The Implications of Moral Values in Pre-Islamic Poetry

Abstract

The study explores the term "Jahiliyyah," defining it as a religious state of ignorance regarding Islam rather than a lack of knowledge or morality. Contrary to Orientalist claims that pre-Islamic Arabs were lawless looters, historical evidence confirms they possessed a sophisticated system of ethical values including generosity, courage, forbearance, chastity, and loyalty. Using a descriptive-historical approach, the research analyzes the "Mu'allaqat" (The Hanging Odes) as a primary source of these virtues. The findings indicate that Arabic poetry served as a moral constitution, where poets like Zuhair bin Abi Sulma and Antarah bin Shaddad immortalized wisdom and integrity. The study concludes that Islam did not invent these ethics but came to "complete" and refine them, as stated by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).