Overview
This lecture reviews the social, political, economic, and religious conditions in Arabia before the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 610 CE, highlighting the era's instability and cultural practices.
Political and Social Structure
- Arabia before 610 CE was marked by tribalism, lawlessness, and lack of central governance except in Yemen.
- Tribal chiefs were the only recognized authority; individual protection depended on clan loyalty.
- Revenge-based justice led to ongoing cycles of violence between tribes.
- Two groups existed: nomads (Bedouins), mainly raiders, and city dwellers, who feared nomads' raids.
- Prominent tribes controlled major cities, e.g., Quraysh in Mecca, Aws and Khazraj in Yathrib (Medina).
Economic Conditions
- Mecca’s economy relied on caravan trade with Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, and Iraq, involving nearly every resident.
- Yathrib (Medina) Arabs farmed, while Jews were active in trade and industry.
- Usury (charging excessive interest) was widespread; money lenders charged up to 400% interest.
- Slavery was integral to the economy, with slaves occupying the lowest social class.
Social and Gender Norms
- Pre-Islamic society heavily favored men; women had little status and were objectified.
- No set marriage limits for men; sons could inherit their father's wives (except their own mothers).
- Female infanticide (burying girls alive) was common due to preference for sons.
- Drunkenness, gambling, and prostitution were widespread vices.
- Four main types of marriages existed, including arrangements involving multiple men and paternity determination practices.
Religious Beliefs
- Most Arabs were polytheists, worshipping many idols; the Kaaba became an idolatrous center.
- Zoroastrian beliefs existed, featuring dualistic gods representing good and evil.
- Significant Jewish communities settled in Arabia after Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 CE.
- Christians were present, especially in Yemen and the Levant, due to conversion and Ethiopian influence.
- A small group of monotheists followed Prophet Ibrahim’s teachings and rejected idols.
The Emergence of Islam
- Pre-Islamic Arabs lived in ignorance and immoral customs, awaiting change.
- Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) message in 610 CE reformed society under Islam, promoting unity and submission to one God.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Jahiliyyah — the pre-Islamic "age of ignorance" in Arabia.
- Usury — lending money at unreasonably high interest rates.
- Tribalism — loyalty to one’s tribe rather than a nation or government.
- Kaaba — sacred sanctuary in Mecca, originally devoted to monotheism, later filled with idols.
- Polytheism — belief in or worship of multiple gods.
- Monotheism — belief in a single God.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review key social, economic, and religious concepts from pre-Islamic Arabia.
- Prepare to discuss the impact of Islam on Arabian society in the next session.