Final answer:
The Bedouin were migratory tribes in the Arabian Peninsula with a polytheistic belief system, which later encountered monotheistic religions like Judaism and Christianity. Their lifestyle was driven by pastoralism and strong familial ties, and their religious beliefs were diverse, including elements from the region's various faiths.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Life and Religious Beliefs of the Bedouins
The Bedouin were migratory Arab tribes known for their pastoral lifestyle, primarily focused on animal herding. Living as "desert dwellers", their society was structured around familial clan groups which were patriarchal and patrilineal. In terms of religion, many Bedouins practiced polytheism, the worship of multiple deities with certain gods acting as patrons for tribes or locales. However, the Bedouins' religious landscape was not homogeneous, as the region also had pockets of Judaism and Christianity that predated the advent of Islam, both of which had an influence on the spiritual development in the Arabian Peninsula.
As for the Jewish faith, it was monotheistic since the Exodus from Egypt, centered around a covenant with Yahweh (God) and guided by sacred texts such as the Torah and later interpretations found in the Talmud. The Jewish community emphasized moral behavior and physical actions in the world rather than focusing solely on personal salvation in the afterlife. Founded by Abraham, who is a significant figure in Islam as well, the Jewish faith carries traditions which have been interwoven with those of other Abrahamic religions.