Pre-Islamic Arabia

Arabs devoted themselves to idol worship to the point that they sacrificed in their idol's name, gave alms to it, called to it in times of need, supplicated to it etc.

They performed pilgrimage to their idols. The rituals in their basics maintained the Abrahamic quality aside from some pervasive qualities such as worship or prostration to idols

Making certain food, drink, cattle, plants etc. sacred to idols making them forbidden to people and the cattle forbidden to work

Asking the idols for favors in turn for crops and cattle

Superstition tied to various animals, homes etc

Belief in the word of Diviners, Soothsayers, and Astrologers

Gambling and arrow drawing as a method of making decisions

Because of the importance of security of trade, Makkans had several treatises with the tribes and countries especially on the way to Syria

The Arab sense of honor led to many wars. In order to limit inter-tribal warfare, the Arabs continued to observe peaceful relations during the four sacred months during which all fighting was prohibited. These months were Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Qa'dah, and Dhul Hijjah.

The tribe's law was the highest law.

Marriage: Held sacred by select few. Polygamy was rampant, women became property of their husbands.

Women were a marketable commodity

Slavery was rampant and uncontrolled. Any person could be captured and sold to slavery.

Children: Orphan's property was usurped, female children were buried at infancy for the fear of loss of financial security or status in community etc.

The words of Ja'far bin Abi Talid to Najashi the King of Abyssinia explained it well:

""O king! we were plunged in the depth of ignorance and barbarism; we adored idols, we lived in unchastity, we ate the dead bodies, and we spoke abominations, we disregarded every feeling of humanity, and the duties of hospitality and neighborhood were neglected; we knew no law but that of the strong, when Allah raised among us a man, of whose birth, truthfulness, honesty, and purity we were aware; and he called to the Oneness of Allah, and taught us not to associate anything with Him. He forbade us the worship of idols; and he enjoined us to speak the truth, to be faithful to our trusts, to be merciful and to regard the rights of the neighbors and kith and kin; he forbade us to speak evil of women, or to eat the substance of orphans; he ordered us to fly from the vices, and to abstain from evil; to offer prayers, to render alms, and to observe fast. We have believed in him, we have accepted his teachings and his injunctions to worship Allah, and not to associate anything with Him, and we have allowed what He has allowed, and prohibited what He has prohibited. For this reason, our people have risen against us, have persecuted us in order to make us forsake the worship of Allah and return to the worship of idols and other abominations. They have tortured and injured us, until finding no safety among them, we have come to your country, and hope you will protect us from oppression.""

Arabia was the center of the known world at the time. As such it enjoyed the benefit of being the central point of trade. Since trade was such a major part of their livelihood, the Quraish made several treatise with the local and transitional tribes.

Because the Kaa'bah was located in Makkah the people who were responsible for the Kaa'bah were able to institute some rules regarding the pilgrimage. Rules included:

• A uniform designed in Makkah was to be worn when worshipping at the Kaa'bah. It had to be discarded after one use.
• The idols had to be made from Makkan materials in order to be sacred god

The leaders of Quraish enjoyed several benefits and honors.

1. Children of An-Nadwa were charged with doorkeeping of Al-Ka‘bah, issues dealing with war launching, and justice. In modern day terms they were the Security Council
2. Sons of Hashim were charged with providing food and water for the Pilgrims. In modern day terms they were the like the Department of Interior
3. Children of Jumah were charged with casting lots. . In modern day terms they were the like the Congress
4. Children of Sahm were charged with noting offers and sacrifices, and settlement of disputes. In modern day terms they were the like the Dept of Justice
5. Children of Tayim were charged with organization of blood money and fines. In modern day terms they were the like the IRS or the police force
6. Children of Omaiyah were charged with bearing the national banner. In modern day terms they were the like the Department of State
7. Children of Makhzum were charged with military, footmem and cavelary. In modern day terms they were the like the Armed Forces
8. Children of Adi were charged with foreign mediators. In modern day terms they were the like the Dept of Foreign Affairs