Pre-Islamic Arabia refers to the period in the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam in the 7th century CE. This era was characterized by a tribal society, where various tribes, such as the Quraysh and Ghassanids, competed for resources and power. The economy was primarily based on trade, with important trade routes connecting the region to Mesopotamia and Egypt. Religion in Pre-Islamic Arabia was diverse, with many tribes practicing polytheism and worshipping various deities, including the Kaaba in Mecca. Some communities also followed monotheistic beliefs, such as Judaism and Christianity. The social structure was hierarchical, with leaders known as sheikhs guiding their tribes.