Islam - Part II
With Dr. Nafez Nazzal - February 24, 2006
Pre-Islamic Arabia is referred to as the period of "ignorance" (Jahiliya) and refers to the years 300 to 600 AD, a time when the world did not yet have Muslims (followers of Islam). Islamic historians acknowledge that the age of Islamic enlightenment begins with the Prophet Muhammad.
Arab Society had three basic and important aspects. The first was its social structure which was tribal (ghazw). The Prophet Mohammad hoped to develop a loyalty to nation which never was successful because of the tribal nature of Arab society. Tribal society was based on raiding (ghazw) the enemy, neighbours, even own brothers if there was no one else to raid. It was the hardship and dangers of the desert which caused tribes to work together and to fight against each other. One tribe was never interested in eliminating the other. There was a kind of symbiotic relationship. Each relied on the other’s resourcefulness in order for there to be goods and wealth to be plundered. Yet, despite constant fighting, there was generous rules toward one another to prevent elimination. There were provisions for safe passage for example.
The second important aspect was political organization around the "Sheikh (sayyid) the head of the basic unit of organization. Sheikh was not a religious title. A sheikh was accepted on the basis of his capacity to arbitrate and resolve communal problems. He was considered the first among equals. The sheikh was advised by a council of elders called the "majlis" consisting of heads of the families, representatives of the clans from within the tribe, all who were the mouthpiece of public opinion. Life was largely regulated by customs and traditions called "sunni" coming from the practice of the ancestors.
Arabs developed the amazing art of poetry, which became the communication tool to share and teach the oral code of virtues. This Arab poetry is the main source of information about pre-Islamic Arab life.
The notable Arab virtues which were highly valued were: bravery in battle, patience in misfortune, persistence especially persistence in revenge, protection of the weak, defiance toward the strong, hospitality to visitors, loyalty to the tribe, and fidelity in keeping promises.
The third aspect of pre-Islamic Arab society was religion which was a collection of polydaemonism (Majlis, sunni). This was an ancient religion associated with many deities, divinities, gods and goddesses. Even before Islam, God or "Allah" was linked to a geographic locus known as the black stone in Meca.
Arabs lived in a comparably low state of civilization. They dealt heavily in superstition and idolatry, human sacrifice, infanticide, and were engaged in constant warfare with one another. They experienced an absence of stable government and enjoyed significant criminal excesses, chaos, sinfulness, impurity, and wickedness (Jahiliya) before Islam. This set the ripe atmosphere for the arrival of the revelation of Allah to the prophet Muhammad.
TO BE CONTINUED....
Pre-Islamic Arabia is referred to as the period of "ignorance" (Jahiliya) and refers to the years 300 to 600 AD, a time when the world did not yet have Muslims (followers of Islam). Islamic historians acknowledge that the age of Islamic enlightenment begins with the Prophet Muhammad.
Arab Society had three basic and important aspects. The first was its social structure which was tribal (ghazw). The Prophet Mohammad hoped to develop a loyalty to nation which never was successful because of the tribal nature of Arab society. Tribal society was based on raiding (ghazw) the enemy, neighbours, even own brothers if there was no one else to raid. It was the hardship and dangers of the desert which caused tribes to work together and to fight against each other. One tribe was never interested in eliminating the other. There was a kind of symbiotic relationship. Each relied on the other’s resourcefulness in order for there to be goods and wealth to be plundered. Yet, despite constant fighting, there was generous rules toward one another to prevent elimination. There were provisions for safe passage for example.
The second important aspect was political organization around the "Sheikh (sayyid) the head of the basic unit of organization. Sheikh was not a religious title. A sheikh was accepted on the basis of his capacity to arbitrate and resolve communal problems. He was considered the first among equals. The sheikh was advised by a council of elders called the "majlis" consisting of heads of the families, representatives of the clans from within the tribe, all who were the mouthpiece of public opinion. Life was largely regulated by customs and traditions called "sunni" coming from the practice of the ancestors.
Arabs developed the amazing art of poetry, which became the communication tool to share and teach the oral code of virtues. This Arab poetry is the main source of information about pre-Islamic Arab life.
The notable Arab virtues which were highly valued were: bravery in battle, patience in misfortune, persistence especially persistence in revenge, protection of the weak, defiance toward the strong, hospitality to visitors, loyalty to the tribe, and fidelity in keeping promises.
The third aspect of pre-Islamic Arab society was religion which was a collection of polydaemonism (Majlis, sunni). This was an ancient religion associated with many deities, divinities, gods and goddesses. Even before Islam, God or "Allah" was linked to a geographic locus known as the black stone in Meca.
Arabs lived in a comparably low state of civilization. They dealt heavily in superstition and idolatry, human sacrifice, infanticide, and were engaged in constant warfare with one another. They experienced an absence of stable government and enjoyed significant criminal excesses, chaos, sinfulness, impurity, and wickedness (Jahiliya) before Islam. This set the ripe atmosphere for the arrival of the revelation of Allah to the prophet Muhammad.
TO BE CONTINUED....
posted by Philip | 6:19 a.m.
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