Assignment # 1

Submitted by : Zunaira Iftikhar

Registration # : 2311-FSS/BSIR/F23
Subject : Islamic Studies
Topic : Condition of Arabs before Islam and
comparison of it with modern Era

International Islamic University, Islamabad

 Conditions of Arab before Advent of Islam and Comparison of it with
Modern Era
Muslims use the term ‘Jahiliya’ to refer to the time period and state of affairs of pre-Islamic
Arabia. The word, which translates to “the age of ignorance”, holds a negative connotation.
The Arabs of this era are believed to have conducted themselves in destructive and sinful ways,
frequently practicing gambling, drinking wine, usury, and fornication. Polytheism, too is often
negatively mentioned as characteristic of the time period. Virtually the only positive thing the
Islamic tradition attributes to Jahiliya is the poetry of the time.
Our knowledge of Jahiliya mostly stems from surviving traditions, legends, and poems, as
written sources on the time period are limited. In addition, we rely on Islamic sources such as
the Quran and Hadith. Nonetheless, by using all available information, it is possible to paint a
picture of pre-Islamic life in Arabia.
i. Tribal life in pre-islamic Arabia:
The Arabs of Jahiliya organised themselves along tribal lines. Each tribe tended to be named
after a prominent leader from whom its members claimed descendant. Tribes consisted of
smaller familial groups called clans, which were often in fierce competition for wealth and
status. When a larger threat presented itself, however, clans would typically stop their quarrels
and unite against it. Clans were led by sheiks who were selected for their seniority, generosity,
and courage. These clan leaders usually led a council tasked with making important decisions
and passing judgment. When intertribal conflict took place, clan councils would come together
to try and resolve it.
During the time period of Jahiliya, there were no established laws. Arabs were judged
arbitrarily, with partisanship and bribery being commonplace. If a case came to be discussed
in a tribal council, it was often the better-connected party that would be acquitted.
Oftentimes when a crime was committed, the wronged party tried to punish the perpetrator
without due process. The accused tended to seek shelter with his tribe, which had a duty to
protect its members. If the accused belonged to a tribe that was more powerful than that of the
wronged party, the former often escaped punishment. Arabia’s prominent tribes held authority
over regions of land. Among the possessions of tribes were tents, watery places, pasturage, and
cultivable land. Some tribes, and clans within tribes, were richer than others. No matter the
extent of their wealth, however, tribes and clans always had to be wary, as raids were common
during the time.
 i. Politics:
Although the empires of antiquity mostly considered Arabia’s desert lands of minor
importance, the tribes that inhabited the region did not fully escape participation in the larger
political games played. The Byzantine and Sassanid empires protected their southern borders
by using Arab tribes as vassals. The Byzantines employed the Ghassanid tribe and the
Sassanians the Lakhmid tribe. As allies and clients, Arab forces were part of Byzantine and
Sassanian armies and regularly fought each other on the battlefield.
On many occasions, Arabs refused to wage war on other Arabs when approached to do so by
foreign powers. However, if a tribe was already in conflict with another tribe, it tended to ally
itself with outside powers if it deemed it advantageous.
On occasion, empires staged campaigns into Arabia, sometimes to avenge raids, and sometimes
conquer territory. Outside powers did find it difficult to establish a permanent foothold in
Arabia and tended to be repelled by Arab forces within a few decades.
ii. Trade:
Trade was the primary way through which the Arabs of Jahiliya connected to life beyond the
peninsula. Caravans of men, camels, horses, and donkeys frequented markets in Syria, Iraq,
Yemen, and Ethiopia, selling hides, raisins, and silver. Their safe return was a celebrated event
as many Arabs invested in the caravan trade and made hefty profits. Christian traders and
missionaries are believed to have first entered Arabia traveling with the trade caravans. Another
development linked to commerce was urbanisation, with the caravans sustaining the
populations of cities, including Mecca and Medina. In the 5th and 6th centuries, the trade
caravans became even more important in the context of sea routes becoming increasingly
dangerous due to war and piracy. As a result, Arab tribes that controlled the overland routes
grew richer and more powerful. To facilitate trade, seasonal markets were held at different
locations throughout Arabia. These were considered safe places where Arabs from all over the
peninsula met to do business. Poets and missionaries, too, assembled at the markets to engage
each other and speak to the crowds. The markets were also a place where slaves were bought
and sold, and where predatory money lenders operated. Accounts of usury during Jahiliya are
widespread. Many Arabs borrowed money to participate in the profitable caravan trade. If the
caravan returned safely, the high-interest rate could be paid off with profits. However, if it did
not return, it spelled economic disaster for the borrower. Sources mention interest rates of 100
percent to be common during Jahiliya. The richest Arab merchants were often both traders and
usurers. They grew richer while those who borrowed grew ever poorer. Islam rose to
prominence in the context of raising inequality and speaks out against it. Common themes in
Muhammed’s messages and the Quran are the condemnation of usury and the promotion of
distributing wealth to the poor. Quran 3:130: O believers! Do not consume interest, multiplying
it many times over. And be mindful of Allah, so you may prosper.
