Umayya ibn Abd Shams facts for kids

Umayya ibn Abd-Shams (Arabic: أمية بن عبد شمس) was an important leader in ancient Arabia. He is known as the ancestor of the Umayyad caliphs, who later ruled a large empire.

The powerful family group called the Banu Umayya and the entire Umayyad Caliphate were named after him.

Umayya's Role as a Leader

Umayya took over from his father, Abd-Shams ibn Abd Manaf, as the `qāʾid` (pronounced "kah-id") of the people of Mecca. This role was like a special commander or judge.

What a `Qāʾid` Did

The `qāʾid` was not a full-time soldier. Instead, this person was chosen to lead Mecca's military plans during times of war. This job helped Umayya's family learn important skills in organizing and leading people, which became very useful later on.

Life in Exile and Family Legacy

Umayya had a disagreement with his cousin, Hashim ibn Abd-Manaf. Because of this, the people of Mecca sent Umayya away to a region called the Levant (also known as Bilad al-Sham).

A New Beginning

Umayya and his family stayed in the Levant, where he became a merchant, trading goods. This move turned out to be very important for his family's future.

The Rise of the Umayyad Caliphate

Many years later, Umayya's grandson, Mu'awiya, used his family's connections and experience in the Levant to start a new empire. This empire was called the Umayyad Caliphate, and its capital city was Damascus.

Umayya's Children

Umayya had several children who continued his family line. They included:

• Abu al-'As
• Harb
• Al-'As
• Abu 'Amr
• Abu al-'Is
• Safiyya

See also

In Spanish: Umayya ibn Abd Shams para niños