Are There Any Indigenous Pagans Remaining in Arabia?

The concept of paganism in pre-Islamic Arabia is often misunderstood. The term pagan is sometimes used, but it is not entirely accurate. In reality, the pre-Islamic people of Arabia were unrestored people or Jahiliyah who worshipped other deities or engaged in practices such as harlotry, as opposed to being genuine pagans. When Islam arrived, many customs related to these practices were eliminated.

Pre-Islamic Idol Practices in Arabia

One example of an idol that was worshipped in Arabia is Dhul Khilsa. This practice is reminiscent of the rituals around the holy Kaaba. Dhul Khilsa was a circular idol, and it was prophesied that it would be worshipped in the future. However, this prophecy has not yet occurred.

The End of Indigenous Paganism in Arabia

Today, Hindus, Buddhists, and expatriate workers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Southeast Asian countries might be classified as pagan to Muslims. However, when it comes to indigenous Arab paganism, the situation looks very different. Virtually all indigenous Arab pagans converted to Islam within the first century of the religion's existence. The last remnants were the cult of Dhul Khalasa in Yemen.

Dhul Khalasa, known as the Kaaba of Yemen, was a significant site of worship. Its deity was represented by a white stone. The last attempt to wipe out this cult was made by a group of Muslims led by Jarir ibn Abdullah, who rode with 150 horsemen to the site.

Upon reaching the temple, they encountered resistance from the custodians, the Bahilah. In a fierce battle, the Muslims killed 100 men of the Bahilah and many from the Khatham and Banu-Qubafah tribes. Ultimately, they demolished the building and set it on fire, effectively ending the practice of worshipping Dhul Khalasa.

Despite the destruction, the cult of Dhul Khalasa persisted and was resurrected, continuing to be worshipped in the region until 1815. At this time, Wahhabis organized military campaigns to suppress any remnants of pagan worship. The reconstructed idol was ultimately destroyed by gunfire, bringing to an end more than a millennium of worship at this site.

Conclusion

The conversion of indigenous Arab pagans to Islam and the efforts to eliminate pagan practices are significant episodes in the early history of Islam. These actions marked a transition from pre-Islamic beliefs and customs to the strict monotheism of Islam, which has since defined the religious landscape of Arabia.