iii. Religion:
The people of pre-Islamic Arabia were predominantly polytheistic. Christians were
concentrated in the south of the peninsula in modern-day Yemen, with small groups as well as
monks and hermits living in the desert. Jewish communities too lived in Arabia and were
mostly situated in villages and cities. The Arabs of Jahiliya did not adhere to a uniform
polytheistic religion. Often, different clans worshipped different deities, and even households
could have their distinct religious practice. The Islamic scholar Ibn al-Kalbi, who lived in the
8th century, relates a story of Arabs deifying their ancestors at the time of Jahiliya. He writes
of the relatives of five deceased men approaching a sculptor to immortalise the men in stone.
After the statues were worshipped by the men’s ancestors for three centuries, the statues were
held in such high regard that they were deemed intermediaries between the people and God.
The Arabs of Jahiliya visited oracles and shamans, whom they believed to be able to connect
to deities through visions and dreams. Various methods of divination were also practiced to
contact gods and spirits. One such method involved posing a question to a deity and throwing
arrows on the ground. The answer to the question was then interpreted by analysing the position
in which the arrows had fallen. Tribes in Arabia also worshipped statues of their deities, a
practice they may have adopted from the ancient Mesopotamians. The statues were installed in
sacred places and brought offerings. Before Muhammad established Islam as the dominant
religion in Mecca, the people of the city worshipped as many as 360 deities. Upon taking Mecca
in 630, Muhammed destroyed all the idols, forbidding the practice of polytheism.
iv. Poetry:
Poetry was a widely practiced art and a highly regarded skill among the Arabs. Jahili poetry
was valued to such an extent that Muslims preserved and taught it for centuries after the
emergence of Islam. Through poetry, the Arabs challenged authority, praised individuals and
tribes, commemorated battles, and elevated the activities of their everyday lives. Topics of
renowned Jahili poems are various, ranging from lamenting the death of beloved, to elaborate
descriptions of the poet’s camels. There were no strict rules when it came to poetry. As such,
each Jahili poet had their unique style and was free to decide on topics of their choice. Poetry
also played a role in conflict situations. When tribes clashed, poets defended the honour of their
tribe by reciting carefully constructed verses and directing them at their rivals. This poetic
warfare allowed for expressing grievances without bloodshed. While prohibited from engaging
in physical warfare and occupying tribal leadership positions, women were allowed to be
poetesses, the art giving them a voice in a context of strictly defined gender roles. Much Jahili
poetry has survived on account of the importance attributed to it by the Arabs. Initially solely
through vocal transmission and later through writing they kept their legacy alive. Muslims,
however, consider that with the revelation of the Quran, all previous Arab poetry had been
surpassed in literary quality.
❖ The Rise of Islam, the End of Jahiliya:
The advent of Islam in the 6th century brought an end to the era of Jahiliya. Muhammad
introduced a new way of life which came with profound changes. Under Islam, women gained
rights and freedoms. Tribal convention had been to minimise the rights of women and subject
them to the interests of the men. Islam promotes honouring women and establishing their rights
in scripture. Going forward they could claim the divine right to own property and make their
own decisions to a greater extent. Importantly, women gained a say over whom they married
and the ability to initiate divorce. The Arab people united as one community under Islam,
decreasing the pervasiveness of an inequitable tribal system. The society also stabilised on
account of Muhammad and the Quran establishing a legal framework, ending the anarchy of
Jahiliya. The rise of Islam was an earth-shaking development. It involved a complete overhaul
of Arab society. Divided desert tribes which had been in perpetual conflict with each other
banded together and conquered much of the known world in a time span of decades. The rise
to prominence of the Arabs speaks to the effectiveness of Islam as much as it does to the
restrictiveness of Jahiliya.
i. Comparison with Modern Era:
However, the modern era also faces challenges such as:
Economic inequality and poverty
Political instability and conflict
Limited political freedom and human rights
Corruption and nepotism
Cultural and religious extremism
ii. Economic Inequality and poverty:
In modern times, economic inequality and poverty remain significant challenges in many parts
of the world. Economic inequality refers to the unequal distribution of income and wealth
among individuals or groups within a society. This disparity can have various causes, including
differences in education, access to resources, employment opportunities, and social policies.
Poverty, on the other hand, is a condition where individuals or households lack the financial
resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Poverty is often
linked to factors like unemployment, low wages, lack of access to quality education and
healthcare, discrimination, and limited economic opportunities.
In many countries, including developed nations, economic inequality has been on the rise, with
a small percentage of the population holding a significant portion of wealth and income. This
can lead to social unrest, decreased social mobility, and disparities in access to opportunities.
Efforts to address economic inequality and poverty often involve a combination of social
policies, such as progressive taxation, social welfare programs, education and skills training
initiatives, job creation, and sustainable economic development strategies. International
