Following notes on the pre-Islamic Arabia have been made from the Oxford History of Islam and Outlines of Islamic History: From 570 to 1258 A.D. by Mazhar-ul-Haq.

History of Ancient Arabia

Social Conditions (Woman) of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Arabia was a male-dominated society, but there were few tribes where matriarchy prevailed. They, too, over time faded and only patriarchy persisted. It is imperative to note here that Bedouin women were far freer than their counterparts in urban centers.

Women were a mere sex object. The son inherited all his mothers except for his biological mother after his father’s death. A man could marry as many women as he wanted.

The only son inherited whatever his father left behind. The lineage was also traced with the father’s blood.

Female infanticide was also widespread. The Arabs contended it was partly because of poverty and partly because of honor. Yet they engaged heavily in wine-drinking and gambling.

As Arabia saw the boom in the economy, the act of prostitution became a norm. Since women were treated as an object and were not provided with the necessary resources to run their houses, they had to resort to this practice.

In addition, women slaves were coerced to perform this act on the dictates of her master.

The religion of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Their religious life and beliefs ranged from the worship of One Supreme God to the worship of rough stones, sand heaps, or any other object.

The place where the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was born was largely polytheist. Though they believed in One God (it is not clear if they called him Allah or not), they didn’t worship Him wholly.

Even the gods or goddesses varied from tribe to tribe. In fact, some historians say that every other house had its own deity.
The most important of the gods or goddesses were al-Hubal, al-Uzza, al-Lat, al-Manat, or a few other lesser deities as Yagush, Wadd, Nasr, etc. Al-Hubal was particularly famous in the Meccan region.

All these gods or goddesses were worshipped as idols placed in sanctuary or temple. Among the temples, Kaaba gradually assumed greater importance. It nearly contained 360 idols.

They had their own unique rites and ceremonies. Camels, goats, sheep, and sometimes humans were sacrificed in the name of god.
The ancient Arabs were superstitious too. They believed in jinns as well as angels. They believed a cultivable land was an omen whereas an arid one was a bad sign.

Other religions existed too such as Christianity, Judaism, or Zoroastrianism. But the native Arabs remained largely aloof to them. Judaism followers believed they were the ‘chosen’ ones and Christians were busy selling alcohol.

Art & Language in Pre-Islamic Arabia

It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that Arabs had no particular art. The architecture and subsequent arc emanate when the populations live together such as Mughals, Romans, or Persians. On the other hand, Arabs were nomads and were fond of tribalism.

One thing they were proud of though was their language. The Arabic language’s origins are unknown, but it is assumed it was borne because Bedouins, as well as the city dwellers, were frequently traveling. For this, they needed a uniform language.

Poetry, also, held an esteemed position in pre-Islamic society. A lot of them were poets to some extent. Fairs were held where along with the exchange of goods, a poetry competition was held. The winners were awarded.

Poets gained significance because they stood on the front of the battlefields. They fought with their tongues.

But the poetry didn’t belong to the Arab nation as much as it associated itself with Arab tribes. Every tribe had its own poets. They sang and recited plaudit for the tribe of its customs, traditions, shaikhs, and war prowess.

Virtues & Vices of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Their virtues and vices are as is the case with every civilization, each has good people and bad people. Every civilization had good traditions and customs while at the same time has evil norms.
The Arabs were known for their courage, hospitality, freedom fondness, and loyalty to the clan.

But these same traits practiced in excess led to their degeneration. Courage turned into brutality. Manliness was defined in the number of tribes plundered. Outcasts were sometimes murdered. Their love for liberty made them hate another tribe’s crime while ignoring theirs. Their loyalty to the tribe made them stagnant; they couldn’t practice what the tribe didn’t sanction.

For more Islamic history notes click here.

Also Read: Arabs before the advent of Islam

Rise of the Himyarites Kingdom of Sana, 115 A.D. The breakdown of Ma’rib Dam → each breach made calamity-stricken tribes to migrate northward

The last emperor (Dhu Nawas) was killed in 525 A.D. by the army of King of Abyssinia at the request of Byzantium King.

The collapse of the Ma’rib dam is important. With each breach of the dam, some part of the population had to migrate northward.
Here in the north, nomads already live. The migration led to small wars between the natives and the migrated.

