The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 80
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 80 where any and all forms of carnage and massacre were strictly forbidden. Correspondingly, to facilitate the passage of travellers for the purpose of Ḥajj 1 and ‘Umrah 2 there were four months, Muḥarram , Rajab , Dhul-Qa‘dah and Dhul- Ḥijjah , which were considered to be months of honour. All forms of violence and bloodshed came to a halt during these months and pilgrims could travel in peace. In addition to idolatry, atheism was also found in Arabia as well. Its followers did not believe in the existence of God, life after death, or reward and punishment, etc. The Holy Qur’ān also makes mention of this as well. There were Zoroasters in Arabia as well, who worshipped fire and stars. However, these people also believed in the existence of God and did observe various forms of worship in their religion. Research scholars believe that this religion, which originated from Iran, was among the revealed religions, but gradually strayed from its true precepts. Mention of this is also found in the Holy Qur’ān. 3 The present nation of Persia is a follower of this very religion. Sabianism was also another religion to which the Holy Qur’ān also makes mention. This religion was a combination of Zoroastrianism and Juddaism. However, it is known that the Arabians used the word Ṣābī to refer to anyone who had forsaken his ancient religion and adopted a religion similar to that of monotheism. Hence, upon certain instances the Holy Prophet sa and his companions were also referred to as Ṣābī. Christianity had entered Arabia significantly prior to the advent of Islām and many tribes had accepted this religion. In Arabia, the region of Najrān was a main centre of Christianity. The Jews of Arabia had initially emigrated from Syria, after which various other tribes became Jewish in their following. Yathrib, Khaibar and Taimā were the main centres of Juddaism. There was another religion attributed to Prophet Abraham as , and it was a claimant of monotheism. People referred to it as the Ḥanīfī religion. In the early era of the Holy Prophet sa , and prior to him, some people, as a result of their repugnancy to Arabia’s extreme idolatry and whilst receiving light from the rays of the rising sun of prophethood (received by some in advance), were inclined to this religion. However, in all of Arabia, the numeric figure of these 1 A Pilgrimage to the Ka‘bah (Publishers) 2 Lesser Pilgrimage in which some of the rites of the Ḥajj are left out. ‘Umrah can be performed at any time during the year. (Publishers) 3 Al-Ḥajj (22:18)