The Roots of Totemism and Its Presence in the Arabian Peninsula before Islam

Abstract

This study investigates the roots and manifestations of totemism in the Arabian Peninsula prior to Islam, presenting it as a religious and social belief system that significantly influenced tribal identity and intercommunal relations. The research explores the three main forms of Arabian totemism—object, plant, and animal worship—within pre-Islamic societies, drawing on historical texts and religious references. It also compares Arabian totemism with its counterparts in Australia, Africa, and North America. The conclusion posits that totemism is a universal phenomenon reflecting humanity’s symbolic and spiritual need for protection, identity, and order in harsh environments.