The dictionary and commentary on the “al-Jahliyyah” in classical Islamic literature

Abstract

There are number of Quranic terms elaborated in various perspectives in Islamic literature of classis era. The term “Al-Jahiliyah” is one of those terms. This is usually related to pre Islamic era of Arabs when idol worshiping was performed on vast level in almost all societies of Arab peninsula. Some classic experts of Arabic language have taken this term into account with respect to the particular acts and customs which were prevailing before Islam in different societies of the world. Same is done by some of Quranic commentators as well. Besides that, there are some language experts and Quranic commentators who have elaborated this term while relating it to the specific time periods. It indicates that the term has come across a prominent evolution of ideological scenario and it is still under consideration of Muslim scholars.