Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 2

Chapter One 2 The Climate and the Agriculture Arabia contains no famous or noteworthy rivers. There are occasional seasonal streams and spring canals that are beneficial only during the rainy season. Otherwise, the country primarily consists of uninhabitable desert. The Tropic of Cancer passes through the middle of Arabia; therefore the climate is generally hot and dry. Summer brings severe—and sometimes deadly—winds, known as the pestilential winds. When these winds blow, the trees lose their color, animals and birds appear anxious and humans fear prolonged exposure, which could lead to suffocation and death. The major produce of this land is the date, which is the primary means of sustenance for the entire country. Grapes, figs, and pears are also produced wherever water is found though water is quite scarce. Within Ḥijāz, 1 Ṭā’if is particularly known for its agriculture. In some coastal plains and the valleys of the mountains, barley and millet are also planted. Beans and lentils are found abundantly in most places. Regarding animals, Arabian horses are renowned throughout the world. The Arabian camel is well recognized for its ability to travel for long durations without food and water, and for this reason is sometimes referred to as the “desert plane”. Donkeys are found in all parts of the country. Other animals include tigers, leopards, deer, goats, and wild donkeys, though in sparse numbers. The Ostrich is also a quite well-known animal of Arabia. The Major Regions of Arabia The following are the primary regions of the country: 1 Ḥijāz is a region to the west of the present-day Saudi Arabia. [Publisher]