Voice of British Muslim Women

Ayesha Naseem, Blackburn

A day dedicated to hillwalking, or to a walk in a park full of lush trees, flowers, alongside the noise of chirping birds in the background, or maybe a day out to the beach to hear and feel the waves of the sea. A scenery many would describe as calming. For some it is a time of relaxation, an escape from their busy, overwhelming, and exhausting routine and life. But how many of us take a walk in the park or sit by the sea to hear the waves and think of the One Who Created these things and more?

In Surah Al-Baqarah, which is the second chapter in the Holy Qur’an, Allah the Almighty states:

“Verily, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and in the alternation of night and day, and in the ships which sail in the sea with that which profits men, and in the water which Allah sends down from the sky and quickens therewith the earth after its death and scatters therein all kinds of beasts, and in the change of the winds, and the clouds pressed into service between the heaven and the earth — are indeed Signs for the people who understand.” [1]

Explaining the significance of this verse we read in the Five-Volume English Commentary of the Holy Qur’an:

“…A careful study of the universe unfailingly points to a Creator on the one hand and to man being created with a definite object on the other. It also proves that, having created the world, God did not leave it alone but continues to watch over and control its affairs […] The Qur’an takes the universe as a whole to prove its theme. […] Indeed, the consummate harmony that prevails throughout the universe, forcefully points to the fact that the whole system has been created and is being directed by one Intelligent Being Who is All-Powerful and All-Knowing.” [2]  

In other chapters as well, the Holy Qur’an makes references to the fact that Allah the Almighty created the earth and everything within it as a favour to mankind so it can benefit and learn from it. When we look at nature and its beauty around us from this perspective, one realises the unconditional generosity and compassion of the Supreme Being for providing us with places that we can turn to when in need of some comforting embrace. Psychological and medical studies have also proven that physical activity such as going for walks, or spending time around nature, benefits one’s physical and mental wellbeing.

All sorts of things happen and have happened in the world, from manmade to natural disasters such as war, famine, earthquakes, or fires. Yet the very beauty of nature created by Allah the Almighty remains intact. Even if it is damaged temporarily as a direct consequence of any kind of devastation, eventually the reparation is also made either naturally on its own or through the work of man.

The design and working of this world are ultimately in the hands of Allah the Almighty but He has also granted man the knowledge and intellectual capability to explore things that have not been explored before.

During the Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association Conference in 2019, the fifth Caliph and the current worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his helper) addressed this and said:

“[Allah the Almighty] has encouraged us to use our brains, to ponder upon His creation and to search for new roads of human progress and innovation, through research and reflection. Indeed, Allah the Almighty has deemed humans as the ‘best of creation’ because of the fact that we have been granted intelligence and understanding. We have been granted the ability to differentiate between right and wrong. We have been given the ability to think and comprehend.” [3]

Instead of limiting intellectual and creative ability of mankind, Allah the Almighty has granted humans with the competence and understanding to advance and grow in this world and to be inspired from the means available and explore the unknown.  Even the progressions made by man in the modern world of various kinds that have helped make things easier for people across the globe are fulfilment of the prophecies in the Holy Qur’an. The entire earth is testament and a confirmation to the omnipotence and the existence of Allah the Almighty. Only if we choose to look and reflect.

References

[1] The Hol, Surah Al-Baqarah, Chapter 2: Verse 165.

[2] Five-Volume English Commentary by His Holiness Mirza Bashirrudin Mahmud Ahmad (May Allah be pleased with him), pp. 266-267.

[3] https://www.reviewofreligions.org/19379/ahmadi-muslim-researchers-restoring-islams-golden-age/