Episode 22: Second: The Fanatical Adherence of the Pagan Arabs to the Cultural Heritage of their Ancestors

It was the practice of these idolaters to revere the customs of their forefathers doing. In fact it was the most important rule of their society and whoever hesitated about or rejected part of their culture was considered to have dishonored the ancestors As a result the biggest obstacle to the message of monotheism was ancestor worship in the form of blindly and unquestioningly following the customs and practices. The pre?Islamic Arabs, when they were called to the Book that Allah had revealed and to the truth that the Prophet Muhammed peace be and blessings upon him came with, they were stubborn and obstinate in their refusal and said: “Enough for us is that which we found our fathers following”! [Qur?an: Al?Ma’idah: Aayah 104].

They also said: “Nay! We shall follow what we found our fathers following.” [Qur?an Al?Baqarah: Aayah 170].

They only resorted to this argument because they had no other excuse. Their argument was not credible nor was it based upon sound reasoning nor did they have proof from any book and it is for this reason that Allah said about them:

“Yet of mankind is he who disputes about Allah without knowledge or guidance or a book giving light! And when it is said to them: “Follow that which Allah sent down”, they say: “Nay, we shall follow that which we found our fathers following.” [Qur?an: Luqman, Aayah 20?21].

And in general this was how every nation of people rejected the Prophets and Messengers sent to them by Allah even though the message they were sent with was full of light and guidance. Allah documented in His Book what the unbelieving Arabs said as well as what all unbelievers say:

 “Or have we given them any Book before this (the Qur’an) to which they are holding fast? Nay! They say: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we guide ourselves by their footsteps.” And similarly, We sent not a warner before you (O Muhammed) to any town (people) but the luxurious ones among them said: “We found our fathers following a certain way and religion, and we will indeed follow their footsteps.” (The warner) said: “Even if I bring you better guidance than that which you found your fathers following?” They said: “Verily, we disbelieve in that with which you have been sent.” [Qur?an: Az?Zukhruf: Aayah 21?24]

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