Social, political and economic of the Arabs in the pre-Islamic period

Before the advent of Islam, the social and religious life in the Arab lands was in extreme decline. In addition to pagan Arabs, Mecca and its surrounding areas were inhabited by Jews, Christians and Hanifs (i.e. believers in one God). Most of them were always intoxicated with alcohol, adultery, gambling, women etc. Worship of numerous gods and goddesses used to More than three hundred and sixty idols were kept in the Holy Kaaba. To put it simply, they were immersed in various kinds of sinfulness. And so the emergence of a competent reformer became essential to prevent such moral decay.

Social Status:

It is not completely true and accepted that there were no virtues among the Arabs before the advent of Islam. They were characterized by bravery, hospitality, poetry, simplicity etc. But unscrupulousness was prevalent in their character. And in that all their virtues were covered. Which resisted the progress of human civilization. Their social status is summarized below— 

(a) Lack of morals: In the pre-Islamic period the skies of Arabia were clouded by the black clouds of wickedness, superstition, injustice, alcohol, gambling, women, war. Their festival could not be imagined without dancers. Following the religious practices of primitive nature could not awaken the sense of ethics among them. 

(b) Status of Women: Before the advent of Islam, women had no status in Arabia. They were considered trusty and objects of luxury. Any man could take and discard more than one wife. They had no hesitation in accepting stepmother and aunt as patmi. Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: 

 

"ولا تنكحوا ما نكح أباؤكم من النساء إلا ما قد سلف. إنه كان فاحشة و مقتا. و سأء سبيلا.       

(c)Burial of female children alive: In pre-Islamic Arabia, the birth of female children was considered shameful and a cause of suffering. The father's face would turn pale with sadness and anger when he heard that the daughter-son had been born. As Almighty Allah says by drawing his picture- 

 و إذا بشر أحدهم بالأنثى ظل وجهه مسودا و هو كظيم 

Sometimes the father did not hesitate to bury his daughter alive, ignoring her heart-rending cries. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran  و إذا المؤودة سئلت بأي ذنب قتلت

 (d)  Adultery and Immorality: Adultery and immorality and moral depravity corrupted the Arab society during that period. Lustful Arabs used to take the widow as a wife when the father died. Married women were allowed by their husbands to commit adultery with another man in order to have children. Despite having multiple wives, many could have illicit relations with many lovers. 

(e) Status of Slaves: Slavery was prevalent among the Arabs. Slaves were bought and sold in the bazaar like commodities. They had no social rights and personal freedom. The life and death of slaves depended on the master's will. The children of slaves were also under the authority of the master.   To be continued...