Location and Nature of Arab Tribes

The Arabian Peninsula, characterized by desert landscapes and strategic trade routes,
has long been significant in history. Linguistically, "Arab" denotes desert lands,
encompassing regions surrounded by the Red Sea, Arabian Gulf, Arabian Sea, and
neighbouring territories. This geographical positioning facilitated trade, culture, and
religious exchange, making the peninsula a hub of activity.
Arab Tribes Classification
Arab tribes are traditionally classified into three groups:
1. Perishing Arabs: These ancient tribes, about whom little is known, include
‘Ad, Thamūd, Tasam, Jadis, Emlaq, and others.
2. Pure Arabs (Qahtanian Arabs): Descended from Ya‘rub bin Yashjub bin
Qahtan, these tribes originally inhabited Yemen. Prominent among them were
the Himyar and Kahlan tribes.
3. Arabized Arabs (Adnanian Arabs): Descended from Ishmael, these tribes
trace their lineage to Abraham.
Migration and Settlements
The Kahlan tribes, facing Roman pressure on trade routes, migrated from Yemen to
various parts of the Arabian Peninsula. Notable migrations include:
o Azd: Settled in Hijaz, progenitors of the Aws and Khazraj tribes.
o Jafna: Established the kingdom of Ghassan in Syria.
o Lakhm and Judham: Ancestors of the Kings of Heerah.
o Banu Tai’: Settled near the Tai’ Mountains.
o Kinda: Initially in Bahrain, later expelled to Hadramout and Najd.
Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) Lineage
Prophet Muhammad's lineage traces back to Ishmael through Adnan. Adnan’s
descendants formed various tribes, including Eyad, Anmar, Rabi‘a, and Mudar. From
Mudar, tribes like Qais ‘Ailan and Elias branched out, with prominent descendants like
Quraish.
The Role of Quraish
The Quraish tribe, descending from Hashim, played a pivotal role in Arabian politics
and trade. Under Qusai bin Kilab's leadership, Quraish united, establishing Makkah as
a central hub. This unity set the stage for the birth and mission of Prophet Muhammad.
Conclusion; The Arabian Peninsula's geography and tribal dynamics played a crucial
role in shaping the historical context in which Prophet Muhammad emerged. The
lineage, migrations, and settlements of Arab tribes provided the foundation for the
societal and political landscape that would influence the spread of Islam. Understanding
these factors enriches the comprehension of Prophet Muhammad's biography and the
early Islamic period.
 Arab Rulership before Islam

1. Rulership in Yemen: It covers the history of the Sheba kingdom, its decline,
and subsequent occupations by foreign powers such as the Abyssinians and
Persians.
2. Rulership in Heerah: This section explores the Persian influence and the
appointment of local rulers in Heerah, highlighting figures like Juzaima
Alwaddah and ‘Amr bin ‘Adi bin Nasr Al-Lakhmi.
3. Rulership in Geographical Syria: It examines the presence of Arab tribes in
Syria, their interactions with the Byzantines and Persians, and the eventual rise
of the Ghassanides as proxy rulers.
4. Rulership in Hijaz: The narrative traces the transfer of rulership from the tribe
of Jurhum to the Quraish, focusing on figures like Qusai bin Kilab and the
establishment of leadership over Makkah.
5. Political Situation: The text discusses the broader political landscape,
highlighting weaknesses and conflicts within Arab society, including issues of
autonomy, tribal rivalries, and the influence of foreign powers.
Overall, this is a comprehensive overview of Arab rulership and political dynamics
before the emergence of Islam.

Pre-Islamic Arabian Religions

The majority of Arabs practiced idol worship and polytheism, deviating from
the monotheistic beliefs of their ancestor, Abraham.
Over time, they introduced various idols, such as Hubal, Manat, Al-Lat, and Al-
‘Uzza, and idol worship became widespread in the region.
1- Idol Worship Practices:
- Arabians engaged in various practices related to idol worship, including self-
devotion, seeking refuge, and supplication to idols for assistance and blessings.
- They performed pilgrimages to sacred sites where idols were located,
circumambulating them, prostrating themselves, and making offerings to gain favor
from the idols.
2- Beliefs and Superstitions:
- Arabians practiced divination through the casting of arrows known as Azlam, which
were believed to provide guidance on important matters like travel, marriage, and the
resolution of disputes.
- They also held strong beliefs in the abilities of soothsayers, diviners, and astrologers
to predict the future and uncover hidden truths.
- Superstitious practices, such as avoiding certain foods and entering houses in
specific ways, were common and deeply ingrained in Arabian society.
3- Influence of Other Religions:
- The migration of Jews and Christians to Arabia introduced new religious influences
to the region.
 - Judaism and Christianity gained followers among certain tribes, influencing political
and social dynamics in pre-Islamic Arabian society.
- Additionally, Magianism and Sabianism were practiced in neighboring regions and
influenced some Arabians.

