ABSTRACT

There is a strong and almost unreconcilable difference in respect of the social order between the attitude of Arab paganism, which is based on ancient traditions, and the teachings of Islam. The effect of the satire in pre-Islamic days is best measured when one considers what power it had even in those days when Islam had—at least theoretically—overcome it and it was consequently officially forbidden. The teachings of Islam were in powerful opposition to the social views which gave rise to this state of affairs. In Islamic praxis this view never prevailed, but it did rule the minds of devout men and pietists. This effort was necessary because of the refusal of Arabs to adjust their feelings to the new order even after they had nominally been converted to Islam. The relationship of Arab consciousness with Islam is forcibly expressed by the declaration of a knight of the tribe of Tayyi' Zarr b. Sadus.