Page 311 - Allah's Miracles in the Qur'an

Harun Yahya

Many centuries ago, the community of Saba was one of the four
biggest civilisations which lived in South Arabia.
Historical sources relating to Saba usually say that this was a cul-
ture akin to that of the Phoenicians. It was particularly involved in
commercial activities. The Sabaeans are recognised by historians as a
civilised and cultured people. In the inscriptions of the rulers of Saba,
words such as "restore," "dedicate" and "construct" are frequently used.

The Ma'rib Dam, which is one of the most important monuments of this
people, is an important indication of the technological level this people
had reached.
The Sabaean state had one of the strongest armies in the region
and was able to adopt an expansionist policy thanks to its potent army.
With its advanced culture and army, the Sabaean state was without

question one of the "super powers" of the region at the time. This extra-
ordinarily strong army of the Sabaean state is also described in the
Qur'an. An expression of the commanders of the Saba army related in
the Qur'an, shows the extent of the confidence this army had in itself.
The commanders call out to the female ruler (Queen) of the state:
… "We possess strength and we possess great force. But the matter is in
your hands so consider what you command." (Qur'an, 27:33)

Because of the Ma'rib Dam which had been constructed, with the
help of quite advanced technology for that particular era, the people of
Saba possessed an enormous irrigation capacity. The fertile soil they
acquired by virtue of this technique and their control over the trade
route permitted them a splendid lifestyle, full of well-being. However,
instead of giving thanks to Allah for all this, the Qur'an informs us that

they actually "turned away from Him." Furthermore, they refused to

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