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Turtles constitute a large and
widespread group of reptiles. Some turtles are
land-dwelling, and this type is called
tortoises. Some others are aquatic and live in
brackish water; they are called terrapins.
The turtles are the third type of these living
beings, and they live in salt water. Studies
conducted on these creatures, with all their
different species, have clearly shown that
they observe some sort of fasting, during
which they abstain from food and drink. Such
fast lasts for several months every year.
When these animals commence
their fasting, they resort to certain places
with special characteristics that differ
according to the type of the animal. As for
aquatic turtles, whether they live in fresh or
salt water, they resort to the bottom of the
waterway and settle therein. Throughout the
fasting period, they stop swimming and refrain
from any motion or activity. They remain in
such a state until the period of fasting comes
to an end, at which time they return to their
past activity.
As regards the terrestrial
species (tortoises), they turn to damp, shady
places that contain moist and wet herbs, and
they burrow under the soil or under the waste
and scraps. Thereupon, they enter into a
period of fasting, during which they abstain
from food and drink. Such a period of
hibernation or inactivity lasts for a long
time that amounts to several months.
Because humidity is a
significant and determining factor for the
life of these species, the Omnipotent Lord has
endowed them with highly delicate and unique
water tanks that lie in their posterior
bladders. These tanks are water reserves that
the turtles use only when they are in need of
them. Thus, these species continue to quench
their thirst with this water for a long period
of time, especially by the end of their fast.
So, blessed is Allah, the Best of the
Creators.
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