The Situation of Arabia Before the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ
At the time of the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Arabian Peninsula was engulfed in a state of deep spiritual, social, and moral decay. Yet amidst this darkness, signs of ancient faith still flickered, waiting for the revival of truth.
Religious Landscape
Two major monotheistic religions surrounded Arabia: Judaism and Christianity. Both were originally rooted in the teachings of Divine Prophets—Hazrat Moosa and Ieesaa (peace be upon them)—who had conveyed the message of pure monotheism (Tauheed). However, by the 6th century CE, their original messages had been changed, and their followers had split into sects with differing doctrines.
The Arabs, descendants of Prophet Ibraheem (Abraham), also inherited a belief in a supreme deity. But over time, idol worship became widespread. The Kaabah (Bait al-Haraam) in Makkah—originally built by Prophet Hazrat Ibraheem and his son Hazrat Ismaeel [Alaiehis Salaam] for the worship of Allaah Almighty—had been desecrated with 360 idols, turning it into a center of polytheism.
Social and Moral Conditions
Arab society was largely illiterate, tribal, and deeply steeped in ignorance (Jahiliyyah). Immoral practices, such as gambling, wine-drinking, and tribal warfare, were rampant. Honor was tied to poetry, swordsmanship, and unrestrained pride.
The condition of women was tragic. They were seen as property rather than individuals. They had no right to inheritance, and even worse, the birth of a daughter was considered shameful. Many fathers, in the name of misplaced honor, would bury their newborn girls alive.
Slavery was widespread, with slaves treated as subhuman. The powerful oppressed the weak, and justice belonged only to those who had influence. Life, honor, and property were not secure, and tribal wars would erupt over the smallest provocation, often lasting generations.
Positive Traits Amidst Darkness
Despite these vices, the Arabs were not without merit. They were known for:
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Unmatched generosity, especially toward guests
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Courage and valor on the battlefield
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Mastery of eloquence and poetry
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Loyalty to kin and tribe
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Skillful horsemanship and deep knowledge of the desert terrain
These traits would later become strengths in the service of Islam, once purified by the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
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