The arid landscapes of Saudi Arabia have long been synonymous with vast deserts, scorching temperatures, and a scarcity of greenery. However, recent reports and satellite images depicting cities like Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah adorned with unexpected greenery have sparked shock and awe around the world.
The images, captured by Terra Satellite on January 7, showcase a transformation that many find miraculous, triggering discussions about the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy foretold by Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This revelation has led to contemplation and debate among Muslims globally, as they reflect on the implications of this seemingly supernatural occurrence.
Prophetic Fulfillment and Reflections
The prophecy attributed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW), as narrated in Sahih Muslim-157c, speaks of a time when wealth will abound, and the Arabian land will revert to meadows and rivers. The recent greening of the Saudi cities, coupled with ongoing initiatives such as the Saudi Green Initiative aimed at achieving a Green Saudi Arabia by 2030, has led many believers to perceive this as a fulfillment of the prophecy. The word “revert” in the prophecy suggests that these holy cities were once lush with greenery, a notion supported by archaeological discoveries of fossils, such as elephant tusks, indicating a wetland environment in ancient times.
لاَ تَقُومُ السَّاعَةُ حَتَّى يَكْثُرَ الْمَالُ وَيَفِيضَ حَتَّى يَخْرُجَ الرَّجُلُ بِزَكَاةِ مَالِهِ فَلاَ يَجِدُ أَحَدًا يَقْبَلُهَا مِنْهُ وَحَتَّى تَعُودَ أَرْضُ الْعَرَبِ مُرُوجًا وَأَنْهَارًا
“The Final Hour will not come before wealth becomes abundant and overflowing so much so that a person takes Zakat out of his property and will not be able to find anyone to accept it from him and till the land of Arabia reverts into meadows and rivers.” (Sahih Muslim-157c)
Archeological Perspective
The discovery of a 325,000-year-old elephant tusk in the Nafud desert further adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. Archaeologists assert that such colossal creatures could not have thrived in the region if Saudi Arabia had not been a wetland in the distant past. This finding challenges the conventional understanding of the region’s history, suggesting that the landscapes we associate with aridity may have harbored thriving ecosystems thousands of years ago. The emergence of fossils and evidence of a once-vibrant environment raises questions about the ecological history of Saudi Arabia and the potential impact of climate change over the millennia.
Climate Change and Greening Initiatives
As discussions surrounding the prophecy unfold, scientists and geologists emphasize the role of climate change in shaping the environment. The recent heavy rainfall that turned parts of the Saudi desert green may be attributed to climate patterns influenced by global climate change. While skeptics argue that greening is a natural occurrence within the climate variability, others point to the broader global context, where climate change is impacting weather patterns and ecosystems across the planet.
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The Saudi Green Initiative, launched to restore and enhance natural greenery, signifies a conscious effort by the Saudi government to combat desertification and promote sustainable environmental practices. With 17 new initiatives and the planting of 18 million trees already underway, the country aims to bring about a significant transformation by 2030. The question arises: Is this an attempt to fulfill a prophecy or a strategic response to the global environmental crisis?
The Unfulfilled Prophecy – Rivers in the Desert
While the recent greening aligns with the prophesied return to meadows, the mention of rivers in the prophecy remains unfulfilled. Saudi Arabia, characterized by its lack of permanent rivers, has valleys that, under certain conditions, can become watercourses during periods of heavy rainfall. Geologists posit that the recent climate change-induced rainfall may contribute to the formation of temporary rivers, yet the permanence of such water bodies remains uncertain.
Conclusion
The greening of Saudi Arabia’s holy cities has ignited a multifaceted discourse encompassing religious beliefs, archaeological revelations, climate change impacts, and environmental initiatives. Whether perceived as a miraculous fulfillment of prophecy or a consequence of climate change, the transformation prompts reflection on humanity’s relationship with the environment. As Saudi Arabia continues its journey towards a Green 2030, the unfulfilled aspect of the prophecy raises questions about the dynamic interplay between religious narratives, scientific understanding, and the urgent need for sustainable environmental stewardship. Whether driven by faith, science, or a harmonious blend of both, the greening of Saudi Arabia serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness between the natural world and human destiny.
