Lecture Notes: Pre-Islamic Arabia and the Birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Introduction

• Location: Omar bin Khattab Masjid, Melbourne, Australia
• Topic: Pre-Islamic Arabia and background leading up to the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
• Importance: Understanding the historical and cultural context of the Arabian Peninsula before Islam

Pre-Islamic Arabian Society

• Arabian Peninsula: Referred to as Jazira al-Arab, including Mecca, Medina (then Yathrib), and Yemen
• Idolatry: Introduced by Amr ibn Luhayn, leading to widespread idol worship in Arabia
• Hanifs: Some Arabs remained monotheists, steering away from shirk (polytheism)
• Christians: Mixed among Arabs, with some being Jewish Christians (monotheistic)
• Persians: Influenced Arabs, believed in Zoroastrianism (fire worship, astrology)

Notable Beliefs and Practices

• Idols: 360 idols in the Kaaba representing days of the year
• Hubal: Major idol worshipped among others
• Isaf and Nadira: Two idols with a backstory of committing zina (adultery) in front of the Kaaba
• Angels as Daughters: Arabs believed angels were daughters of Allah, mentioned in the Quran
• Idol Intermediaries: Arabs believed idols were intermediaries to Allah

Important Historical Figures

• Tabban Asad: King of Yemen, converted to Judaism
• Dhul Nuwas: Ruler of Yemen, known for the story "Boy and the King," led to persecution of Christians
• Roman and Ethiopian Influence: Romans and Ethiopians were Christian allies, Ethiopian Negus sent armies to Yemen
• Abraham: Ethiopian commander who attempted to destroy the Kaaba with an army and an elephant

The Incident of the Elephant

• Year of the Elephant (570 CE/AD): Year of Prophet Muhammad's birth
• Abraham's Failed Attempt: Birds (Ababil) sent by Allah destroyed Abraham's army with stones
• Significance: Demonstrated Allah's protection of the Kaaba

Key Concepts Related to Islamic History

• Kiswah: The cloth covering the Kaaba, tradition started by Tabban Asad
• Hunafa: Monotheists among Arabs, notable figure Waraqa ibn Nawfal (Khadija's cousin)

Conclusion & Upcoming Topics

• Introduction to Quraysh's Rise: Key figures like Qusay ibn Kilab
• Birth and Early Life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
• Next lecture: More on the establishment of Quraysh and detailed early life of the Prophet

Additional Reflection Points

• The intertwining of religious and political dynamics in pre-Islamic Arabia
• The role of divine intervention in key historical events leading to Islam's emergence
• Understanding pre-Islamic monotheism and its practitioners