The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume I — Page 60
Seal of the Prophets - Volume I 60 2. Yemen: Refers to a significantly verdant region situated in the south-west of Arabia. During ancient times it was the centre of a powerful and civilised sovereignty. Prior to Islām it was governed by Abyssinia, and during the Islāmic era, by Persia. The large city of San‘ā ’ at one time was well-renowned and was the capital of the Sovereignty of Yemen. The nation of Sabā’ mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān, once resided in this very place. Yemen was also the native land and residence of the Banū Qaḥṭān and it was from here that various tribes of the Banū Qaḥṭān migrated to the northern regions of Arabia. Moreover, the Aus and Khazraj of Madīnah, who later received the appellation of ‘ The Anṣār’ , were also among those who migrated from here. Another region coupled with Yemen is Najrān, which is situated in the north-east of Yemen. During the advent of Islām this constituency was the main centre of the Christians. The Holy Prophet sa invited these very people to a Mubāhalah 1 , as mentioned in the Holy Qur’ān. 3. In the south of Arabia to the east of Yemen is Ḥaḍra Maut, and to the east of Ḥaḍra Maut is Muhra. Both are prominent regions. 4. To the south-east of Arabia is ‘ Ummān and its capital city named Masqat is well renowned. 5. In the east, along the coast of the Gulf of Persia, is the region of Al- Ḥisā’ situated near the islands of Baḥrain. It is for this very reason that, upon various instances, Al-Ḥisā’ is also referred to as Baḥrain. Pearls are extracted from the coast of Baḥrain. 6. Najd is located in the centre of Arabia, which is a wide spread and renowned region. It is subdivided into many smaller regions, some of which are considered to be among the verdant areas of Arabia. The tribes of Ghaṭafān and Sulaim, etc. , resided here. Yamāmah, which is situated to the south-east of Najd, was the dwelling of Banū Ḥanīfah, which was the tribe of Musailimah Kadhdhāb. 6. Al-Aḥqāf is a prominent region located between Yamāmah and Ḥaḍra Maut. This was also home to the Nation of ‘ Ād, to which Prophet Hūd as was sent. However, today it is completely abandoned and uninhabited. 1 Prayer Duel (Publishers)