Socio-Historical Approach in Qur’anic Studies: Tribal Structure, Trade Systems, and Religious Beliefs in Pre-Islamic Arabia

Muhammad Syukron Zun Nurain; Kusnadi Kusnadi; Pathur Rahman; Nur Fitriyana

Authors

Muhammad Syukron Zun Nurain Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, Indonesia Author
Kusnadi Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, Indonesia Author
Pathur Rahman Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, Indonesia Author
Nur Fitriyana Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Fatah Palembang, Indonesia Author

Keywords:

socio-historical approach, tribal organization, pre-Islamic Arabia

Abstract

This study examines the socio-historical approach to Qur’anic studies, emphasizing that the Qur’anic revelation was conveyed within specific social and historical contexts. The study focuses on pre-Islamic Arabian society, including its tribal structure, trade system, and religious beliefs. This approach facilitates a more comprehensive understanding of the background of revelation, enabling Qur’anic interpretation to be connected with the social, economic, and religious conditions of the time. Pre-Islamic Arab society was characterized by a strong tribal system in which solidarity (ʿaṣabiyyah) served as the foundation of identity and authority. Trade played a significant role in shaping social stratification and intertribal relations, while diverse religious traditions—including polytheism, Jewish and Christian influences, and the ḥanīf tradition—formed the backdrop against which the Qur’anic message emerged. This research employs a literature review and socio-historical analysis. The findings demonstrate that the pre-Islamic context significantly influenced the content of the revelation, particularly in relation to themes of brotherhood, social justice, and ethical reform. The socio-historical approach is therefore essential for producing contextual, critical, and relevant interpretations of the Qur’an.

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