“By the sun and it’s brightness, and the moon as it follows it, and the day as it unveils it, and the night as it conceals it.”

Surah ash-Shams, Chapter 91,verse 1-4

Study findings that have been coming out, have projected that 70% of the human population will be living in large, densely populated cities by 2050. In the relentless search for bigger and better opportunities, we’ve essentially moved away from natural living that most of our human ancestors were accustomed to.

The perks of living in urban settings are many, but we are heading on a path to disconnecting from the serenity that comes with a simpler and slower paced life. The majority of our activities, choices and exchanges are taking place via fast moving machines and wireless internet connection. Because of this constant connection ‘overload’, its very hard to tune out of the buzz of distractions and focus on things that need careful observation and perseverance.

This makes a big difference in our nervous system and stress levels. Studies show that people who live in densely populated areas, devoid of nature are at an increased risk for anxiety, depression and other health issues. On the other hand, studies that followed those who immerse themselves in nature to relax and connect with the environment on a weekly basis (commonly referred to as ‘forest bathing’) have shown how much they benefit from this , as evidenced by a decrease in stress hormone levels and increases in their levels of anti-cancer proteins. These natural killer cells boost our immunity and in turn play a critical role in our health. So, nature is indeed healing and rejuvenating!

Over and above this though ,nature heightens our appreciation of Allah’s unique power & abilities ; how He has designed this planet with its continents, forested valleys, sprawling savannahs, rivers ,oceans and the Galaxies of the universe.

I began the blogpost with a powerful verse that warrants our Taddabbur, and Allah also calls our attention  to signs that will increase our faith the in the following verses of the Quran :

(2:22)

ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ فِرَٰشًۭا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءًۭ وَأَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءًۭ فَأَخْرَجَ بِهِۦ مِنَ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ رِزْقًۭا لَّكُمْ ۖ فَلَا تَجْعَلُوا۟ لِلَّهِ أَندَادًۭا وَأَنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ٢٢

“[He] who made for you the earth a bed [spread out] and the sky a ceiling and sent down from the sky, rain and brought forth therebyfruits as *provision* for you. So do not attribute to Allah equals while you know [that there is nothing similar to Him].“

(40:64)

ٱللَّهُ ٱلَّذِى جَعَلَ لَكُمُ ٱلْأَرْضَ قَرَارًۭا وَٱلسَّمَآءَ بِنَآءًۭ وَصَوَّرَكُمْ فَأَحْسَنَ صُوَرَكُمْ وَرَزَقَكُم مِّنَ ٱلطَّيِّبَـٰتِ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّكُمْ ۖ فَتَبَارَكَ ٱللَّهُ رَبُّ ٱلْعَـٰلَمِينَ ٦٤

“It is Allah Who made the earth a place of settlement for you and the sky a canopy. He shaped you ˹in the womb˺, perfecting your form. And He has provided you with what is good and lawful. That is Allah—your Lord. So Blessed is Allah,Lord of all worlds.“

These verses in the Quran help us to draw nearer to the Creator and know Him better, full of imagery, similitudes and beautiful metaphors. He alone created the heavens and the earth and sustains and provides well- being for the millions of species of plants, animals and insects on earth generation after generation. Allah the Only One worthy of worship and devotion, how Glorious and Magnificent is He.

Let’s think about our surroundings and give thanks to Allah for His constant favours, that we enjoy on a daily basis. The heavens and the earth and everything between them are signs of Allah for the believers.

“It is incredible that a person believes Allah manages the running of the celestial bodies/ orbits in a precise manner since the time of their creation without any fault, yet he is averse to the running of his life and governance” ~ Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Tarifi