Lost at Sea: Connecting with Allah at the Beach
By Wendy Díaz
Maryland
“And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
(Surah An-Nahl, 16:14)
I recently took a trip to my native Puerto Rico. It was a much anticipated and necessary vacation and family reunion. My last trip to my island home was in 2018, so it meant that most of my relatives had not even met my youngest child. Thankfully, I was able to connect with loved ones I had not seen in years and some over a decade.
Embracing them was the sweetest part of my trip, but there was one other thing I was looking forward to – going to the beach. As a former resident of Salinas, a coastal town in the southern part of Puerto Rico, the Caribbean Sea was my backyard. My family and I would drive to the shore often and, if I were lucky, my parents would park the car on the side of la ruta 1, Route PR-1 that connects Salinas to the neighboring city of Ponce and others, where I would chase the hermit crabs that hide along the rocky shoreline and wade in the water.
The beaches in Puerto Rico are superior to any in the US and comparable to some of the greatest on the planet. One of the beaches ranked in the top five most beautiful in the world is Flamenco Beach, located in the islet of Culebra in beautiful Borinquen, the indigenous Taíno name for my homeland. Ironically, I have never been to Flamenco Beach, but believe me when I tell you the ones I have seen never disappoint. Visiting the beach has always brought me peace. There is something serene about feeling the sun caressing my skin and looking past sands and waves toward the horizon where water and sky meet. The ocean breeze, the rustling palm leaves, and the sparkling turquoise water offer a calm that can only be described as paradise on Earth (at least for me). The beach is my happy place, but it is also my spiritual sanctuary.
The Ocean: One of Allah’s Signs
Unsurprisingly, the sea is mentioned dozens of times in the Qur’an for believers to reflect upon. In one powerful verse, Allah says:
“Say, ˹O Prophet, ˺ ‘If the ocean were ink for ˹writing˺ the Words of my Lord, it would certainly run out before the Words of my Lord were finished, even if We refilled it with its equal.’”
(Surah Al-Kahf, 18:109)
A person could only begin to grasp the significance of this declaration by contemplating the vastness of the ocean. When looking out toward the water, we can feel how truly insignificant we are in comparison to the rest of creation. Allah’s infinite authority encompasses this and much more – more than we can ever imagine. Whenever we are plagued by feelings of arrogance, a visit to the beach can help ground us and make us feel the limitations of being human.
Sadly, every so often, I read of tourists drowning during a beach excursion in Puerto Rico. They tend to disregard the dangers of rip currents or get distracted by the allure of the vast, open ocean, only to be pulled into its unforgiving depth. Natives are more careful. We respect the ocean and have lived through enough hurricanes to know that the “calm before the storm” can be deceiving. The life of human beings is such that if they get lost in the glamor of this world and forget Allah, they will be overcome by the waves of disbelief. Allah reminds us in the Qur’an with an example of being lost at sea:
“Say, ˹O Prophet,˺ ‘Who rescues you from the darkest times on land and at sea? He ˹alone˺ you call upon with humility, openly and secretly: If You rescue us from this, we will be ever grateful.’ Say, ‘˹Only˺ Allah rescues you from this and any other distress, yet you associate others with Him ˹in worship˺.’”
(Surah Al-An’am, 6:63-64)
There are many other examples whereby Allah uses this analogy to help us understand our place in this transient life and reminds us to be grateful. In Surah Al-Isra, the chapter about the famous Night Journey, Allah says:
“When you are touched with hardship at sea, you ˹totally˺ forget all ˹the gods˺ you ˹normally˺ invoke, except Him. But when He delivers you ˹safely˺ to shore, you turn away. Humankind is ever ungrateful. Do you feel secure that He will not cause the land to swallow you up, or unleash upon you a storm of stones? Then you will find none to protect you. Or do you feel secure that He will not send you back to sea once again, and send upon you a violent storm, drowning you for your denial? Then you will find none to avenge you against Us. Indeed, We have dignified the children of Adam, carried them on land and sea, granted them good and lawful provisions, and privileged them far above many of Our creatures.”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17: 67-70)
In the Qur’an, the stories of several Prophets revolve around the sea, demonstrating their unwavering faith in Allah and His miraculous interventions:
Prophet Nuh (Noah) , peace be upon him, built an ark as commanded by Allah and sailed the seas after the great flood that destroyed the disbelievers, saving his followers who trusted in Allah despite their mockery. His son was among those who drowned because his arrogance led him to believe he could overcome the waves of Allah’s punishment – a lesson for all of us that we do not guide those whom we love, but Allah guides whomever He wills.