4- Religious Situation in Arabia:

- Despite the presence of various religions, idol worship remained the dominant
religious practice in Arabia.
- Religious leaders often engaged in hypocrisy and corruption, exploiting their
positions for personal gain rather than promoting genuine spirituality.
- The influence of existing religions had limited impact on the moral and ethical
values of Arabian society, which remained largely unchanged

Social Life of Arabs before Prophet (PBUH)

Different Classes:* Arabian society was divided into different social classes, with
wealthy and influential families at the top, and poorer families at the bottom. Women
from noble families were treated with respect and had more rights compared to women
from lower classes.
Marriage:* Marriage customs varied widely among different tribes. In some cases,
marriages followed similar procedures to modern-day practices, with dowries and
agreements between families. However, other customs allowed for more
unconventional arrangements, such as sending wives to other men to conceive children.
Adultery:* Despite some social norms against it, adultery was prevalent in Arabian
society. Some individuals engaged in extramarital affairs, while others refrained from
such behavior out of a sense of self-respect and honor.
Slavery:* Slavery was a common practice in pre-Islamic Arabia. Female slaves, in
particular, faced harsh conditions and were considered property. Free women had more
freedom but still had to adhere to societal rules and expectations.

The Economic situation

Trade:* Trade was the primary means of livelihood for many Arabs. Caravans traveled
long distances to trade goods, but this required safe routes and peaceful relations
between tribes.
Industry:* Unlike trade, industrial activities such as knitting and leatherwork were not
common in Arabia. People from neighboring regions, such as Yemen and Syria, often
handled these tasks.
Farming:* Some Arabs engaged in farming and animal husbandry, but the arid climate
and limited resources made agriculture challenging. Many people struggled with
poverty and lacked access to adequate food and clothing.
 Ethics in Arabs before Islam
 Hospitality: Hospitality was highly valued in Arabian society, with individuals
competing to show generosity to guests. Hosting guests was considered a matter
of pride, and people would go to great lengths to ensure their comfort.
 Keeping Promises: Arabs placed great importance on keeping promises and
fulfilling obligations. Breaking a promise was seen as dishonorable, and
individuals took their commitments seriously.
 Honor and Justice: Honor and justice were fundamental values for Arabs, who
were quick to defend their honor and seek justice for perceived wrongs. They
valued self-esteem and dignity, often risking their lives to uphold their
principles.
 Determination: Arabs were known for their determination and perseverance in
pursuing their goals. They were willing to endure hardships and face challenges
to achieve success.
 Honesty: Living a simple and honest life was admired among Arabs, despite
occasional lapses in judgment. They valued truthfulness and sincerity in their
interactions with others.
These ethical values played a crucial role in shaping Arabian society

The Lineage and Family of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)

The first part: Muhammad bin ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdul-Muttalib (who was called
Shaiba)
bin Hashim, (named ‘Amr) bin ‘Abd Munaf (called Al-Mugheera) bin Qusai (also
called
Zaid) bin Kilab bin Murra bin Ka‘b bin Lo’i bin Ghalib bin Fahr (who was called
Quraish and whose tribe was called after him) bin Malik bin An-Nadr (so called Qais)
bin Kinana bin Khuzaiman bin Mudrikah (who was called ‘Amir) bin Elias bin Mudar
bin Nizar bin Ma‘ad bin ‘Adnan.
The Second part: This part traces Muhammad's lineage beyond 'Adnan to Abraham,
a significant figure in history.
However, this lineage is subject to controversies and doubts.
The Third Part: Goes beyond Abraham to Adam, the first human.

Prophetic Family:
1. Hashim:
- Grandfather of Prophet Muhammad, known for his generosity and honesty.
- Established the tradition of providing food and water to pilgrims in Makkah.
- Married Salma and had several sons and daughters, including 'Abdul-Muttalib.
2. 'Abdul-Muttalib:*
- Raised by his uncle Al-Muttalib after his father's death.
- Restored his family's authority in Makkah and earned the love of its people.
- Witnessed significant events such as digging the Zamzam well and the Elephant raid.
3. 'Abdullah:*
- Father of Prophet Muhammad, known for his intelligence and chastity.
- Nearly sacrificed to fulfill a vow made by 'Abdul-Muttalib, but the sacrifice was
replaced with camels.
- Married Amina, daughter of Wahab, and died shortly before Muhammad's birth.
4- Amina: Muhammad's mother, known for her noble lineage and strength in facing
adversity.
- After 'Abdullah's death, she elegantly mourned her husband and raised Muhammad
with the help of Umm Aiman.
5- Umm Aiman (Barakah): A servant who later became Muhammad's nursemaid and
played a significant role in his upbringing.