Did Pre-Islamic Arabs Know Details About Previous Prophets or Worship Practices?


Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick

Question

Did pre-Islamic Arabs know details about previous prophets, such as Abraham (peace be upon him) and Moses (peace be upon him)?

Could they have known about the worship practices in Mesopotamia during Abraham’s time or about Haman through trade or other interactions?

How should I address waswasa related to these historical details?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

The pre-Islamic Arabs had limited knowledge about the prophets of previous nations, such as Abraham (peace be upon him) and Moses (peace be upon him). While some information about these prophets existed, it was often vague and derived from oral traditions or interactions with Jews and Christians in the Arabian Peninsula. The Quran mentions that the stories of previous prophets were unfamiliar to many Arabs, as Allah (Most High) says:

“This is one of the stories of the unseen which We reveal to you (O Prophet). You were not present with them when they cast lots to decide who would be Mary’s guardian, nor were you there when they argued (about it).” [Quran, 3:44]

This verse and others highlight that much of this knowledge was imparted directly through revelation to the Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace).

Regarding practices in Mesopotamia or details about Haman, these historical and cultural specifics were not widely known in pre-Islamic Arabia. While some general awareness could have come through trade or interactions, it is highly improbable that such detailed historical knowledge was available to the common people of the time. Especially since the overwhelming majority of Arabs were unlettered, and this was part of the wisdom for choosing them (an unlettered and unindoctrinated nation) to receive the final revelation. [Buti, Fiqh al-Sira]

Addressing Waswasa Related to Historical Details

Experiencing waswasa (whisperings) about these historical matters is not uncommon, but such thoughts should not distract you from your faith. Islamic teachings emphasize that certainty in revelation outweighs speculative historical knowledge. The Quran provides guidance and knowledge according to what is beneficial for humanity’s spiritual and moral development. Allah (Most High) says:

“And We did not send any messenger except in the language of his people to state clearly for them. Then Allah leaves straying whom He wills and guides whom He wills. And He is the All-Mighty, the All-Wise.” [Quran, 14:4]

To manage waswasa, please refer to our extensive resources on waswasa here.

Additionally, maintain dhikr and prayer to cultivate inner peace and clarity of thought.

Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib

 

Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.

Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.

He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.

Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.