The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 58
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 58 season the temperature drops significantly in various parts of the country. Therefore, we shall see ahead that the season in which the Holy Prophet sa was confronted with the Battle of the Ditch, the temperature of Madīnah was so bitterly cold as the people were benumbed by its severity, and to leave one’s bed required exceptional magnanimity. However, during the summer season, this very region would burn like a furnace. Produce In regards to botanical produce Arabia is an exceedingly deprived country. In various places, for hundreds of miles, one is unable to find even remote signs of vegetation. A greater part of the country is composed of mountains and desert wastelands. The greatest produce is dates and is found all over the country in wide assortment. Dates are the true diet of the Arabs and are their primary means of sustenance. Moreover, many diverse items are prepared from them. Other fruits can also be found in various other parts of Arabia, and wherever water is available, people have planted their own gardens as well. Ṭā’if, in the region of Ḥijāz, was and still is particularly renowned for its gardens. In regions where agriculture is possible, for example the coastal regions and valleys surrounded by mountainous terrain, etc. , various tribes manage to produce some grain by cultivating the land. Hence, barley and corn are planted in certain places and wheat is grown as well. Moreover, beans and other pulses are grown in most places. Various vegetables are also produced along with coffee and hot spices. Grass grows abundantly in regions of rainfall. Regions of this sort are utilised as grazing grounds for animals. Separate grazing grounds have been fixed by every tribe and the Satḥ-e-Murtafa‘ Najd is the centre of many pastures in particular. In the case of animal produce, three animals are especially renowned: the camel, horse and donkey. The camel is a part of the necessities of life in Arabia. It is almost impossible to travel without a camel in a country like Arabia, and in times of need, its meat is also consumed. The Arabian horse, due to particular qualities possesses a distinct status among the horses of the world. Arabs hold it very dear to themselves and do not usually allow its breed to be exported. The horse of Najd possesses special value and merit in the eyes of the Arabs. The donkey is also common and is utilised as a mode of transport. In the time of the Jāhiliyyah , Arabs were accustomed to consuming its meat.