Monotheism in Arabia (al-Jallad)

While pagan gods disappeared from the inscriptions in Southern Arabia in the 4th century, pagan gods completely disappeared from the inscriptions in Northern Arabia by the 6th century. In these inscriptions, which extend from Najran to Aleppo, only one god is mentioned from this period onwards: al-ilah.

1. In the pre-Quran period, there was a period of monotheism in Arabia. By the 4th century, the inscriptions commemorating pagan gods in Southern Arabia disappeared and there were only inscriptions mentioning a single god named Rhmnn (ar. al-rahmān). | Ahmad Al-Jallad

“South Arabian inscriptions are completely monotheistic after the 4th century. No Arabic inscriptions dating back to the 4th century B.C. have been found that refer to or feature idols or polytheism. The evidence from the fifth and sixth centuries is categorically monotheistic.”

“The evidence we have is as follows: no 6th century inscriptions indicate polytheism, cult stones or paganism. One might conclude that polytheism and idolatry began to disappear even before the rise of Islam. The Quran also points to this.”