The largest concentration of the Al Aufy tribe is in Oman, specifically in Wadi Bani Awf, an ancestral valley that holds cultural and historical importance[1] and is today a popular tourism destination known for its rugged beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.
[2] The majority of the Banu Awf tribe initially adopted Judaism upon settling in the Jewish-ruled Tayma after following a regional pagan belief system.
The Banu Awf tribe was included in the Constitution of Medina, becoming allies of the Islamic Prophet Muhammad while maintaining their Jewish faith.
[citation needed] By this time, some had already converted to Islam[3] and through tribal and political relations the tribe were considered Muslims (one community with the Believers),[4] though not all yet Mumins.
Towards the end of the century, many had adopted Ibadhi Islam[citation needed], like most Omanis, which emphasizes egalitarian principles and the election of leaders based on piety and knowledge rather than lineage.
[1][9] A notable figure from the Banu Awf is ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAwf (c. 581–654), one of the ten companions of Prophet Muhammad promised paradise.