Prophet Yunus (Jonah) , peace be upon him, fled his town on board a ship but was eventually tossed into the sea and swallowed alive by a great fish or whale. In the creature's belly, deep in the ocean, he raised his hands and repented. Allah saved him, commanded the creature to expel him onto the shore, and granted him a healing shade, exemplifying the Divine qualities of mercy and forgiveness.
Prophet Musa (Moses) , peace be upon him, famously parted the Red Sea with his staff as a miracle and sign from Allah, allowing the Israelites to escape from Pharaoh’s army. Additionally, Musa encountered Khidr at the junction of two seas and their journey involved boarding a ship, which Khidr deliberately damaged to save it from being seized by a tyrannical king. These narratives highlight the significance of the sea in prophetic history, illustrating themes of faith, obedience, and Divine intervention. When we look upon the ocean and ponder on these stories and verses in the Qur’an, we can appreciate its splendor as a reflection of Allah’s ultimate majesty and beauty.
Is it not enough reason to visit the ocean than knowing it is proof of Allah’s presence? In his commentary about Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 21, Ibn Kathir mentioned that once a bedouin was asked about the evidence of Allah's existence. He responded, “All praise be to Allah! The camel’s dung testifies to the existence of the camel, and the track testifies to the fact that someone was walking. A sky that holds the stars, a land that has fairways and a sea that has waves, does not all of this testify to the existence of the Subtle, Knowledgeable?” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir). Allah commands us to ponder creation as evidence of the Divine reality. He says:
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth; the alternation of the day and the night; the ships that sail the sea for the benefit of humanity; the rain sent down by Allah from the skies, reviving the earth after its death; the scattering of all kinds of creatures throughout; the shifting of the winds; and the clouds drifting between the heavens and the earth—˹in all of this˺ are surely signs for people of understanding.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:164)
The Ocean and the Sunnah
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, also used the ocean as an example in various narrations. He compared a future generation of believers during a time of oppression to the scum carried by the ocean, abundant but with no substance (Abi Dawud). This wisdom is relevant now more than ever as we collectively face some of the ummah’s toughest challenges. It behooves us to turn to Allah in worship during times of hardship and work on ourselves. In addition, we learn some religious rulings through hadith that mention the ocean. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about sea water and he said:
“Its water is purifying for ablution, and its dead animals are lawful to eat.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhī, 69)
In a thought-provoking hadith, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“What is the world compared to the Hereafter but like a needle dipped into ocean compared to its vast waters?”
(Al-Mu’jam al-Kabir lil-Ṭabaranī, 20/308)
The Worldly Benefits of the Ocean
Aside from the spiritual benefits of the beach, there are numerous health benefits that make a beach trip with your family a must during the summer months and throughout the year. Here is a list of the mental and physical health advantages of being oceanside:
1. The beach is the best place to practice grounding.
Grounding, or earthing, involves direct contact with the Earth's surface. Walking barefoot on the beach allows for this connection, which can reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and enhance mood by balancing the body's electrical charge. Several studies, like this one published by the US National Institutes of Health, explore the many benefits of grounding. 1
2. The sound of waves improves mental health.
The calming sound of waves and the vastness of the ocean can reduce stress and anxiety and aid in meditation. The rhythmic motion of waves, the warmth of the sun, and the ocean breeze promote relaxation and mental clarity. According to an article published by the South African College of Applied Psychology, “An England-based study revealed a positive association between health and wellbeing and living on the coast. Another study was conducted by researchers at the Graduate School of Maritime Sciences in Japan. It found that compared with inlanders, seaside dwellers show higher positive psychological effects thanks to their proximity to the ocean.” 2
3. Saltwater improves skin and immunity.
Seawater is rich in minerals like magnesium, potassium, and iodine, which can benefit skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Salt water also acts as a natural exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and promote healing. 3 The minerals in seawater, combined with the relaxation and stress reduction experienced at the beach, can strengthen the immune system. Stress reduction alone plays a significant role in maintaining immune health, making a beach vacation the perfect getaway.
