Riyadh: Deep in the desert amid the sand dunes, "Al-Meniha" stands as a remarkable example of generosity and social solidarity, embodying the spirit of unconditional giving and cooperation that has characterized Bedouin life for generations and remains vividly alive in the memory of the people of Northern Borders Region.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the concept of Al-Meniha involves the owner of livestock, whether camels or sheep, giving an animal to someone in need so that they may drink its milk and feed their family, without the animal being transferred to permanent ownership. Al-Meniha is typically given for a period of one year, during which the beneficiary can benefit from its milk and dairy products, its wool or hair, and even its offspring, under the explicit condition that the animal is not slaughtered and is returned to its original owner at the end of the period.
Historically, this custom served as a crucial safety valve for Bedouin society during times of hardship and drought. It was also a measure of generosity, as a truly generous person was known by their giving and compassion, not merely by their possessions.
Several elders in the region confirm that this practice still exists in some Bedouin communities, particularly during the spring season when pastures are plentiful and resources abundant, making it easier to share without difficulty.
This custom remains a living testament to the purity of values inherited by the Bedouin generation after generation, where generosity was not a fleeting trait, but a daily practice lived with sincerity and devotion.