Essays examining the background to the rise of Islam. Topics considered include nomad-sedentary relations in the Near East, the Arabian peninsula, the history of the Arab peoples, the political and economic structures of the pre-Islamic period and the evolution of religious beliefs in the area.

This volume aims to examine the background to the rise of Islam. The opening essays consider the broad context of nomad-sedentary relations in the Near East, and move on to focus on the Arabian peninsula and the history of the Arab peoples. Following papers set out the political and economic structures of the pre-Islamic period, and concentrate on tracing the evolution of religious beliefs in the area, looking in particular at the role of local traditions and the impact of Jewish and Christian influences.

The nature of Arab unity before Islam, Gustav von Grunebaum
the role of nomads in the Near East in late Antiquity, 400-800 ce., Fred M. Donner
the Bedouinization of Arabia, Werner Caskel
trans-Arabian routes of the pre-Islamic period, Daniel Potts
Al-Hira - some notes on its relation with Arabia, M.J. Kister
pre-Islamic Bedouin religion, J. Henninger
idol worship in pre-Islamic Medina (Yathrib), Michael Lecker
the origin of the Jews of Yathrib, Moshe Gil
Haram and Hawtah, the sacred enclosures in Arabia, R.B. Serjeant
the pre-foundations of the Muslim community in Mecca, Fazlur Rahman
Mecca before the time of the prophet - attempt of an anthropological interpretation, Walter Dostal
the "sacred offices" of Mecca from Jahiliyya to Islam, gerald R. Hawting
Hanifiyya and Ka'ba - an enquiry into the Arabian pre-Islamic background of the din Ibrahim, Uri Rubin
Pre-Islamic monotheism in Arabia, H.A.R. Gibb
belief in a "High God" in pre-Islamic Mecca, w. Montgomery Watt
the Ka'ba - aspects of its ritual functions and position in pre-Islamic and early Islamic times, Uri Rubin
the role played by the organization of the Hums in the evolution of political ideas in pre-Islamic Mecca, Ugo Fabietti
the campaign of Hulaban - new light on the expedition of Abraham, M.J. Kister.