Divisions of the Arabian Peninsula Both Arab and non-Arab...

Divisions of the Arabian Peninsula Both Arab and non-Arab geographers have divided the Arabian Peninsula on the basis of the natural elements (such as weather) and on the basis of races and tribes.[^7] Some contemporary scientists have divided it into three main sections in the following manner: The central section, which is called the Arab Desert; The northern section, which is called Hijaz; The southern section, which is called Yemen.[^8] Division on the Basis of Natural Conditions (The south and the North) Besides these divisions, there has been, in recent years, another division proposed for Arabia which fits in well with the purposes of this book.

This division is based on the life sustaining conditions which have had a tremendous effect on the lives of people, living things and plants of this region. These conditions have influenced the individual and social traits of these people and have brought forth some changes which were in existence up to the advent of Islam. There exist two drastic conditions in the Arabian Peninsula: either there is water, or there is no water.

This parameter has had tremendous effects on life patterns of people: it sets apart the southern section, i.e. Yemen, from the central and northern sections. Life Conditions in the Southern Section (Yemen) Looking at the map of this land, we find a triangle-shaped territory in the southwestern part of the Arabian Peninsula. The Arab Sea forms the eastern side of this triangle, while the Red Sea forms the western border.

A line drawn from Dhahran (in the west) to Khazra’ Mount (in the east) forms the third side of this triangle. Inside this huge triangle lies a territory, called Yemen since old times. Due to the abundance of water and the regular rainfall, this region has enjoyed lucrative agriculture and dense population; in this regard, it contrasts with both the north and central part of the Peninsula. On the other hand, a dense population needs a permanent residence.

For this very reason, villages and cities came to existence. The concentration of people in cities and villages creates interaction among people which is unavoidable. These modes of interaction bring forth laws and regulations (even the primitive ones), and, as we know, the establishment of laws causes the creation of government.