The Quraysh were a powerful Arabian merchant clan that ruled over the city of Mecca. Descended from Ishmael, the Quraysh were initially idol-worshippers before they were defeated by Banu Hashim tribesman Muhammad and the Muslims, upon which the Quraysh were converted to Islam. Since then, the Quraysh clans have spread across the Arab World, and many caliphs and other Arabs could claim descent from Muhammad and his family.
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