Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad, a former climate professor at Qassim University and the Vice President of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, has unveiled four potential scenarios that could transform the Arabian Peninsula into lush meadows and flowing rivers. He highlighted the connection between these transformations and natural factors, as well as the minor signs of the Hour in Islamic tradition.
Scenario 1: Climate Change and Human Activity
The first scenario revolves around the impact of climate change caused by human activities. Dr. Al-Misnad explained that global warming and environmental disruptions could potentially restore patterns of heavy rainfall to the Arabian Peninsula, similar to the climate that existed 7,000 years ago when the region was green and fertile.
Scenario 2: Volcanic Eruption in Saudi Arabia
The second scenario involves the possibility of a major volcanic eruption in Saudi Arabia. According to Dr. Al-Misnad, volcanic ash from such an event could alter the region’s climate, leading to a gradual transformation into a green environment.
In an interview with Sabq newspaper, Dr. Al-Misnad revealed that there are approximately 2,000 volcanoes in Saudi Arabia, most of which are concentrated in the western region within the Arabian Shield. This figure represents the largest number of volcanoes in the Arab world.
He added, “A single massive volcanic eruption, such as the Al-Waabah volcano near Taif, lasting just two weeks, could change the global climate entirely.”
Scenario 3: Catastrophic Meteor Impact
The third scenario, considered the most dangerous by Dr. Al-Misnad, involves the possibility of a massive meteor collision with Earth. Such an event could trigger a permanent “nuclear winter” effect, leading to drastic climate shifts that mimic the conditions of colder regions.
Scenario 4: Astronomical Changes
The fourth scenario is tied to astronomical changes, such as the tilting of Earth’s axis or fluctuations in the sun’s thermal energy output. These changes could affect atmospheric pressure systems and bring back heavy rainfall to the Arabian Peninsula, reshaping it into a verdant land.
Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad’s insights connect deeply with Islamic beliefs about the signs of the Hour (minor signs of the Day of Judgment), a topic of significant interest among Muslims worldwide. The transformation of the Arabian Peninsula into meadows and rivers is mentioned in several Islamic texts, further linking these scenarios to spiritual reflections and natural phenomena.
This analysis resonates with growing concerns about climate change, natural disasters, and the interplay between science and faith, making it a topic of global relevance.