a zealotry, the zealotry of lawlessness ... Quran 48:26 Historical concept This term can be used in reference to the Arabic culture before the arrival of Islam. Before the Islamic conversion a portion of the Arab tribes were nomadic, with a strong community spirit and some specific society rules. Their culture was patriarchal, with rudimentary religious beliefs. Although there were some traces of monotheism in the "hanifs" figures, their religious beliefs were based mostly on idol adorations and social congregations once a year around the Kaaba for trading and exchanges. Since the term is, in its deep sense, used as a condition, and not as an historical period, the Jahiliyya is used to describe the period of ignorance and darkness that pre-dated the arrival of Islam. It refers to the general condition of those that haven't accepted the Muslim faith. A notable usage of this concept during the Islamic Golden Age is from the 13th-century theologian Ibn Taymiyyyah (d. 1328 C.E/ 728 A.H) who pronounced Takfir (excommunication) upon the Mongol Ikhanid monarchs who had publicly professed themselves as Muslims; yet implemented a legal system which was based on Yassa code, instead of sharia (Islamic law). According to Ibn Taymiyyah, a ruler who claims to be Muslim but codifies man-made laws for governance is guilty of the pagan idolatry of Jahiliyya; in spite of his declaration of the shahada (Islamic testimony of faith), or regular observance of Salah (prayers), Sawm (fasting) and other outward expressions of religiosity. Classical Mufassir (Qur'anic commentator) Ibn Kathir ( d. 1373/ 774 A.H), a prominent pupil of Ibn Taymiyyah, propounds the same belief in his Tafsir (exegesis) of the Qur'anic verses “Whoso judgeth not according to what God hath revealed, they are the transgressors. . . . Do they therefore seek after the Jahiliyya (pre-Islamic times)?” (Surah Al-Ma'idah); writing: "[These verses] refer to people who abide by regulations and laws set by men, to fit their own misguided desires and whims, rather than adhering to the Shari'a bestowed upon us by Allah. This was the case with the inhabitants [of Arabia] during the jahiliyya . . . and (today) with the Mongols who follow the Yasa code set down by Genghis Khan, which is a conglomeration of laws, some taken from Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and other legal traditions, and many others decided upon by the whim of the Mongol rulers; the whole amalgam being given priority