Saudi Arabian Traditions and Beliefs

Questions and Answers

What was a notable quality of the Arabs during the days of ignorance?

They never engaged in business deals.

They were known for brutality in warfare.

They showed mercy on the battlefield. (correct)

They would always kill their wounded opponents.

What does the term Ash-Shaam refer to?

A region now known as Greater Syria. (correct)

A style of Arab warfare.

A month in the lunar calendar.

A specific tribe in Arabia.

What custom prevented tribal warfare during specific months in pre-Islamic Arabia?

The lunar eclipse.

The summer solstice.

The sacred months. (correct)

The trading season.

How did the Quraysh tribe's treatment of others reflect their status in society?

They were viewed as custodians and well treated. Signup and view all the answers

What type of stores had separate quarters in the market-place?

Cloth and shoe stores. Signup and view all the answers

What was lsmaa eel's relationship to Haaja r?

He was her son. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the months of Muharram, Rajab, Dhu'l-Qi'dah, and Dhu'l-Hijjah?

They were sacred months where warfare was prohibited. Signup and view all the answers

What was a main feature of life in the desert according to the content?

It was often accompanied by grinding poverty. Signup and view all the answers

What was considered a severe penalty according to desert traditions?

Killing. Signup and view all the answers

During the sacred months, what was expected of the Arabs?

To cease all tribal warfare. Signup and view all the answers

How were slaves typically acquired in pre-Islamic Arabia?

War captives or raids in hostile territory. Signup and view all the answers

What recreational activities took place in Makkah during the meetings of young men?

Socializing and leisure activities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the House built by lsmaa eel?

It was ordered by Allah. Signup and view all the answers

What was the familial status of lsmaa eel by the time of his death?

He had twelve sons. Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the legal system in pre-Islamic Arabia?

It lacked any form of written law. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary motivation behind many raids conducted in the desert?

The temptation to seize the belongings of wealthier neighbors. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main objective of the man from Ki naanah when he traveled to Sa neaa'?

To destroy the Kaabah Signup and view all the answers

How did the elephant behave when directed towards Makkah?

It knelt down Signup and view all the answers

What realization did Abra h a h fail to heed regarding the elephant's behavior?

It indicated divine intervention Signup and view all the answers

What was Abra h a h's fatal flaw during his campaign?

He was blinded by ambition Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately happened to Abra h a h and his army?

They faced a great disaster Signup and view all the answers

The sound heard in the western sky was described as what?

Mysterious and strange Signup and view all the answers

What was Abra h a h's intention for the cathedral he constructed?

To replace Makkah as a sacred place Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of Abra h a h's army is highlighted in the content?

They were numerous and overconfident Signup and view all the answers

What event do Arabs date their calendar from?

The Year of the Elephant Signup and view all the answers

What natural phenomena struck the army in the narrative?

A wave of darkness Signup and view all the answers

Why were many soldiers, including Abraha, killed?

They were attacked by birds Signup and view all the answers

What was the size of the pebbles dropped by the birds?

The size of dried peas Signup and view all the answers

In what year do some scholars believe the birth of the Prophet occurred?

570 CE Signup and view all the answers

Who was the mother of the Prophet?

Aminah Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant consequence of the soldiers being struck by the pebbles?

Their flesh began to rot Signup and view all the answers

According to the narrative, how was the Prophet's lineage described?

Among the best of tribes Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic did Arabs value most according to the content?

Freedom and independence Signup and view all the answers

What role did idols play in the supplication of the Arabs?

They were invoked for rain and help Signup and view all the answers

Who was the ancestor of the Quraysh mentioned in the content?

Ismail Signup and view all the answers

What practice was observed by those who worshiped around the Ka'bah?

They chose the best-shaped stones for worship Signup and view all the answers

What triggered the migration of a new tribe to Makkah?

The bursting of the Ma'rib Dam Signup and view all the answers

What did Banu Isma'il do during their travels?

Carried a stone from the Holy Sanctuary Signup and view all the answers

What major event is associated with the Ma'rib Dam?

A devastating flood Signup and view all the answers

What did the Quraysh do as custodians of the Ka'bah?

Maintained and honored the Ka'bah Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Historical Context and Background

Haaja's child, Ismaeel, grew up in the Jurhum tribe, becoming a handsome young man fluent in Arabic.
Pre-Islamic Arabia had a predominantly nomadic and pastoral lifestyle, with harsh desert conditions leading to poverty and temptation for theft through raiding.
Arab society valued freedom and independence, with individuals not recognizing any authority except for respected leaders who exhibited chivalry, patience, and fortitude.

Important Figures

Ismaeel is described as truthful, a messenger, and a prophet, with twelve sons, and he lived for 137 years, buried near his mother's grave.
His lineage connects back to Ibrahim (Abraham) who is considered a significant figure in many religions, with the Ibraaheemic period dating approximately 1900 years before Jesus.

Societal Norms

Pre-Islamic Arab society had no written laws; order was maintained through tribal customs, with blood vengeance being a primary means of justice.
The period saw idol worship alongside a belief in a singular God, with tribes often having their own deities represented by stones.

The Quraysh Tribe

The Quraysh tribe, descendants of Ismaeel, became custodians of the Ka'bah, enhancing their reputation and providing them with economic advantages.
They served as protectors of sacred months, during which tribal warfare was suspended, solidifying their status further within the region.

Significance of Events

The "Year of the Elephant" references an attempted invasion of Makkah by Abraha, which ended in disaster due to divine intervention involving birds and stones, leading to a cultural commemoration of the event.
This pivotal moment aided in establishing Makkah's significance as a spiritual center in Arabia.

The Prophet’s Lineage

The Prophet Muhammad's father was Abdullah and his mother Aminah, with Abdul Muttalib as his grandfather.
His ancestry links to the Quraysh tribe, emphasizing his noble lineage amidst a society that prided itself on noble bloodlines.

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Description

Explore the unique traditions and beliefs surrounding the construction of grand cathedrals in Saudi Arabia. This quiz delves into the cultural significance of pilgrimage sites and the unique behavior of elephants in the context of these traditions. Test your knowledge on the historical and religious elements that shape the region's identity.