3.1 — Main Events from Birth to Call to Prophethood

📖 Main Content

1. Arabia Before Islam — The Jahiliya Period

Before the arrival of Islam, Arabia was in a state known as the Jahiliya Period — meaning the "Period of Ignorance." This was a time when:

• People worshipped hundreds of idols instead of Allah SWT.
• Tribal conflict, injustice, and the oppression of the weak were very common.
• There was no proper law or central authority to protect people's rights.
• Women, the poor, and slaves were treated very badly.

This was the world into which Prophet Muhammad PBUH was born — a world desperately in need of guidance from Allah SWT.

2. The City of Makkah and the Quraish Tribe

Why Was Makkah Important?

Makkah was one of the most important cities in Arabia for several key reasons:

• The Zamzam Spring: A famous and ancient water source that attracted desert travellers, nomadic tribes, and trading caravans passing through the region.
• The Kaaba: A sacred structure that had become a centre for idol worship. By the time of the Jahiliya Period, it housed as many as 360 idols, making it a religious centre for many Arab tribes.
• Trade Routes: Makkah sat on major trade routes connecting Yemen in the south, Syria in the north, and Iraq to the east. This made it a thriving trading city.

The Quraish Tribe

The Quraish was the dominant tribe in Makkah. It was made up of ten clans. Some clans were wealthy and powerful — such as Mukhzum, Naufal, and Umayya — while others, including Banu Hashim (the clan of Prophet Muhammad PBUH), were comparatively less wealthy.

A leader named Qussai had established the religious and political foundation of Quraish leadership. The leading Quraishi families held specific powers and responsibilities, as shown below: