 His family, the al-Fihris, were among the leading Arab families of the Maghreb.In 740, Ibn Habib joined his father Habib ibn Abi Obeida in an Arab expedition across the water to Sicily in what was possibly the first attempt at a full-scale invasion of the island (rather than a mere raid).They had a successful landing and laid a brief siege to Syracuse, securing its submission and agreement to pay tribute.