\paperw4260 \margr0\margl0 \plain \fs20 \f1 \fs24 The religious cults practiced by the \b \cf2 \ATXht10202 Bedouins\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 were polytheistic in character, with deities
linked to the sun and moon. During the first few centuries of our era, prior to the birth of Muhammad, both Judaism and Christianity had made converts in Arabia. In addition, among some tribes - such as the Quraish to which the young Muhammad belonged -
the idea of a supreme deity had crept into the pantheon. Called \b \i \cf2 \ATXht10104 al\b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 -ilah\i0 , or ôthe God,ö this figure was worshipped at al Makkah û \b \cf1 \ATXht53 Mecca \b0 \cf0 \ATXht0 û a name which means ôsanctuary.ö\par
