Episode: The Cultural Condition of Arabia at the Time

 cultural conditions 

In the pre-Islamic period, modern scientific education or elegant and elegant lifestyle did not develop in Arabia. Most of the people of Arabia were ignorant and illiterate, except for the inhabitants of Mecca, Medina and a few other large cities. However, due to their extraordinary memory, they were able to preserve many folk tales, proverbs, and folklore from the pre-Islamic period. They can generally be divided into three categories. Khatib (Orator), Shayir (Poet) and Nassab (Genesis or Kulji Scholars of various tribes. 

(a) Proverbs: Proverbs were one of the main aspects of Arab culture. The real knowledge of experienced people on various subjects was revealed through these proverbs. Although proverbial and prose writings were scarce compared to lyric poetry, Arabic proverbs were collected and preserved in the works of the famous scholar Al Hakim (Lukman). he There was a well-known Arabic proverb of the time - "Beauty lies in the eloquence of one's tongue." Intelligence rests on three objects – “in the brain of the French, in the hand of the Chinese and in the tongue of the Arab. 

(b) Lyric and Content: The ancient Arabic lyric or qaswida, traditional to Arab culture, is an unparalleled resource in the history of contemporary literature. Genealogical glory, heroic stories, events of the era, wonderful qualities of camels, slanderous slurs of opponents besides women, women's beauty, love, sexual life, naked talk about women's body. Descriptions of beauty, descriptions of war, war songs, satires, songs related to genealogy were composed. We can know from their poetry that the Arabs were fearless heroes, hospitable, believed in individual freedom and democracy and did not fear death like cowards. 

(c) Poets and their status: Among Arab poets and scholars, the names of Imrul Qays, Tarfa bin Abd, Antara bin Shaddad, Amr bin Kulsum, Hares, Labid bin Rabia, Ka'b bin Juhayr etc. are particularly noteworthy. Besides, each tribe had its own poet. This tribal poet was a symbol of tribal status. Everyone looked at him with respect. Poets were given the status of superhuman in the society. Their poetry contained high literary ornamentation. 

(d) Entertainment: During Jahili period Arabs used to participate in entertainment activities through various competitions and events. Camel and horse races were very popular with the Arabs. 

(E) Prose Literary Composition: Due to the lack of development of writing system, prose literature did not flourish in Arabia during Jahili era. However, some prose literature containing the history of genealogies, tribal feuds and wars was written. Arabs used to preserve their historical heritage from ancient times through poetry. The sense of history was so intense among them that later the history of Islam or the writing of world history was initiated under their direct influence. 

(f) Uqaz Fair: During the Jahiliyyah era, an annual fair was held at a place called Uqaz near Makkah at a fixed time every year. Poetry reading sessions were held here among famous Arab poets. There were competitions in various subjects like poetry, chivalry and eloquence and the best were rewarded. Singing, dancing etc. were also held here. 

(g) Sab'a Mu'allaqa: The best poetry was selected through a literary competition in the Uqaz Mela of Arabia. The best poem selected each year was hung on the wall of the kab-griha. 'Muallaqa' means hanging. Due to this hanging, these poems have been named Mu'Allaka. Seven such poems or Sab'a Mu'Allaka have been considered as a priceless gem in the literary world. Diwane Hamasa, Kitabul Aghani and Al-Mufazalyyat are also notable poetry books.