The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 67
II - Arabia & its Inhabitants 67 Arabian Civilization Prior to the Advent of Islām Prior to the advent of Islām, the country of Arabia, with the exception of a few coastal regions, was in a state of complete isolation from the outside world. So much so, as no outside nation or sovereignty ever cast an impression upon it, nor did the people of Arabia ever leave their homeland permanently. Prior to Islām, a civilised or centralised sovereignty within the country was never established. Although upon certain instances various governments were established in some regions, their authoritative jurisdiction was applicable only at the local level. The country never bowed before a single ruler; rather, every tribe was free and had its own particular chieftain. However, in Arabia, no one actually received leadership by inheritance, nor was it in the form of an established sovereignty. In most instances, he who possessed the greatest ability among his tribe was generally accepted as leader and the rest of the tribe followed his wishes. In regards to lifestyle, the Arabian diet, clothing and manner of living was very simple and primitive. The common diet of the Arabs consisted of the milk of camels and goats as well as dates. Generally, barley was also used. The affluent consumed meat as well, and the roasted meat of camel or goat was much liked. Bread dipped in soup was considered food of high quality which was referred to as Tharīd by the Arabs. An equivalent style of simplicity and poverty was apparent in their clothing as well. The common man possessed no more than a single sheet of cloth which would be tied around the waist in the likeness of a mantle. Shirts were utilised by elite individuals alone and a robe was as if a precious commodity. There were no carpets or bedsteads in most homes, and generally, people would sleep on mats manufactured of date leaves. However, the wealthy utilised wooden beds. Awkwardly shaped blankets produced of camel wool were used for the purpose of covering. Well established houses were few and usually, pavilions, huts made of various fragments, and clay-built homes were in use. However, various distinct structures made of stone were also used. With relation to the division of population, Arabia was divided into two parts: Al-Ḥaḍr and Al-Badw , in other words, those who lived in towns and cities and those who lived in jungles correspondingly. Since the people of the city permanently resided in one area they possessed a unique civilization and social structure. However, the Bedouin lifestyle was uncivilised and nomadic. They lived in travel pavilions and temporary homes and would, with their family