Samuel Marinus Zwemer
Arabia: The Cradle of Islam
Studies in the Geography, People and Politics of the Peninsula, with an Account of Islam and Mission-Work.
"Arabia: The Cradle of Islam" by Samuel Marinus Zwemer is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book explores the geography, people, and politics of the Arabian Peninsula, alongside an examination of Islam and the missionary work associated with it. The author aims to enlighten readers about the complexities and historical significance of Arabia as the birthplace of Islam and to emphasize the need for missionary efforts in the region. The opening of the work sets the stage for the importance of Arabia not only within the context of Islamic history but also as a geographic region of interest. Zwemer discusses the misconceptions surrounding Arabia, highlighting its rich diversity in terms of landscape and climate. He elaborates on how Arabia has been historically perceived as a vast desert yet emphasizes the fertile regions within it, particularly in Yemen. The introduction sketches the historical figures of missionaries preceding him and outlines the existing gaps in Western knowledge about the area, foreshadowing the detailed investigation into Arabia's cultural and religious heritage that follows.