Write on the reforms introduced by Islam on Jahiliyyah practices.

Answer Details

Meaning of Jahiliyyah: Jahiliyyah refers to the age of ignorance in Arabia before Islam, a period marked by idolatry, injustice and immorality. Islam introduced far-reaching reforms to correct these evils. The main reforms are explained below.

1. Reform in religion: The Jahiliyyah Arabs worshipped idols and many gods. Islam abolished idolatry and established the worship of the One God, Allah (Tawhid), and belief in the Last Day and the prophets.
2. Abolition of female infanticide: The Arabs used to bury their infant daughters alive out of shame or fear of poverty. Islam forbade this cruelty and guaranteed the right to life of the girl-child.
3. Elevation of the status of women: Women were treated as property and denied rights of inheritance. Islam gave women dignity, the right to own property, to inherit, to consent in marriage and to be treated with kindness.
4. Reform of marriage and family life: Jahiliyyah marriages were disorderly, with unlimited wives and immoral practices. Islam regulated marriage, limited the number of wives, required a dowry for the woman, and laid down clear laws of divorce and inheritance.
5. Prohibition of intoxicants and gambling: Drinking wine and gambling were common. Islam prohibited khamr (intoxicants) and maysir (gambling) because of their harm to individuals and society.
6. Abolition of usury (riba): The Arabs practised harsh money-lending at interest that oppressed the poor. Islam forbade riba and encouraged lawful trade and charity.
7. Reform of the tribal and social order: Jahiliyyah society was based on tribal pride, endless blood feuds and the superiority of Arab over non-Arab. Islam preached the brotherhood and equality of all believers, that the most honoured is the most righteous.
8. Improvement in the treatment of slaves and the weak: Islam encouraged the freeing of slaves, kind treatment of them, and care for orphans, the poor and the traveller.
9. Establishment of justice and morality: Islam replaced injustice, cheating and immorality with truthfulness, honesty in dealings, chastity and good conduct.

Conclusion: The reforms of Islam transformed the ignorant and unjust society of Jahiliyyah into a community founded on the worship of one God, justice, equality and sound morals.