Economic and Cultural Situation of Arabian

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Chapter One Economic and Cultural Situation of Arabian Peninsula Prior to Islam In this chapter, the natural environment and the production possibilities of the Arabian Peninsula are discussed in depth so that the economic activities prevailing prior to the emergence of Islam are well recognized. In addition, some of the beliefs and social customs of the Arabs will be introduced in order to understand their way of life and their culture. The pattern of evolution of this culture and their lifestyle, towards an Islamic universal world-view, will be dealt with in the next chapter. The objective of this chapter is to understand the economic and cultural situation of the Arabian Peninsula, prior to Islam, so that we can later on analyze the manner in which it has changed and evolved. 1- 1 Economic Geography The Arabian peninsula which was known as the Jazirat-ul- Arab prior to the emergence of Islam was located in the middle of three major continents; Asia, Europe and Africa. From the north it had borders with Shaam (Old Syria) and Iraq. It also had borders with the states under the influence of the emperors of Persia and Rome. The peninsula was connected to Asia and Europe through these states. The Red Sea or “Bahr ul Qolzom”, is located between this land and the African continent and countries like Egypt and Habasheh (Ethiopia), which were under the influence of the Romans. Through this water-way, the connection with this continent was established. Regions like Yemen, Adan and Oman were all located to the south of the peninsula and it all had access to the Gulf of Aden, the Sea of Oman and the Indian Ocean. The navigable water-way to India was a route via Oman. In addition, to the northern surface roads to Iraq and Sham, the

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