HUMA 1845 Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Al-Lat, Jahiliyyah, Jinn
18 Sep 2016
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Poetry, desert, and horses: society and culture in pre- Pre-islamic arabia: geographic and geo-political situation in late antiquity. Northern arabia the trading outposts petra and palmyra. *semitic languages: arabic hebrew, aramaic [syriac] ancient akkadian assyrian. Developed thanks to camels [helped establishment-transportaion, communication, trading via camel, food (meat, milk)] Camel nomads (superior, camel gave them independence) & arab horses. Strong military skills (competition for resources) (excellent warriors) (acted as guards) Sense of equality in wealth existed (lead to strong community) Not organized lawless land, no army, police etc. , but had morals. Ritual kin: slaves or orphans (mawali) *muruwa (manliness) (code of personal behaviour, bravery in battle, patience in misfortune, protection for the weak, defiance of strong) Pride in lineage (nasab) personal nobility (hasab) *asabiyya (group loyalty & group responsibilities, important value of clan, no matter the legitimacy/right&wrong, must be united & be one, guard honour of ancestors with life)
