Abd Manaf ibn Qusai

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Abd Manaf ibn Qusai (Arabic: عبد مناف بن قصي) is whom the clan of Banu Abd Manaf is named after. His father was Qusai ibn Kilab.

When his father died, he took charge of his work. He too distinguished himself by his ability, and he was noted for his generosity and good judgment.

He had four sons: Nawfal, Abd Shams, Hashim, for who the Banu Hashim clan was named, and Muttalib ^[1]. Muttalib was younger than Hashim, and became his successor.

There is a legend that is not taken as factual by either Shia nor Sunnis:

There was a noted chieftain in the city of Mecca, Abde Munaf. Two twins were born to him, but they were Siamese twins with their backs joined by birth. The chieftain approached the wise men of the city for advice, and they said, "Now they are children, but when they grow up they will face problems."

Munaf separated his children with his sword. One boy was named Hashim and the other Ummaya. When they were separated, another chieftain watching the children crying bitterly, said, "God forbid! A sword has been used to separate the two brothers. God bless! It shouldn’t so happen that their family tree should keep fighting with swords." ^[1]