Arab archery

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.

Release style
The style of Arab archery described in the extant texts is similar to the styles used by Mongol and Turkish archers, drawing with a thumb draw and using a thumb ring to protect the right thumb. However, some medieval Muslim writers draw some differences between Arab archery and Turkish and Iranian archery, stating that the bow of Hejazi Arabs is superior.

Arab archery history
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.

Arab archers used composite bows from foot, horse, and camel from the 7th century, as well as using different kinds of arrows, arrow heads, and shafts.

Archery in Islam
Muhammad was said to be quite proficient with a bow, and appreciated the benefits of archery in sports and warfare. A recurved bow made of bamboo, and ascribed to Muhammad, is held in the Sacred Relics (Topkapı Palace) in the Chamber of the Sacred Relics in the Topkapi Museum in Istanbul.

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.

Malik ibn Anas spoke about the battle of Uhud, where the troops left Muhammad behind and the archer, Talhah, remained with Muhammad to protect the him with his shield. Uqbah ibn Amir relates how Muhammad said that archery shooting was more dear to him than riding.

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."

Camel archers
Camels stand higher than horses, and are more resilient in desert warfare. However, camels were often used as transport, and not as a platform for shooting. An account shows an Arab archer dismounting from his camel, and emptying his quiver on the ground before kneeling to shoot.

Camel archery is also attested by peoples not known to be Arab. The Old Testament shows how Joshua fought the Amalekites at Rephidim, who used camels for their archers. Gideon also fought against the Midianites and their camels during the time of the Judges.

Arab archery today
There are a number of Arab Archery clubs and societies today. Some practice traditional Arab archery, while others use Western styles of archery in sport competition and hunting. The main organization is FATA, or the "Fédération Arabe de Tir a L'Arc" of Lebanon, a member of the World Archery Federation. The Pan Arab Games usually have an archery competition, and the 12th Arab Games in Qatar held in 2011 had 60 archers from nine Arab countries compete.

List of Arabic works on archery

 * al-Sarakhsi al-Harawi, Kitab fada'il al-ramy fi sabil Allah, a collection of 38 hadiths on archery
 * Mardi ibn Ali al-Tarsusi, Tabsirat arbab al-albab fi kayfiyyat al-najat fi al-hurub, a general treatise on arms and armour that gives pride of place to the bow (c. 1174)
 * Ahmad ibn 'Abd Allah Muhibb al-Din al-Tabari, Kirab al-wadih fi ma'rifat 'ilm al-ramy (bef. 1295)
 * al-Yunini, Kitab fi ma'rifat 'ilm ramy al-siham (c. 1317–1324)
 * Taybugha al-Baklamishi, Ghunyat al-tullab fi ma'rifat al-ramy bi-l-nushshab (1368/9)
 * Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya, a treatise on Arab archery (14th century)
 * Anonymous, A Book on the Excellence of the Bow and Arrow, from Morocco (c. 1350–1400)