ABSTRACT
Arabic social structure and institutions were the natural result of the system of clans and the desert economy. Interminable tribal wars were broken only for the four months of the 'sacred' spring season, when the great fairs at Mecca and Medina were held. Islam consists primarily in the observance of five duties by every Moslem. Arabian manners and customs are a part of the Koran that it is difficult always to tell where religion ends and civil legislation begins. The jihad, or holy war, was instituted at this time, and Islam began to take on its fanatical character. The powerful Ommeyad family, aristocrats of Mecca, and already reaching for control of Islam, favored Ali, Mohammed's cousin and son-in-law. The numerous Jews contributed materially to the brilliant civilization, and thousands of Christians lived prosperously under Islam. In general the Arabs adopted the institutions and political forms of the conquered peoples, who thus had their masters changed but not their habits.
