mawali

Mawali refers to a category of individuals in pre-Islamic and early Islamic Arabian society who did not belong to the established tribal structures. These individuals often lacked lineage and tribal protection, making them vulnerable. They could be freed slaves, foreigners who had settled in a community without adopting tribal affiliation, or those who had been disowned by their tribes. The status of mawali varied depending on their circumstances and the specific region. Some mawali achieved considerable social and economic standing through their skills, trade, or by forming alliances with powerful tribes. In some instances, mawali could even attain positions of influence. The term also carried connotations of being an outsider, which could sometimes lead to social marginalization or discrimination, although this was not a universal experience for all mawali. Their presence and integration into society reflected the complex social dynamics of the Arabian Peninsula during that historical period.