The Religion of Arabs Before Islam

 Religion is a vast debate as there are a large number of religions in this world. people follow these religions based on their faith and beliefs. A lot of countries fall under Arab but I have only visited Saudi Arabia for the completion of Umrah through affordable umrah packages. I am a Muslim and writing this blog to provide a thorough understanding of all religions that were common in Arab before Islam.

Before the arrival of Islam, pre-Islamic Arabia was very distinct from what we see now. Arabian Peninsula refers to pre-Islamic Arabia. Prior to Islam, Saudi Arabia was split into several kingdoms, including the Sabaean Kingdom, the Iranian Parthians, and subsequently the Sassanians. The background of ancient Arabia prior to the emergence of Islam is described as the Age of Ignorance in Islam. Pre-Islamic Arabs were characterized as Pagans. people were followers of other belief systems and religions. These ideologies can be divided into several categories.

Idol Worshipping

Earlier to Islam, certain Arab communities worshipped idols. They are also known as polytheists. They had several idols. They thought that each idol had its own set of responsibilities for human existence (Na’audhu Billah). Every clan has its own set of deities or sculptures. These pagan Arabs also turned the Kaaba of the Prophets Ibrahim and Ismail (R.A) into a sanctuary of 360 wooden and stone statues.

Zindiqs

They relied on the Persian idea of Nature's dualism. They were adamant that there are two deities. These two gods represent both right and wrong, dark and light. Both of them were essential to them.

Atheists

There have been certain Arabs who were adamant atheists. They really had no belief in Allah or even any other Supreme Power. They were dogmatists who thought the world was everlasting.

Sabines

This is yet another religion that existed. These people were those who used to worship stars.

Zoroaster

They were fire worshipers and considered fire the most dangerous yet powerful thing.

Judaism and Christianity

The pagan Arabs eventually turned to Judaism and Christianity as time passed.

The Classification of Pre-Islamic Arabs into Several Groupings

Prior to the advent of Judaism, pre-Islamic Arabs were referred to as Bedouins. The Yemenis and Qaysis have been the two primary lineages of the pagan Bedouins. Hejaz had a sizable Jewish population by the sixth and seventh centuries. It's because non-Arab tribal chiefs like Abu Karib Asad and Dhu Nuwas converted to Judaism. So, before Islam, the Kingdom was split up into three Jewish tribes in Madinah. The Banu Nadir, Banu Qainuqa, and Banu Qurayza were among them.