Arab archery is the traditional style of archery practiced by the Arab people of the West Asia and North Africa regions from ancient to modern times.
The style of Arab archery described in surviving texts is similar to that used by Mongol and Turkish archers, featuring the use of a thumb draw and a thumb ring to protect the right thumb.[1][2] However, some medieval Muslim writers noted differences between Arab archery and Turkish and Iranian styles, claiming that the bow used by Hejazi Arabs was superior.[3]
A headstone of a Syrian archer was found along Hadrian's Wall, and dates from the 2nd century Common Era, when 200 Syrian archers were sent to reinforce the 8,000 Roman soldiers. The tombstone is now displayed at the Great North Museum: Hancock.[4]
From the 7th century onward, Arab archers used composite bows while shooting from foot, horseback, and camelback. They also utilized a variety of arrows, arrowheads, and shafts.[5][6]
Muhammad is said to have been proficient with a bow and appreciated the benefits of archery in both sports and warfare. A recurved bow made of bamboo, attributed to Muhammad, is preserved in the Chamber of the Sacred Relics at the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.[7]
There are several comments by Muhammad concerning archery in the Hadith. Umm Salama told of Muhammed coming upon two groups practicing archery, and he praised them.[8]
Malik ibn Anas spoke about the Battle of Uhud, where the troops abandoned Muhammad, but the archer Talhah remained to protect him with his shield. Uqbah ibn Amir also related that Muhammad once said he preferred archery over riding.[9][10]
Muhammad owned six bows: az-Zawra’, ar-Rauha’, as-Safra’, al-Bayda’, and al-Katum – which was broken during the battle of Battle of Uhud, and was taken by Qatadah bin an-Nu’man and as-Saddad. He had a quiver called al-Kafur, and a strap for it made from tanned skin, as well as three silver circular rings, a buckle, and an edge made of silver. According to a medieval Sunni scholar: "We should mention that Ibn Taymiyyah said that there are no authentic narrations that the Prophet ever wore a strap around his waist."[11]
Camels, being taller and more resilient in desert warfare than horses, were sometimes used in combat, though often more for transport than as a platform for shooting. An account describes an Arab archer dismounting from his camel, emptying his quiver on the ground, and kneeling to shoot.[12][13]
Camel archery is also documented among non-Arab peoples. The Old Testament recounts how Joshua fought the Amalekites at Rephidim, who used camels for their archers. Similarly, Gideon fought against the Midianites and their camel-mounted archers during the time of the Judges.[14]
Today, several Arab archery clubs and societies exist, some of which practice traditional Arab archery while others use Western styles in sport competitions and hunting. The main organization is FATA, or the "Fédération Arabe de Tir à L'Arc" of Lebanon, which is a member of the World Archery Federation. Archery competitions are also a feature of the Pan Arab Games, including the 12th Arab Games held in Qatar in 2011, where 60 archers from nine Arab countries competed.[15]
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