The reform of Arab customs and social practice helps explain how many legal teachings were communicated. The first audience recognized several forms of worship and lived under established household and public conventions. The revelation addressed this real social setting.
Historical setting does not mean that the guidance was restricted to one region. It can, however, illuminate why a matter arose, why a specific expression was used, and what kind of misuse a ruling opposed. A verse that corrects a custom should not be read without first understanding the custom it addresses.