ROOT خ م ط

16:113.

Important Words:

سیل العرم (fierce flood). سیل is derived from سال which means, it (the water) flowed. سیل means, a torrent, a flow of water; much water or a collection of rain-water flowing in a valley or water course. ماء سیل means, flowing or running water. عرم is derived from عرم (‘arama or ‘aruma) which means, he was or became evil in disposition; he behaved insolently or he was or became corrupt. عرم means, a dam or dams constructed in valleys or torrent-beds; or a torrent of which the rush is not to be withstood; or violent rain (Lane &Aqrab).

Commentary:

Such is the irony of human circumstances that whenever man is blessed with material comforts and amenities of life and leads a prosperous and successful life, then instead of being grateful to God for His blessings and favours, he becomes arrogant and begins to behave ungratefully and insolently. The Sabaeans were no exception to the common run of humanity. In the day of prosperity they fell into evil ways and defied and broke Divine laws. The inevitable nemesis seized them. The same dam of Ma’arib to which they owed all their wealth and prosperity caused their destruction. As the result of a mighty flood it burst and inundated the whole area causing wide-spread ruin. A land full of beautiful gardens, streams and great works of art was turned into a vast waste. The dam was about two miles long and 120 ft. high. It was destroyed about the first or second century A.D. (Palmer).