Why Did Allah (Most High) Legislate Certain Pre-Islamic Practices to Continue in Islam?
Answered by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Question
Why did Allah legislate certain pre-Islamic practices, like ‘aqiqa and the lunar calendar, to continue in Islam? What is the wisdom behind their incorporation into divine law?
Answer
Incorporating certain pre-Islamic practices into Islam, such as the ‘aqiqa (sacrificial offering for a newborn) and the lunar calendar, reflects divine wisdom. Rather than abolishing all past traditions outright, Allah (Most High) preserved and reformed certain customs that aligned them with tawhid (monotheism) and moral excellence. This approach demonstrates Islam’s role in purifying and elevating human culture while ensuring practical continuity for its followers.
Affirming Universal Truths and Good Practices
Not all pre-Islamic practices were inherently corrupt. Some reflected natural human instincts or were remnants of earlier divine guidance. Islam affirmed and purified such practices rather than rejecting them outright.
- Lunar Calendar: The Arabs and other civilizations used lunar months for timekeeping. Islam retained this system due to its simplicity, natural visibility, and divine significance in determining acts of worship such as Ramadan and Hajj.
- ‘Aqiqa: The practice of sacrificing an animal for a newborn existed before Islam. Islam preserved it but redefined its purpose, making it an act of gratitude to Allah (Most High) rather than a superstitious rite.
Allah (Most High) says:
“Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve (lunar) months in the register of Allah from the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred.” [Quran, 9:36]
Gradual Transformation of Society
Human nature resists sudden change. By retaining familiar customs while redefining their meanings, Islam facilitated a smooth transition from jahiliyya (pre-Islamic ignorance) to divine law.
Example: Tawaf (circumambulation) of the Ka‘ba existed before Islam (as it is understood today, though all Prophets called to tawhid), but idol worship had corrupted it. Islam purified it by restoring its original monotheistic purpose, linking it to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) and his devotion to Allah (Most High).
Connecting Islam to Past Prophets and Traditions
Many pre-Islamic customs had roots in earlier prophetic teachings that had been altered over time. Islam restored their true purpose as part of the Abrahamic tradition.
Sacrifices (Qurban, ‘Aqiqa, Hajj rituals): These acts date back to Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him). Islam revived their proper form while eliminating distortions, emphasizing submission to Allah (Most High).
The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said:
“Every child is in pledge for his ‘aqiqa, which should be slaughtered for him on the seventh day, his head should be shaved, and he should be given a name.” [Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Maja, Musnad Ahmad, Darimi]
Highlighting Divine Authority Over Customs
By selectively keeping or modifying traditions, Islam demonstrated that Allah (Most High) alone determines which practices are valid. It was not about rejecting everything pre-Islamic but ensuring divine guidance shapes human culture.
Making the Religion Universal and Practical
A religion meant for all humanity must be accessible and familiar. By preserving certain cultural elements, Islam showed that it is not foreign but a refinement and completion of natural human customs. This universality makes Islam adaptable and relevant for all societies and eras.
Conclusion
Islam’s approach to pre-Islamic practices was neither wholesale rejection nor blind adoption but rather purification and elevation. This reflects divine wisdom in guiding humanity through a gradual yet complete transformation, ensuring that true worship of Allah (Most High) remains central while maintaining a practical, universal system for all times and places.
Allah (Most High) says,
“The foolish among the people will ask, “Why did they turn away from the direction of prayer they used to face?” Say, (O Prophet,) “The east and west belong ˹only˺ to Allah. He guides whoever He wills to the Straight Path.” [Quran, 2:142]
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Irshaad Sedick
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Mohammad Abu Bakr Badhib
Shaykh Irshaad Sedick was raised in South Africa in a traditional Muslim family. He graduated from Dar al-Ulum al-Arabiyyah al-Islamiyyah in Strand, Western Cape, under the guidance of the late world-renowned scholar Shaykh Taha Karaan (Allah have mercy on him), where he taught.
Shaykh Irshaad received Ijaza from many luminaries of the Islamic world, including Shaykh Taha Karaan, Shaykh Muhammad Awama, Shaykh Muhammad Hasan Hitu, and Mawlana Abdul Hafeez Makki, among others.
He is the author of the text “The Musnad of Ahmad ibn Hanbal: A Hujjah or not?” He has been the Director of the Discover Islam Centre, and for six years, he has been the Khatib of Masjid Ar-Rashideen, Mowbray, Cape Town.
Shaykh Irshaad has fifteen years of teaching experience at some of the leading Islamic institutes in Cape Town). He is currently building an Islamic podcast, education, and media platform called ‘Isnad Academy’ and has completed his Master’s degree in the study of Islam at the University of Johannesburg. He has a keen interest in healthy Prophetic living and fitness.
