will. Others, again, worshipped idols, of which each
tribe had its own. For example, the tribe of Kalb worshipped
Wudd and Suwa, that of Madhhaj honoured Yaghuth, as
did some of the Yamanites. The Dhu'lkila' in Himyar
worshipped Nasr, the Hamdhan tribe adored Ya'uq, that
of Thaqif in Taif served Al-lat, while Al-'Uzza' was
the tutelary goddess of the Banu Kinanah and of the
Quraish. The tribes of Aus and Khazraj worshipped Manah,
and regarded Hubal as the chief of their deities. His
image was placed in a most conspicuous place on the
roof of the Ka'bah. Other deities were Asaf and Naila'.
Some of the tribes had come under the influence of Jewish
colonies settled near them, and accepted more or less
of the teaching of the latter people. Others had become
Christians, while their neighbours were inclined to
accept that faith. Others, again, were under the influence
of the Sabians, and used to practise astrology and receive
omens taken from the movements of the heavenly bodies
as their guides in all actions of importance. Some worshipped
angels, some the Jinns or evil spirits. Abu Bakr
himself, who afterwards became the first Khalifah or
"Vicegerent of the Apostle of God," was at
one time distinguished for his proficiency in the art
of interpreting dreams.
A story 1 related by many Arabic writers,
includ- |