4. There are benefits in Vitamin D from sunlight.
For many of us in the northern parts of the US, Vitamin D deficiency is a big problem. Since exposure to sunlight stimulates the production of Vitamin D, essential for bone health, immune function, and mood regulation, then a trip to the beach may be just what you need to catch some extra rays. Dr Robert Ashley of UCLA Health says that anywhere from just 15-20 minutes of sun exposure can significantly boost vitamin D levels. 4
5. Get physical exercise (on sand and in water).
Two of my favorite activities at the beach are walking up and down the shoreline and doing aquatic exercises in the salt water. If you have never done dynamic stretches like arm circles underwater, I urge you to try it next time you are at the beach or pool. It is one of the best workouts. Walking or running on sand (and in the water) provides resistance, which strengthens muscles and improves cardiovascular health. Swimming and other water activities offer low-impact exercise that can enhance endurance, flexibility, and overall fitness, as well as improve lung function. And who does not love a good volleyball game at the beach?
6. Take the opportunity to detach from everyday stressors.
Being at the beach often means disconnecting from technology and daily responsibilities. This break from routine can help reset the mind, reduce burnout, and enhance overall well-being by promoting mindfulness and presence. It also involves spending time with family and friends. These social interactions can improve mood, strengthen relationships, and provide emotional support.
7. Enhance creativity.
If you have ever gone to the beach with children, then you know how great it is for enhancing creativity and boosting imagination. Pirate sword fights with tree limbs, hidden treasure hunts, seashell collecting, and sandcastle-building are just some of the many fun activities your child or children can play. However, these are not merely childish games; adults can also partake in imaginative play. Bury your loved one in the sand or pretend you are on a deserted island and connect with Allah. The beauty and serenity of the beach can also inspire artistic creativity. Many people find they can think more clearly and come up with new ideas in such a stimulating environment. Take out a journal or snap pictures for later inspiration.
For Muslims and others, the beach can serve as a place to reflect on the beauty and vastness of Allah's creation. This connection with nature can deepen spirituality, promote gratitude, and foster a sense of peace. Certainly, a visit to the ocean can nourish our bodies and our souls, but we must be mindful not to corrupt it by exceeding the limits of permissibility.
Just as the beach can serve as our spiritual sanctuary, it can be a witness against us on the Day of Judgement. Seek a private area for your family to enjoy, safeguard your modesty, and do not pollute the beach with trash. Going to the seashore, although beneficial and enjoyable, is also a reminder of our duty as caretakers of this Earth. Allah warns us in the Qur’an:
“Corruption has spread on land and sea as a result of what people’s hands have done, so that Allah may cause them to taste ˹the consequences of˺ some of their deeds and perhaps they might return ˹to the Right Path˺ .”
(Surah Ar Rum, 30:41)
In May of 2020, during a bout of homesickness, I wrote on a Facebook post, “It doesn't happen often but there are times when the sun caresses my face at just the right angle and intensity to remind me of what it's like to feel its warmth in Puerto Rico. I don't know if you will believe me when I tell you, but the sun shines differently in Puerto Rico. It shines brighter and happier. It takes me in just as much as my skin absorbs its rays. It nourishes me like no other sunlight ever will and makes me feel at home.” I have been living in the US for more than thirty years now, but my island will forever be home. I pray that Allah gives me the opportunity to once again sit on its shores, contemplate the ocean waves, and marvel at Allah’s creation.
End Notes
1 Grounding – The universal anti-inflammatory remedy - PMC
2 Science Shows How A Trip To The Beach Changes Your Brain - SACAP
3 Is saltwater good for your skin? Benefits, tips, and more
4 Ask the Doctors - How much sunshine do I need for enough vitamin D? | UCLA Health
(Wendy Díaz is a Puerto Rican Muslim writer, award-winning poet, translator, and mother of six. She is the co-founder of Hablamos Islam, a non-profit organization that produces educational resources about Islam in Spanish - hablamosislam.org. She has written, illustrated, and published over a dozen children’s books and currently lives with her family in Maryland. Follow Wendy Díaz on social media @authorwendydiaz and @hablamosislam.
https://www.soundvision.com/article/lost-at-sea-connecting-with-allah-at-the-beach )
