Economic Conditions Between Mecca and Yathrib Before Islam

Abstract

This research aims to study the economic relations between Mecca and Yathrib before Islam, focusing on the factors influencing these relations, such as geographic location, various economic activities, and trade exchange between the two cities. The problem of the research lies in understanding the nature of these relations, how they affected the economic balance between Mecca and Yathrib, and how competition and economic integration contributed to shaping these relations. The importance of the research lies in highlighting the economic impacts on the lives of the inhabitants of the two cities, and understanding how the geographic, climatic, and religious environments influenced economic activities, which helps in presenting a clearer picture of life in the Arabian Peninsula before Islam. The research is based on the descriptive-analytical method, through studying and analyzing available historical sources to compare the economic activities in Mecca and Yathrib and interpret the trade relations between the two cities. Among the key findings of the research are:

Mecca was a major trade center due to its strategic location, while Yathrib focused on agricultural activities that met Mecca's food needs.

The economic relationship between the two cities was based on the integration of trade and agriculture, despite competition between them for market control.

The pilgrimage season played an important role in enhancing trade movements between the two cities, while geographical and climatic factors significantly impacted economic activity