Before Islam: When Saudi Arabia Was a Jewish Kingdom

The discovery of pre-Islamic Arabic writing in Saudi Arabia raises intriguing questions about the region's history and cultural identity.
The oldest-known Arabic inscriptions date back to around 470 CE and are rooted in a context involving Christianity and Judaism.

Researchers from a French-Saudi expedition recently found engravings in southern Saudi Arabia that could be the oldest texts in the Arabic alphabet.
- These inscriptions were discovered in Bir Hima, approximately 100 km north of Najran, amidst countless ancient engravings left by travelers.
Two specific Arabic petroglyphs included dates in an ancient calendar, with the oldest aligning to 469 or 470 CE.
The significance of the discovery lies in the suggestion that the origins of the Arabic script may be connected to a Christian context, raising questions about the historical timeline.

One notable inscription features the name "Thawban son of Malik," decorated with a prominent Christian cross.
This inscription, alongside others from the same period, may indicate a legacy of a substantial Christian community in the area.
The understated announcement of the find reflects possible concerns from Saudi officials regarding its implications for their heritage.

Pre-Islamic Arabia is often portrayed as chaotic and uncivilized (jahilliyah), but this may be a literary exaggeration emphasizing Islam's unifying message.
The region's characterization as lawless and dominated by paganism is contrasted by emerging evidence of a rich cultural history.
The Himyarite kingdom, established around the 2nd century CE, played a crucial role in the region's history.

The Himyarite kingdom emerged as a powerful force by the 4th century CE, located in present-day Yemen.
- It conquered neighboring states, including the famed ancient kingdom of Sheba.
Around 380 CE, many Himyarite elites adopted Judaism, potentially to unify their diverse population and provide resistance against external Christian and Zoroastrian influences.

Documentation from Himyarite rule increasingly reflects Jewish monotheism.
- Inscriptions shifted away from references to pagan gods to a single deity described in various forms:
- Rahmanan (the Merciful)
- The "God of Israel"
- "Lord of the Jews"
These inscriptions often included phrases invoking blessings on the "people of Israel," indicating a significant Jewish cultural identity.
- The spread of Himyar's influence included regions like central Arabia and the Hijaz, verified by royal inscriptions found at key historical sites.

The inscriptions from Bir Hima commemorate individuals like Thawban son of Malik, highlighting a specific Christian context during a time of persecution around 470 CE.
The Himyarite Christians in Najran faced harsh treatment, with Thawban and others possibly martyred during these events.
- The choice to write in Arabic signifies resistance and a cultural alignment with other Arabic-speaking peoples, differing from Himyarite inscriptions.

By around 500 CE, the Himyarite kingdom faced external threats from the Ethiopian kingdom of Aksum.
A key figure during this tumultuous period was Yusuf As'ar Yath'ar, a Jewish Himyarite leader, who led a rebellion against Christian invasions.
- His rule ended with a massacre of Christians in Najran, which later fueled conflict and retaliation by Aksum.
Yusuf's later battles encountered defeat, leading to the transition of power from Jewish to Christian rulers in the Himyarite territory.

The fall of the Himyarite kingdom resulted in a Christian dominance in Arabia, symbolized by historical figures such as Abraha, who recorded conquests in inscriptions.
The question surrounding the nature of Himyarite Jews leads to a debate about their adherence to traditional Judaism versus a diluted form, acknowledged as Judeo-monotheism.

Jewish presence remained significant in Arabia, influencing early Islamic practices:
- Examples include daily prayers, circumcision, and the ritual purity laws.
The historical Jewish community in Yemen endured significant persecution until nearly dissolved post-World War II during the airlift known as Operation Magic Carpet (1949-1950).
Contemporary descendants maintain unique customs yet are largely acknowledged as the last remnants of the ancient Himyarite kingdom.