The shift from the pre-Islamic period to the Islamic period transformed the usage of the fundamental themes in Arabic literature. Islam led to a reformation in the minds of the Arabs whose lives had been based on paganistic ideals. However, the old Arab ideals and virtues did not necessarily die at the rise of Islam. While veiled in "the new garment of Islam," Three themes from the Jahiliyah continue in the Qur"an: Madh, Karama, and Hija". Therefore, although it may seem as if the Jahiliyah ideals were completely abandoned, they were actually purified and restored. .
The heroic poetry of the pre-Islamic Arabian tribes is the earliest known form of Arabic literature. The qasidah, the standard Arabic verse form, evolved into a long poem telling of the poet's or the poet's tribe's life. The poetry was recited and transmitted orally until Arab scholars collected and recorded verses in the late seventh century A.D. In a culture so highly grounded in tribal ties, tribesmen held poets in great esteem. Poets were supposed to praise their courageous and generous chief, while insulting a rival tribes" chief. .
In the "cubic," ka"aba, temple in Mecca, there were several poems "hanged" on the walls after all the religious statues were removed. Some of these "hanged" poems remained even after Islam was established, allowing for some insight into pre-Islamic literature. Two well-known poets, Imru"ul Qays and "Antara, are among the seven poets who are known for their qasidas, which were hung: The Mu"allaqa and Mu"allaqa.
Imru"ul Qays was a prince, banished from the tribe by his father, the chief of the tribe, for his passionate devotion to love affairs. His banishment allowed him to escape the destruction that befell his tribe in a bitter tribal war. Mohammed declared Imru"ul Qays to be the greatest of the Arab poets. The second poet discussed, Antar, or Antarah, was made the hero of the most distinguished Arab romance writers.
