The Qayaad is a subclan of the reer darawiish; the southernmost reer darawiish clan. During the colonial
era, the Qayaad constituted the southern Darwiish
flank, whereby they displayed a ruthless vigour against attempts at colonization from the south, including against Italians and Abyssinians; they also provided several men, Quuusi members such as Macalin Cagadhiig, Xirsi Jeedlade, Farah Qarshi, as well as a southern
safety route from which the central Darwiish forces could maneuver.