Pre-Islamic figures refer to notable individuals and leaders from the Arabian Peninsula before the advent of Islam in the 7th century. This period was characterized by tribal societies, where figures like Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, played significant roles in their communities. Other influential figures included poets and warriors who contributed to the rich oral traditions and cultural practices of the time. Additionally, the era saw the rise of powerful tribes such as the Quraysh and Banu Hashim, which shaped the social and political landscape. The interactions between these tribes and neighboring empires, like the Byzantine and Persian empires, influenced trade and cultural exchanges in the region.