Comprehensive Definition
Definition:
Ukaz (Arabic: عكاظ) refers to an ancient marketplace situated in Mecca. In pre-Islamic times, it was a site famous for fairs, reunions, and especially poetry contests. During the sacred months tied to pilgrimage, warring tribes would lay down their arms to engage in peaceful trade and worship. The practice of meeting at Ukaz influenced the social and economic aspects of early Islamic pilgrimage traditions.
Etymology:
The term “Ukaz” derives from the Arabic root “ع-ك-ظ” (ʿ-kẓ). Historically, it meant “reunion” or “gathering place,” symbolizing the congregation of various tribes.
Background and Historical Facts:
- Established: The marketplace dates back several centuries before the emergence of Islam around the 5th century CE.
- Cultural Hub: Ukaz was not just a trading venue but acted as a cultural heart, showcasing poetry readings, contests where poets from across the Arabian Peninsula would compete.
- Period of Truce: The site observed a time of peace where tribal warfare was halted, allowing people to focus on worship and trade.
- Continuity: After the birth of Islam, similar communal practices were integrated into the pilgrimage traditions of Hajj.
Cultural Differences and Similarities:
- Pre-Islamic vs. Islamic Periods: While the essence of gathering and trade during sacred times continued, the explicit cultural and poetic gatherings seen in pre-Islamic times lessened post-Islam but left lasting traditions influencing Islamic cultural practices.
Synonyms:
- Bazaar
- Marketplace
- Fairground
Antonyms:
- Battlefield
- Garrison
Related Terms with Definitions:
- Hajj (حجّ): The Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca, considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
- Souq (سوق): An outdoor market that operates in Middle Eastern and North African cultures.
Exciting Facts:
- The famous pre-Islamic poet, Al-Nabigha Al-Dhubyani, was known for his participation and praise at the contests judged in Ukaz.
- Ukaz’s influence remains in various modern Middle Eastern markets where trade and cultural exhibitions are intertwined.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
“Ukaz was the soul of pre-Islamic Arabia, where verse and commerce brought men closer.” - Fictitious Author, Sayyid Al-Jahiz, Traditions of Old Arabia
Suggested Literature and Other Sources:
- Ukaz: Market of the Ancients by Fictitious Historian, Leila Abdul-Hamid
- Anthology of Early Arabic Poetry edited by Mustafa Al-Rashid
- “Pre-Islamic Markets: A Socio-Cultural Survey” from the Journal of Islamic History
### What was the primary function of Ukaz in pre-Islamic times?
- [ ] Battlefield
- [x] Marketplace and cultural hub
- [ ] Place of worship
- [ ] Burial ground
> **Explanation:** Ukaz primarily served as a marketplace and cultural hub known for its fairs and poetry contests during pre-Islamic times.
### What does the term "Ukaz" etymologically mean?
- [ ] Fortress
- [ ] Ocean
- [x] Reunion or gathering place
- [ ] Sanctuary
> **Explanation:** The term "Ukaz" (عكاظ) comes from the Arabic root "ع-ك-ظ" (ʿ-kẓ) which historically means "reunion" or "gathering place."
### When was the Ukaz marketplace established?
- [ ] 8th century CE
- [ ] 2nd century BCE
- [ ] 14th century CE
- [x] 5th century CE
> **Explanation:** Ukaz dates back to several centuries before the rise of Islam, around the 5th century CE, serving as an ancient marketplace.
### Which activity was famously associated with the Ukaz marketplace?
- [ ] Scientific symposiums
- [x] Poetry contests
- [ ] Agricultural exhibitions
- [ ] Military parades
> **Explanation:** Poetry contests were famously associated with the Ukaz marketplace, attracting poets from across the Arabian Peninsula.
### How many months did the Ukaz fairs typically observe truce?
- [ ] One month
- [ ] Two months
- [ ] No truce observed
- [x] Four months
> **Explanation:** The Ukaz fairs observed four sacred months of truce aligned with the pilgrimage season where tribes would avoid conflict.
### Which pillar of Islam is influenced by the traditions of the Ukaz?
- [ ] Zakat
- [ ] Salah
- [x] Hajj
- [ ] Sawm
> **Explanation:** The traditions of communal gathering and trading during sacred times from Ukaz influenced the practices observed during Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
### What modern-day institutions mirror the functions of ancient Ukaz?
- [ ] Theaters
- [ ] Libraries
- [x] Souqs and cultural Expositions
- [ ] Educational Institutes
> **Explanation:** Modern souqs and cultural expositions closely mirror the trading and cultural functions once upheld by the ancient Ukaz marketplace.
### Post-Islam, what mainly changed about the Ukaz traditions?
- [x] Reduction in explicit poetry contests
- [ ] Complete abolishment of trade
- [ ] Shifting Ukaz to a different region
- [ ] Ukaz becoming a battlefield
> **Explanation:** After the advent of Islam, the poetic contests became less explicit, but the essential communal and trade gatherings were adapted into pilgrimage practices.
Until we reconvene to explore more of our storied past, appreciate these threads that weave our rich heritage.
Salaam, Ayesha Bin Rashid October 4, 2023
