The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 75
II - Arabia & its Inhabitants 75 much consideration to their oaths and agreements. Hence, where examples of loyalty are found among the Arabs, they are astounding. Samau’il bin ‘Ādiyah, in protection of a trust of Amrul-Qais, did not even care for the murder of his young son. Among the Arabs, generosity was considered a sublime quality. The protection of neighbours and guests was part of their religion and creed. Hospitality was second nature to the Arabs. At night they would light a fire upon an elevated location so that travellers struck by misfortune could see this light and find their way to them. They would feel no hesitation in selling all their household assets for the sake of their guests. In this regard, tales of generosity and hospitality of a famous Arab hero by the name of Ḥātam Ṭāī are upon the tongues of all and sundry. Loyalty and allegiance to one’s tribe was considered an essential obligation among the Arabs. A poet says in pride and self-honour, “I am from the tribe of Ghaziyyah. If they commit a mistake, I shall do the same, and if Ghaziyyah treads the right path, I shall also walk the same path. ” 1 Among the Arabs, it was a common practice to flaunt one’s genealogy, and to arrogantly make mention of the achievements of ancestors was as if their specialty. It was due to this very arrogance that the Arabs looked down upon their slaves and attendants with great scorn and disdain. In dealing with their enemies, the Arabs were ruthless and cruel. The bloody practice of Thār has already been mentioned above, and it was as if this custom played a central role in their religion and belief. Before Thār , the Arabs did not even fear their fate and destiny at the hands of God. A poet states: عَلَی َّ قَضَاء ُ اللّٰه ِ مَا كَان َ جَالِبًا سَاَغْسِل ُ عَنِّی الْعَار َ بِا لسَّیْف ِ جَالِبًا “Verily, I shall cleanse myself of humiliation and dishonour by my sword. The decree of Allāh can bring upon me what it wills, I care not. ” 2 The Arabs were extremely intelligent and their memory was exceptionally remarkable. Hence, since ancient times, it had been their custom to memorize all their national and family narrations and would relate them upon various occasions. During war, when two daring warriors moved forward for one-to-one combat, one would always inquire as to the genealogical 1 Dīwānul-Ḥamāsah (#53) 2 Dīwānul-Ḥamāsah (#54)