THE PRE-MUSLIM ARABS

Muslim theologians and writers are in the habit of painting a very dark picture of pre-Islamic Arabia.  They describe it as morally depraved and utterly lacking in any sense of chivalry and generosity, referring to this period of history as the �state of ignorance or barbarism� (jahilIyya).  Everything good began with Muhammad.  But there are many ahAdIswhich prove the contrary.  We are told that one HakIm b. HIzam did �many deeds of religious purification . . . in the state of ignorance� (222).  Another hadIs tells us that he �freed one hundred slaves and donated one hundred camels� in this state (225).

Ordinarily such good acts do not avail a polytheist; but if he embraces Islam, it is a different story, and the whole complexion of his acts is changed.  They are no longer wasted; they become fruitful and are credited to his account.  Muhammad assures HakIm: �you have accepted Islam with all the previous virtues that you had practised� (223).

author: ram swarup