingers" pact between the five warrior tribes of [[Izki]].<ref name=":2" /> This pact ensured that an attack against one tribe would be considered an attack against all, a measure that contributed to regional stability until the 19th century when tribal unity was fractured following the assassination of Sheikh Omar bin Ali Al Aufy by a rival faction from the same tribe in a coup.<ref name=":2" /> His sons, Muhammad bin Omar and Ghariyb bin Omar, were split up and sent to Kenya and Zanzibar (respectively) to preserve the bloodline.<ref name=":2" />

== Modern era and legacy ==
Today, the Al Aufy tribe continues to play a significant role in Oman, with members holding senior positions in the government, armed forces, and in leadership roles in the sciences, social welfare, philanthropy, education, and business.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mendoza |first=Jomar |date=2024-02-24 |title=Al Aufi unveils bold vision for energy transition in Oman |url=https://www.omanobserver.om/article/1150088/business/energy/al-aufi-unveils-bold-vision-for-energy-transition-in-oman |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=Oman Observer |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.alialaufy.com/about-us |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=Ali Al Aufy Trad Co |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Zacharias |first=Anna |date=2020-02-25 |title=Omani mother who brought literacy to remote mountain villages wins Ruler of Dubai award |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/education/omani-mother-who-brought-literacy-to-remote-mountain-villages-wins-ruler-of-dubai-award-1.984474 |access-date=2024-05-23 |website=The National |language=en}}</ref> The tribe's influence extends beyond Oman, with a notable diaspora across Arabia and the world, contributing to various fields globally. The diverse history of the Al Aufy tribe, from their existence as nomadic pagan Arabs to their significant role in Islamic conquests and modern Omani society, continues to be an influential and resilient community, and their contributions to history, culture, and governance underscore their enduring legacy in the Arabian Peninsula.

==References==
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{{Arabian Peninsula Jewish tribes}}
{{Jews and Judaism}}

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[[Category:Jewish tribes of Arabia]]
[[Category:Muhammad and Judaism]]


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