Question

What were the features of the lives of the Bedouins in the early seventh century?

Answer 1

The word ‘Bedouin’ has been derived from the Arabic word 'Badawiyin', which means ‘a desert dweller’. Accordingly, the nomadic tribes of the desert regions of the Middle East are referred to as Bedouins. Some important features of the lives of the Bedouins are given below.

1. The Bedouins were basically herders moving from one place to another in search of fodder for their camels and food for their own survival.

2. The ancient Bedouins were polytheistic. In other words, they worshiped many gods. There are references to the practice of animism too.

3. The Bedouins socially organised themselves around tribes. The spirit of egalitarianism was sustained within the tribes. However, wars within the tribes were frequent. These frequent wars created chaos and anarchy in the deserts.

4. In the 7th century, members of the Bedouin tribe influenced by the achievements of Muhammad and his vision of solidarity started accepting Islam.