The Encyclopedia of Islam (edited by Eliade) p.303ff says the people, prior to Islam, would pray five times toward Mecca and fast for part of a day for an entire month.
Ensaiklopidia ya Uislam (iliyohaririwa na Eliade) uk.303 na kuendelea inasema, watu, kabla ya Uislam, waliomba mara 5 wakielekeza nyuso zao Maka na kufunga nusu siku kwa muda wa mwezi mzima. Wakureshi walifunga siku ya 10 ya Myharram/Muharam.