organisations, governments, non-governmental organisations, and grassroots movements work
towards reducing economic disparities and improving the quality of life for those affected by
poverty.
iii. Political instability and conflict:
In the modern era, political instability and conflict continue to be significant issues in various
regions around the world. Political instability can arise from factors such as weak governance,
corruption, ethnic or religious tensions, economic crises, and lack of political inclusivity.
Conflict, whether internal or between nations, can have devastating consequences on societies,
leading to loss of life, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and economic
downturns. Causes of conflict in the modern era can include competition for resources, political
power struggles, ideological differences, and historical grievances. Efforts to address political
instability and conflict involve diplomatic negotiations, peacekeeping missions, conflict
resolution mechanisms, and international cooperation through organisations like the United
Nations. Additionally, promoting good governance, rule of law, human rights, and inclusive
political systems are essential in preventing and resolving conflicts. Countries and international
organisations work together to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development through
conflict prevention, mediation, and post-conflict reconstruction efforts. Addressing the root
causes of political instability and conflict is crucial for building peaceful and prosperous
societies in the modern era.
iv. Limited political freedom and human rights:
Limited political freedom and human rights are pressing issues in many parts of the world
today. Political freedom refers to the ability of individuals to participate in the political process,
express their opinions freely, and hold their governments accountable. When political freedom
is restricted, it can lead to authoritarian regimes, censorship, and lack of civil liberties.
Human rights are fundamental rights and freedoms that every individual is entitled to,
regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or background. These rights include the right to life,
liberty, security, freedom of expression, equality before the law, and protection from
discrimination, among others. When political freedom and human rights are limited,
individuals and communities may face oppression, discrimination, and violence. Governments
may suppress dissent, restrict freedom of speech, and violate basic human rights, leading to
social unrest and instability. International organisations, such as the United Nations and human
rights groups, play a crucial role in monitoring and advocating for human rights protections
worldwide. Civil society organisations, activists, and individuals also work to raise awareness,
promote accountability, and push for reforms to protect political freedom and human rights for
all individuals. It is essential for governments to uphold these rights to ensure a just and
equitable society for everyone.
v. Corruption and Nepotism:
Corruption and nepotism are significant issues in the modern era. Corruption refers to the
misuse of power for personal gain, often involving bribery, embezzlement, or favouritism. It
undermines institutions, weakens economies, and erodes public trust in governments.
Nepotism, on the other hand, involves favouritism shown to family members or close associates
in various aspects, such as employment or promotions, based on personal relationships rather
than merit. This practice can lead to inefficiency, unfairness, and inequality in organisations
and societies. To combat corruption and nepotism, transparency, accountability, and strong
anti-corruption measures are essential. Governments, civil society organisations, and
international bodies work together to implement laws, regulations, and oversight mechanisms
to prevent and address these issues. Promoting ethical behaviour, merit-based systems, and
ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals are crucial steps in reducing corruption and
nepotism in the modern era. By fostering a culture of integrity and accountability, societies can
work towards creating fair and just systems that benefit everyone.
vi. Cultural and Religious extremism:
Cultural and religious extremism in the modern era is a complex and challenging issue.
Extremism in cultural and religious contexts involves rigid adherence to beliefs, often leading
to intolerance, violence, and radicalisation. It can manifest in various forms, including
terrorism, hate crimes, and discrimination. Addressing cultural and religious extremism
requires promoting dialogue, understanding, and respect among diverse communities.
Education, interfaith initiatives, and social programs play vital roles in fostering tolerance and
combating extremist ideologies. Governments, religious leaders, and civil society organisations
work together to counter extremism by promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for human
rights. By addressing the root causes of extremism and promoting peaceful coexistence,
societies can strive towards a more harmonious and accepting world for all individuals,
regardless of their cultural or religious backgrounds.

➢ Conclusion:
In conclusion, the conditions in pre-Islamic Arabia were marked by tribal divisions, social
injustices, and polytheistic beliefs. Comparatively, the modern era has made strides in human
rights and equality, yet challenges like political instability and extremism persist. By learning
from history and promoting inclusivity, we can work towards a more just and harmonious
society for all.
➢ References:
https://www.thecollector.com/arabia-before-islam-jahiliya/
https://islamqa.info/amp/en/answers/154573
https://www.al-islam.org/restatement-history-islam-and-muslims-sayyid-ali-asghar-
razwy/arabia-islam