The Head of Learning:
The Head of Learrning:
The Head of Learrning:
Image Icham Takache: http://www3.sympatico.ca/hicham.takache
Meaning of calligraphy:
Laen-Sabartum Qur'anic:
" So that if you are patient, it is goodness for those who are patient..."
Written and illustrated
By
Soumy Ana
(Ramadhan 1421 - December 2000)
The knowledge you acquire must reform your heart and
purify your soul. That is the head of learning (A Hadith)
2
Seen from above, the Asir seemed nestled between two
mountain ridges.
Photo courtesy of: http://community.webshots.com/user/saudi6
One could perceive the dark heads of palm groves forming numerous
waves over the sand. A wild river flowed in a broad valley. The
buildings stood against an outcrop of boulders, enveloped by the
palms. Mud houses stood among grayish mountains made of smooth,
round and enormous rocks where the green pierced overhead. There
was a major oasis, ancient stop for the frankincense and myrrh
trading route. The oasis was a refreshing stop for Bedouins in the
southwest corner of Saudi Arabia. This was where we stopped after
an endless travel along many twisted paths. When we appeared
before one of the lodges, little girls were shooing a herd of goats
through the browny ground. I stopped to enjoy the everlasting shade
of the palm leaves opened like daggers and armors against the heat.
It was late when we arrived, but we had time for a small
nap. We were glad to have some rest after several days in the
caravan tracks. Soon, the host lighted the paraffin lanterns. Carpets
were laid on the floor. We could smell the appetizing meal being
cooked in the upper rooms of the large farm. A minute later people
were serving us. Large round copper trays were carried in and we
began a prayer to thank for our daily supper. The host asked me
about my work and I answered as fairly as I could.
“I have finished my years of school in Europe.”
“What do you think about Europe?” asked Muhsin.
“Well,” I answered, “I was successful in being an ethnologist, but
I hardly saw a glance of the landscape. Great schools are places to
keep busy. I had much homework to do all the time that I barely saw
the sky.”
"So you have never seen Arabia before?"
"No, it's my first time here."
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