| Author(s) | Hamad M. Bin Seray |
| Affiliation | Programme of History Facultyof Humanities & Social Sciences U. A. E. University |
| Title | Non Arabs in Makkah in Pre-Islamic Period and Their Religious, Commercial and Social Roles |
| Source | Journal of King Saud University. Arts. Volume 19, No 1. (2007/1427) |
| Abstract | Although Makkah was regarded as ethnically Arab there were foreign races that lived in the city. Makkah had its own commercial and religious importance which encouraged others to come and settle there during the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. Among these foreigners were many slaves of different races and colors whom were brought from Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Yemen and Ethiopia. These slaves had many different cultural backgrounds. Slaves served their masters at homes, in agriculture, industry, pasturing and protecting their masters and trading caravans. In addition to the slaves others came to Makkah such as some Jews and Christians whom came seeking to find the last prophet. Some foreigners had political purposes to come to Makkah in connection with Byzantium or Sassanian Empires. Makkah had also special female slaves for dancing and singing. Some of these females were prostitution and were known as of red flags. According to foreign religions, there were more Christians than Jews in Makkah. Even so neither of them tried to spread their religions in Makkan society and they tried to live in peace with the pagans. |
