Period of Jahiliyya

To comprehend the Jahiliyya period, one must examine the historical milieu of pre-Islamic Arabia. The tribal society was predominantly patriarchal, with intricate social hierarchies and loyalties that often transcended moral boundaries. Kinship ties were pivotal, leading to a culture that valued revenge and retribution over justice. The reverence for idols represented a deviation from the monotheistic principles that would later be championed by Islam.

Moreover, the lack of formalized legal systems resulted in rampant injustice. The treatment of women was particularly egregious, including practices such as female infanticide, which underscored the period’s moral shortcomings. The Jahiliyya society was thus marked by a profound ethical vacuum, necessitating a transformative awakening through divine guidance.

3. Shia Perspectives on Jahiliyya