Jahiliyyah
Jahiliyyah - The term “Jahiliyyah” (Arabic: جاهلية, ğāhiliyyah) historically refers to the pre-Islamic period in the Arabian Peninsula, characterized as a time of ‘ignorance’ (جاهل, jāhil) concerning monotheism and divine law. During this period, polytheism, tribalism, and a lack of revelation were prevalent. The concept is fundamental to the Islamic understanding of historical and spiritual context before the advent of Islam. The Arabic root of the word (‘jahl’) signifies ignorance, lack of knowledge, or foolishness. In Turkish, it is also referred to as “Cahiliye Dönemi.”
Etymology
- Arabic: جاهلية (ğāhiliyyah) - derived from the root word جاهل (jāhil) which means “ignorant.”
- Turkish: Cahiliye Dönemi - “Epoch of Ignorance.”
Historical Context
Jahiliyyah traditionally denotes the era before Prophet Muhammad began his prophetic mission around 610 CE. It is understood as a time when Arabs were deeply entrenched in pagan worship, moral relativism, social injustice, and clan warfare. The Qur’an often condemns the customs and practices of this era as contrary to divine guidance.
Modern Interpretation
In contemporary discourse, Jahiliyyah is repurposed to critique aspects of secular modernity:
Abu al-Ala Mawdudi
Islamic thinker Abu al-Ala Mawdudi (1903-1979) reinterpreted Jahiliyyah to criticize modern secular societies, which he viewed as embodying a ’new Jahiliyyah.’ According to Mawdudi, these societies exhibit ignorance of divine law and principles, leading to moral decay and polytheistic-like ideologies in modern politics and culture.
Sayyid Qutb
Sayyid Qutb (1906-1966), an influential member of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, expanded on Mawdudi’s conception of the term. For Qutb, modern Jahiliyyah was defined by human systems and ideologies that assert dominance over individuals, opposing submission to God’s will. He saw this domination as a perversion of the natural order prescribed by Islam.
Radical Interpretations
Radical extremist groups interpret the concept of Jahiliyyah as a justification for militant actions against secular regimes, which they perceive as embodying Jahiliyyah. Such groups frame their militant strategies under the banner of jihad to eradicate ignorance and establish a society based on Sharia (Islamic law), values, and principles.
Books for Further Study
- Milestones by Sayyid Qutb - on Qutb’s interpretation of Jahiliyyah.
- Toward Understanding Islam by Abu al-Ala Mawdudi - for Mawdudi’s view on Jahiliyyah.
- Arabs and Empires before Islam by Greg Fisher - provides a broader historical context of the Arabian Peninsula.
Takeaways and Conclusion
- Historical Understanding: Jahiliyyah originally refers to the Pre-Islamic period of polytheism and moral ignorance.
- Modern Critique: Islamic thinkers use the term to critique contemporary secularism and moral decay.
- Radical Justification: Radical movements use Jahiliyyah to legitimize militant actions aiming for Islamic governance.
In summary, Jahiliyyah is a multifaceted concept with deep historical roots and modern reincarnations in Islamic political thought. It encompasses the critique of societal ignorance and the various responses to such conditions through the lens of Islamic principles.
