logo
episode-header-image
Sep 2011
1h 1m

The Sīrah Podcast: EP3 – Pre-Islamic Soc...

Abdul Nasir Jangda
About this episode

Episode 3: Pre-Islamic Society Pt 1

Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam).

To understand the Seerah, it important to appreciate the circumstances at that time in Arabia: this gives perspective as to why the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) was sent to this region.

The origins of the word ‘Arab’, as well as the geographic, political and economic background of Pre-Islamic Arabia are explored. Essentially, the area was a tribal-dominated system, with deep traditions of culture and language. In some respects, it was insulated from the outside world by the natural barriers of immense bodies of surrounding water and expanses of arid desert areas. Conversely, being bordered by the Persian and Roman empires and sea routes made it a natural epicentre for trade.

Culturally, there were positives and negatives to life in Arabia. Privileges were enjoyed according to social standing: high-society controlled the political situation, and was immune from justice and accountability. Those unfortunate enough to belong to lower social classes were treated unjustly, and in some cases worse than animals. Family life was revered in some cases, with the institution of marriage respected. In contrast, immoralities like infidelity and promiscuity were also rampant. Positive characteristics of the Arab people themselves included their renowned hospitality, being true to their word, having a great respect for genealogy, and giving great weight to knowledge being passed on via oral traditions.

The lack of unifying governance, economy and religion made pre-Islamic Arabia a prime area to receive divine guidance as a fresh start.

The post The Sīrah Podcast: EP3 – Pre-Islamic Society Pt 1 appeared first on Qalam Institute.

Up next
Jul 2019
The Sīrah Podcast: EP200 – Conclusion
Seerah – Life of the Prophet: Conclusion Episode 200 07/02/19 The post The Sīrah Podcast: EP200 – Conclusion appeared first on Qalam Institute. 
1h 14m
Jun 2019
The Sīrah Podcast: EP199 – Succession
Seerah – Life of the Prophet: Succession Episode 199 06/13/19 The post The Sīrah Podcast: EP199 – Succession appeared first on Qalam Institute. 
50m 24s
May 2019
The Sīrah Podcast: EP198 – The Passing of The Messenger
Seerah – Life of the Prophet: The Passing of The Messenger Episode 198 05/13/19 The post The Sīrah Podcast: EP198 – The Passing of The Messenger appeared first on Qalam Institute. 
1h 8m
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2023
Ep 4: The Fatimids: Founders of Cairo, with Dr Shainool Jiwa
The Fatimids were an Ismaili dynasty that reigned over a diverse religious and ethnic population for about 200 years, emerging from the vibrant 10th century world of the Mediterranean. At its height, the Fatimid Empire stretched across the length of the southern Mediterranean and ... Show More
38m 11s
Nov 2024
Book Talk: Controversies in Formative Shi’i Islam: The Ghulat Muslims and Their Beliefs by Dr Mushegh Asatryan
Among the various Muslim communities that were articulating their doctrinal positions in the early Islamic centuries, one in particular was known derisively as the Ghulat ('extremists'). This was owing to their specific interpretation of Islam, which included an 'extreme' devotio ... Show More
5m 20s
May 2021
Seerah: EP2 – Intro Pt 2
Episode 2: Introduction Pt 2 Welcome to Seerah Pearls, which aims to highlight some tantalising learning points from each episode of the Seerah- Life of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wasallam). Further discussion is pursued about the benefits of studying the Seerah: it aids our ... Show More
56m 46s
Jan 2022
DAY 57: Defending Islam Intellectually - Story of Al-Kindi | Sheikh Usama Al-Attar
A good question is half of knowledge. Raising the right questions in the face of authoritarian ideas and theories can sometimes lay them bare. One such question by a student made Yaqoob al-Kindi, the famous Muslim philosopher and polymath, discard his own work.Listen to Shaykh Dr ... Show More
7m 33s
Oct 2024
06 The Moment Hypocrites Were Revealed | Prophet’s ﷺ Road to Hajj | Nouman Ali Khan
Download our free guided workbook on the Prophet’s ﷺ Road to Hajj as a companion to this Dhul Hijjah video series at: https://bayyinah.com/dhulhijjah Allah's wisdom in avoiding battle ensured that innocent believers in Makkah were not harmed, emphasizing the importance of disting ... Show More
1h 8m
Apr 2021
Courage and Other Traits of Good Character that Rise From It – Al- Maqasid Podcast- Shaykh Yahya Rhodus
In this khutba, Shaykh Yahya defines the four cardinal virtues in an Islamic context and then focuses on the virtue of courage, which lies between cowardness and recklessness. He discusses the other traits of good character that arise from it, as well as the bad character traits ... Show More
33m 17s
Oct 2024
02 Struggles of Hudaibiyyah Negotiations | Prophet’s ﷺ Road to Hajj | Nouman Ali Khan
Download our free guided workbook on the Prophet’s ﷺ Road to Hajj as a companion to this Dhul Hijjah video series at: https://bayyinah.com/dhulhijjah The early Muslim community in Madinah, known as the Ansar, demonstrated extraordinary selflessness by prioritizing the well-being ... Show More
33m 13s
Jan 2018
Al Ghazali and Ibn Taymiyyah
In our last episode of the season we wrap up the intellectual history of Islam by examining how the orthodoxies that we discussed in the previous episode were popularized. We talk about the emerging class of legal scholars called the ulema, the madhabs of Hanafi, Maliki, Shaif, a ... Show More
51m 27s
Sep 2024
Disavowing the Polythiests
Prophet Muhammad wanted to eradicate polythiesm and all practices associated with it, such as doing tawaaf around the kaaba naked. Surah Tawbah was revealed, which included a message that the idolaters should not be allowed near the kaaba after this year. The Prophet first sent A ... Show More
57m 44s