Ultimately, the natives started fighting among themselves too. This is the start of ‘Jahiliya’ Period.

The Jahiliya Period (Circa 450 A.D. – 570 A.D.)

The jahiliya period is also known as the “Age of Ignorance” and the age of crisis.

The old tribalism broke down under the impact of powerful forces, both external and internal, operating Arabia during the 5th and 6th centuries A.D.

The causes for the crisis may be: The disintegration of the ancient matriarchal system The growth of money The migration Yemeni to the North – which intensified tribal wars Imperialistic intrigues of Roman and Persian empires.

The crisis wouldn’t be resolved until the arrival of Islam.

Social Conditions (Woman) of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Arabia was a male-dominated society, but there were few tribes where matriarchy prevailed. They, too, over time faded and only patriarchy persisted. It is imperative to note here that Bedouin women were far freer than their counterparts in urban centers.

Women were a mere sex object. The son inherited all his mothers except for his biological mother after his father’s death. A man could marry as many women as he wanted.

The only son inherited whatever his father left behind. The lineage was also traced with the father’s blood.

Female infanticide was also widespread. The Arabs contended it was partly because of poverty and partly because of honor. Yet they engaged heavily in wine-drinking and gambling.

As Arabia saw the boom in the economy, the act of prostitution became a norm. Since women were treated as an object and were not provided with the necessary resources to run their houses, they had to resort to this practice.

In addition, women slaves were coerced to perform this act on the dictates of her master.

The religion of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Their religious life and beliefs ranged from the worship of One Supreme God to the worship of rough stones, sand heaps, or any other object.

The place where the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was born was largely polytheist. Though they believed in One God (it is not clear if they called him Allah or not), they didn’t worship Him wholly.

Even the gods or goddesses varied from tribe to tribe. In fact, some historians say that every other house had its own deity.
The most important of the gods or goddesses were al-Hubal, al-Uzza, al-Lat, al-Manat, or a few other lesser deities as Yagush, Wadd, Nasr, etc. Al-Hubal was particularly famous in the Meccan region.

All these gods or goddesses were worshipped as idols placed in sanctuary or temple. Among the temples, Kaaba gradually assumed greater importance. It nearly contained 360 idols.

They had their own unique rites and ceremonies. Camels, goats, sheep, and sometimes humans were sacrificed in the name of god.
The ancient Arabs were superstitious too. They believed in jinns as well as angels. They believed a cultivable land was an omen whereas an arid one was a bad sign.

Other religions existed too such as Christianity, Judaism, or Zoroastrianism. But the native Arabs remained largely aloof to them. Judaism followers believed they were the ‘chosen’ ones and Christians were busy selling alcohol.

Art & Language in Pre-Islamic Arabia

It wouldn’t be incorrect to say that Arabs had no particular art. The architecture and subsequent arc emanate when the populations live together such as Mughals, Romans, or Persians. On the other hand, Arabs were nomads and were fond of tribalism.

One thing they were proud of though was their language. The Arabic language’s origins are unknown, but it is assumed it was borne because Bedouins, as well as the city dwellers, were frequently traveling. For this, they needed a uniform language.

Poetry, also, held an esteemed position in pre-Islamic society. A lot of them were poets to some extent. Fairs were held where along with the exchange of goods, a poetry competition was held. The winners were awarded.

Poets gained significance because they stood on the front of the battlefields. They fought with their tongues.

But the poetry didn’t belong to the Arab nation as much as it associated itself with Arab tribes. Every tribe had its own poets. They sang and recited plaudit for the tribe of its customs, traditions, shaikhs, and war prowess.

Virtues & Vices of Pre-Islamic Arabia

Their virtues and vices are as is the case with every civilization, each has good people and bad people. Every civilization had good traditions and customs while at the same time has evil norms.
The Arabs were known for their courage, hospitality, freedom fondness, and loyalty to the clan.

But these same traits practiced in excess led to their degeneration. Courage turned into brutality. Manliness was defined in the number of tribes plundered. Outcasts were sometimes murdered. Their love for liberty made them hate another tribe’s crime while ignoring theirs. Their loyalty to the tribe made them stagnant; they couldn’t practice what the tribe didn’t sanction.

For more Islamic history notes click here.

Also Read: Arabs before the advent of Islam