ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Birthplace and Origin Arabia is situated in the south west of the Continent of Asia. It is the biggest peninsula in the world. In the north, it has Syria; in the west are the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf, in the south flow the azure blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The coastal area of the Red Sea is a barren desert. Away from the coast, there are dry mountains, desert dunes and sandy stretches merging into the horizon.

This desert land is called the Hijaz. This area has no agriculture whatsoever nor are there any means of irrigation for crops to grow. If there is any rain, the water runs away into the valleys of the barren mountains or it is accumulated in the low-lying ditches. For miles and miles there will be no trace of water in the desert. In such a parched area where there are vast stretches of desert land and barren mountains, the likelihood of commercial activity and habitation are naturally sparse.

However on the periphery of Ka`bah the `Amaliqah (the giants) used to live a nomadic life. These nomads had no permanent habitation and the search for sustenance and water used to take them from place to place in the desert. Wherever they found some water and greenery, they would set their camps. When the water and the pasture for their animals were exhausted, they would move in search for new source of water.

In the Batha’ Valley of this vast desert habitation started with the progeny of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (a.s). Ibrahim (a.s) was born in Babylon one thousand and eighty one years after the Deluge of Noah (a.s). He lost his father during his early childhood and was brought up by his uncle who was known as Azar. Azar means the chief keeper of the temple. This word was later changed to Azar. Ibrahim (a.s) had his upbringing in an environment where idols were carved and worshipped.

They also used to worship the sun, moon and the stars. The statue of the ruler of the time used to be revered and worshipped. In such depraved surroundings, Ibrahim (a.s) never had any wish for idol worship. To the contrary, he was against idol worship from his very childhood. He was very critical of the ways of his people and always invited them to worship one and only God. However, the people never paid any heed to his preaching.

They continued thinking that all their affairs were controlled by their lifeless idols!