حلف المطيبين والأحلاف

Quraysh split into two parties. The Banu Abd Manaf held that they were more entitled than the Banu Abd al-Dar to the custody of the House, the watering and provisioning of the pilgrims, the council hall and the banner, because of their nobility, according to Ibn al-Athir. ²

Joining the Banu Abd Manaf were the Banu Asad, the Banu Zuhra, the Banu Taym and the Banu al-Harith ibn Fihr. Joining the Banu Abd al-Dar were the Banu Makhzum, Sahm, Jumah and Adi. The Banu Amir ibn Lu'ayy and Muharib ibn Fihr remained neutral. ²

The Banu Abd Manaf brought out a bowl full of perfume and put it in the mosque, dipped their hands in it, swore their pact and wiped the Ka'ba, and so they were called "the Perfumed". The Banu Abd al-Dar and those with them swore their pact at the Ka'ba, and were called "the Confederates". ²

They agreed to a settlement by which the watering and provisioning would belong to the Banu Abd Manaf, and the custody, the banner and the council hall to the Banu Abd al-Dar. Each party held to its allies until Islam came. Ibn al-Athir quotes the Prophet ﷺ: "Whatever alliance there was in the days of ignorance, Islam has only strengthened it; there is no alliance in Islam." ²

What is not covered here: the date is approximate and the account rests on one source. An additional source is needed.