Arabian mythology Arabian mythology comprises the ancient, pre-Islamic beliefs of the Arabs.

Prior to Islam theKaaba of Mecca was covered in symbols representing the myriad demons, djinn, demigods, or simply tribal gods and other assorted deities which represented the polytheistic culture of pre-Islamic Arabia. It has been inferred from this plurality an exceptionally broad context in whichmythology could flourish. Gods in Arabian mythology The Father Hubal (Arabic: ) Regarded as the chief god of gods and the most notable one, the idol of Hubal was near the Kaaba in Mecca and

was made of red agate, and shaped like a human, but with the right hand broken off and replaced with a golden hand. [2] Allah In pre-Islamic Arabia, Allah was used by Meccans as a reference to a creator-god, possibly a supreme deity.[3][4] Allah was not considered the sole divinity; however, Allah was considered the creator of the world and the giver of rain. The notion of the term may have been vague in the Meccan religion.[3] Allah was associated with companions, whom pre-Islamic Arabs considered as subordinate deities. Meccans held that a kind of kinship existed between Allah and the jinn.[5] Allah was thought to have had sons[6] and that the local deities of al-Uzz, Mant and al-Lt were his daughters.[7] The Meccans possibly associated angels with Allah.[8][9] Allah was invoked in times of distress.[9][10] Muhammad's father's name was Abd-Allh meaning "the worshiper of Allh" [9] The Three Goddesses 1. Allt (Arabic: ) or Al-Lt was a Pre-Islamic Arabian goddess who was one of the three chief goddesses of Mecca. Pre-

Islamic Arabs considered her as one of the daughters of Allh along with Mant and al-Uzz. She was placed in Taif.[11][clarification needed] 2. Al-Uzz (Arabic: she was.[12] 3. Mant (Arabic: ) Was one of the three chief goddesses of Mecca, Arabs believed Mant to be the goddess of fate, The ) "The Mightiest One" or "The strong" was an Arabian fertility goddess who was one of the three

chief goddesses of Mecca, Arabs only called upon her or Hubal for protection and victory before war to show how important

Book of Idolsdescribes her as the most ancient of all these idols. Some Arabs used to name [their children] 'Abd-Mant and Zayd-Mant. Mant was erected on the seashore in the vicinity of al-Mushallal in Qudayd, between Medina and Mecca. Pagan Arabs used to venerate her and sacrifice before her. The Aws and the Khazraj, as well as the inhabitants of Medina and Mecca and their vicinities, used to venerate Mant, sacrifice before her, and bring unto her their offerings... The Aws and the Khazraj, as well as those Arabs among the people of Yathrib and other places who took to their way of life, were wont to go on pilgrimage and observe the vigil at all the appointed places, but not shave their heads. At the end of the pilgrimage, however, when they were about to return home, they would set out to the place where Mant stood, shave their heads, and stay there a while. They did not consider their pilgrimage completed until they visited Mant.[13] Other notable gods 1. Manaf (Arabic: near it.[11] 2. Wadd (Arabic: ) God of love and friendship. Snakes were believed to be sacred to Wadd. [11] ) The statue of Manaf was caressed by women, but when they had their periods they were not allowed

3. Amm (Arabic: ) Was a moon god worshipped in ancient Qataban. He was revered as a weather god, as his attributes included lightning bolts. 4. Ta'lab (Arabic: ) A god worshipped in southern Arabia, particularly in Sheba. Ta'lab was the moon god. His oracle was

consulted for advice. 5. Dhu'l-Halasa (Arabic: 6. Al-Qaum (Arabic: 7. Dushara (Arabic: [edit]Supernatural beings Spirits Jinn (Arabic: ) is a supernatural creature which possesses free will, and can be either good or evil. In some cases, evil genies ) Was an oracular god of south Arabia. He was venerated in the form of a white stone.

) Was the Nabataean god of war and the night, and also guardian of caravans. ) Was a Nabataean god. His name means "Lord of the Mountain"

are said to lead humans astray. [14] 1. Marid (Arabic: ) Marids are often described as the most powerful type of djinn, having especially great powers.

They are the most arrogant and proud as well. Like every djinn, they have free will yet could be compelled to perform chores. They also have the ability to grant wishes to mortals, but that usually requires battle, and according to some sources imprisonment, rituals, or just a great deal of flattery. 2. Ifrit (Arabic: ) is a class of infernal jinn, spirits below the level of angels and devils, noted for their strength

and cunning. An ifrit is an enormous winged creature of fire, either male or female, who lives underground and frequents ruins. Ifrits live in a society structured along ancient Arab tribal lines, complete with kings, tribes, and clans. They generally marry one another, but they can also marry humans. While ordinary weapons and forces have no power over them, they are susceptible to magic, which humans can use to kill them or to capture and enslave them. As with the jinn, an ifrit may be either a believer or an unbeliever, good or evil, but he is most often depicted as a wicked and ruthless being. Monsters 1. Nasnas (Arabic: ) is "half a human being; having half a head, half a body, one arm, one leg, with which it hops

with much agility". It was believed to be the offspring of a demon called a Shikk and a human being. [15] 2. Ghoul (Arabic: ) is a desert-dwelling, shapeshifting demon that can assume the guise of an animal, especially a

hyena. It lures unwary travellers into the desert wastes to slay and devour them. The creature also preys on young children, robs graves, drinks blood, and eats the dead taking on the form of the one they previously ate. Because of the latter habit, the word ghoul is sometimes used to refer to an ordinary human such as a grave robber, or to anyone who delights in the macabre.[16] 3. Bahamut (Arabic: Bahamt) is a vast fish that supports the earth sometimes described as having a head

resembling a hippopotamus or elephant.[17]