What religions were practiced in the middle before the arrival of Islam?

Question

Does anyone know what religions were 'replaced' by Islam- or what religions were practiced in the Middle East prior to the arrival of Mohhamad?
The only answer I have gotten from Muslims I have met was the religions practiced before Islam were 'pagan' religions. Well, paganism is a very general term. Anyone know what specific religions were practiced- and were any of their beliefs, myths or rituals assimilated into Islam?

Answer 1

Judaism was practiced in the Middle East thousands of years before Islam...Chr*stianity as well....Zoroastrianism....

Answer 2

No. In fact, Christianity and Islam and nearly the same. Islam believes in Christianity as a real religion. Same Old Testaments. Very similar New Testaments. Even when Islam started in the Middle East, the Christians helped Islam grow. People who prayed towards statues wanted to kill the first Muslims because the Muslims refused to pray to statues. The Muslims along with the Prophet Mohammed asked the Christians for help in defending their beliefs. The story and beliefs of Islam was told to the Priest, who then decided to help the first Muslims go out and practice the religion they believe in. Christianity is seen as a friend or sibling religion in Islam, and so is Judaism, believe it or not.

Answer 3

Zoroastrians are one of them. It was and still is a Persian religion.
The main religions before Islam that are accepted by Islam are Judaism, Christianity, and two others that I don't know their names in English but will say their Prophet's names. Noah and Abraham.
According to Islam there are about 124 thousand prophets other than the 5 just mentioned. Those 124 thousand prophets were either reminding people of a major prophet before their time or a major prophet coming after their time.
And yes, most of the beliefs and myths of the prophets before Islam are said to be true by Islam.

Answer 4

The religion of the pre-Islamic Arabs was a mixture of Bedouin polytheism, Judaism, and a little bit of Christianity. The pre-Islamic Arabs worshipped three goddesses, al-Lat, al-Uzza, and Manat, who were all daughters of one god, Allah—this one god was probably derived from the monotheistic religions of Judaism and Christianity. Mecca was the center of this religion with its Ka'ba, or "Cube," which served as the temple for the religion.

Answer 5

Christianity, Judaism and various pagan beliefs

Answer 6

Judaism then Christian and pagan then Islam

Answer 7

Before the Arrival of Muhammad (pbuh) the people at that time were worshiping idols and before that it was Islam

Answer 8

Worshiping idols as an intermediate between them and Allah,(yes they believed in Allah,but they thought that idols is the only way that will lead them to him).

039.003 Is it not to God that sincere devotion is due? But those who take for protectors other than God (say): "We only serve them in order that they may bring us nearer to God." Truly God will judge between them in that wherein they differ. But God guides not such as are false and ungrateful.

039.038 If indeed thou ask them who it is that created the heavens and the earth, they would be sure to say, "Allah". Say: "See ye then? the things that ye invoke besides God,- can they, if God wills some Penalty for me, remove His Penalty?- Or if He wills some Grace for me, can they keep back his Grace?" Say: "Sufficient is God for me! In Him trust those who put their trust."(QURAN)

Answer 9

Zoaroasterism was a good one.The Babylonians worshipped Bel,also known as Baal,and Bel-zebub.Molech was another,Ishtar was a female diety.etc etc.

Answer 10

Zoroastrianism comes to mind, they are also responsible for the things Christians believe in today