Mountain As Pets (Awtad)

Mountain plays a significant role in the ecological system. It is an agent of ecological balance; a source of provision for human beings and animals; and a force, which determines the climate of regions. More than fourteen centuries ago, the Holy Qur’an confirmed the importance of mountains and their relationship with preservation of human health. With regard to the formers role, Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says:

“Have We not made the earth as a wide expanse and the mountain as pegs?” (Surah an-Naba’ 78:  6-7).

In this regard, the Mufassirun are of the view that the word awtad or pegs is very significant ecologically. A peg is a piece of wood to be installed into the ground to hold the tent rope. It is usually hammered until its root goes deeply underground. Although the highest mountains on the surface of the earth do not exceed 5.6 miles, they have roots of about 40 miles underground. In this regard, (Muhammad Wazed Ali 1986) observes:

As the earth does not rest on any support, it was necessary to balance it on all sides, so that it should function smoothly and should not fall on a side during earthquake. The mountains and hills are so placed on the northern hemisphere to balance the oceans on the southern.

As far as the importance of mountains as sources for human life is concerned, the Qur’an mentions that mountains are also the habitation of bees which provide honey, a wholesome food. Above all, the Qur’an strongly shows that mountains are main sources of water. High mountains which are sources of rivers and streams are important to man for they not only serve as sources of drinking water but also as sources of irrigation and electric power, as scenic inspiration or as places in which to fish or swim. In relation to this, numerous verses of the Qur’an are mentioned:

“Among the rocks there are some from which rivers gust forth; others there are which when split asunder send forth water.” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:74)

“And Allah made therein mountains standing firm, lofty (in stature); and provided for you water sweet (and wholesome).” (Surah al-Mursalat 77:27)

In addition to the above benefits, the mountain is a crucial factor in determining climates of regions. Winds coming from the north are cold and dry; those coming from the south are hot and moist. The former strengthen the body, are good for the brain and brighten the complexion, while the latter damage the senses and create carelessness (Tazimuddin Siddiqi 1981).

In order to explain further the role of mountains in determining climates of regions, the Qur’an says: “It is Allah who made out of the things He created, some things to give you shade (zilalan), of hills He made some for your shelter (aknanan).” (Surah an-Nahl 16: 81)

According to the Mufassirun, aknan (sing. kinn) means anything that protects rain, wind and other similar things. A building or a house, which prevents penetration of heat and is cool inside can also be called kin (Ibn Manzur n.d). Ibn Sina’s view of the influence of the mountain on climate is as follows (Mazhar H. Shah 1966):

“And the mountains has He firmly fixed for use and convenience to you and your cattle.” (Surah an-Nazi‘at 79: 32)

“He set on the earth mountains standing firm, high above it, and bestowed blessings on the earth and measured therein its sustenance in four days, alike for (all) who ask.”  (Surah Fussilat 41: 10)

In addition to the above benefits, the mountain is a crucial factor in determining climates of regions. Winds coming from the north are cold and dry; those coming from the south are hot and moist. The former strengthen the body, are good for the brain and brighten the complexion, while the latter damage the senses and create carelessness (Tazimuddin Siddiqi 1981). In order to explain further the role of mountains in determining climates of regions, the Qur’an says:

“It is Allah who made out of the things He created, some things to give you shade (zilalan), of hills He made some for your shelter (aknanan)” (Surah an-Nahl 16: 81).

According to the Mufassirun, aknan (sing. kinn) means anything that protects rain, wind and other similar things. A building or a house, which prevents penetration of heat and is cool inside can also be called kin (Ibn Manzur n.d). Ibn Sina’s view of the influence of the mountain on climate is as follows (Mazhar H. Shah 1966):

Mountains influence the atmosphere also by their site and location. High mountains influence the atmosphere in two ways:

a) they reflect the rays or block the sun and b) they serve as windscreens or help the formation of winds. The former effect can be observed in places which have mountains in the north.

Reflection of rays makes them hot, even though they are in the north. The same holds good when mountains are on the west but the east is open. If mountains are on the east there is less heat as the sun appears only in the afternoon when it is already on the decline and the intensity of rays is steadily waning. In the case of mountains being on the west, the exposure is to the rising sun. With regard to the screening influence of mountains, it may be stated that mountains on the north protect against the northerly cold winds but are exposed much more to the southerly warm winds. The velocity of wind is much greater in the valleys than in the open deserts. This is because wind on blowing through narrow passages gathers more and more speed and keeps on blowing.