Contemplating and Reflecting on Nature
By Miriam Mohamed
Chicago, IL
“Do they not contemplate the realm of the heavens and the earth and all that Allah has created…?”
(Surat Al-A’raf, 7:185)
In the vast expanse of the universe and the intricate details of life on Earth, the evidence of divine creation is ever-present. Allah The Almighty repeatedly encourages reflection upon these wonders as a means to deepen faith and enhance self-awareness. Contemplation is emphasized by Allah and He invites mankind to ponder the balance and lessons evident in His creation.
When we observe the heavens above, with their countless stars and the sun and moon suspended in perfect harmony, we witness a majestic balance that defies our understanding. The laws of physics and mathematics govern these celestial bodies, yet their vastness and orderliness speak of a Creator whose wisdom surpasses human comprehension.
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, and the [great] ships which sail through the sea with that which benefits people, and what Allah has sent down from the heavens of rain, giving life thereby to the earth after its lifelessness and dispersing therein every [kind of] moving creature, and [His] directing of the winds and the clouds controlled between the heaven and the earth are signs for a people who use reason.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:164)
On Earth, from the towering mountains to the depths of the oceans teeming with life, Allah SWT has set forth signs that point toward His infinite knowledge and power. Each ecosystem, from the desert to the rainforest, operates in a delicate balance, sustaining life in ways that reflect divine wisdom and care.
And of His Signs is that He created you from dust and behold, you became human beings, and are multiplying around (the earth).
(Surah Ar-Rum, 30:20)
Moreover, within ourselves, Allah has crafted a complex being endowed with intellect and emotion, capable of introspection and growth. Our ability to contemplate the signs of Allah strengthens our connection to Him and deepens our understanding of our purpose in this world.
“It is He who sends down rain from the sky; from it is drink and from it is foliage in which you pasture [animals]. He causes to grow for you thereby the crops, olives, palm trees, grapevines, and from all the fruits. Indeed, in that is a sign for a people who give thought.”
9Surah An-Nahl, 16:10-11)
In addition to these wonders, the natural world is adorned with myriad creatures, each designed with remarkable precision and purpose. Trees, steadfast in their growth, provide shelter, oxygen, and beauty, embodying the cycle of life and renewal. Birds, with their graceful flight and melodious songs, symbolize freedom and inspire wonder in their intricate navigation of the skies. Bees, diligent in their labor, pollinate plants and produce honey, demonstrating a cooperative existence essential to the vitality of ecosystems.
Through reflection on His creation, we recognize Allah's attributes of mercy, justice, and wisdom. We come to appreciate the interconnectedness of all existence and the subtle yet profound lessons embedded in every aspect of creation. This contemplation serves not only to strengthen our faith but also to instill humility and gratitude for the bounties bestowed upon us.
Indeed, as we ponder the signs of Allah, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment. Each observation, each realization, brings us closer to comprehending the magnitude of His creation and the depth of His love for His creation. Thus, let us heed His call to contemplation and strive to deepen our knowledge of Allah through the signs He has graciously revealed to us.
(Miriam Mohamed is a mother to seven children and a granny to two cats! She loves trying new things and learning cool facts. She has taught in an Islamic school setting, has experience assisting children with special needs, and enjoys volunteering and being a part of the community. Miriam lives in Chicago with her beautiful flowering cherry tree and big family.
https://www.soundvision.com/article/contemplating-and-reflecting-on-nature )
