Social life of the Arabs before Islam, as seen through the book of proverbs by Al-Mufaddal

Abstract

Family life among the Arabs in the past was characterized by its simplicity in all aspects. However, this simplicity was not devoid of organization, as each aspect of life had its own system. Marriage had its own methods and varied forms, as did divorce. This was not limited to these aspects but also included clothing, which varied according to the circumstances of life.

Although the social character of the Arabs was such that men controlled all aspects of family life, we observe many instances where women emerged prominently, some even becoming role models among the Arabs. Before Islam, the roles of Arab women were divided into two categories, as Al-Dhabi mentioned in His book includes the female warrior queen who leads armies on raids, such as Al-Zabba, who was distinguished by her cunning, strength, and intelligence in planning to control the impregnable fortresses. She refused to be taken prisoner when her kingdom fell into the hands of Amr ibn Adi and preferred to kill herself with poison. There is also the woman who is concerned with the affairs of the house and the children, and she does not deviate from the general character of the Arab woman, if that is the case.

It is also noteworthy that most of the examples Al-Dhabi used in his book were not chosen arbitrarily. Upon returning to historical sources, we observe a degree of agreement in the historical interpretation of the origins of those examples, which are identical to what Al-Dhabi mentioned. Furthermore, the aim was to provide a comprehensive picture of life Social life in general, and family and marital life within pre-Islamic Arab households in particular, was not primarily concerned with food or women's adornments, but rather with lineage and the duties of fathers and mothers towards their children and vice versa, as everyone was equal in rights The duties mean that it is an organized society that adheres to social customs and traditions and the imperative of respecting them.