Earth Day 2024
Luscious green and gushing waters, a dark night, and a full moon. These visuals meet our eyes daily. Stiff mountain tops, and turbulent winds – we climb and experience these highs and lows. His Majesty and Might surround us. On Earth Day, let’s take longer than a moment to revel in it; to truly immerse ourselves in the world we live and blossom in.
Allah gifted us this earth, all of it, to live and grow in, to care for and marvel at. Every intricate detail, the eco-system, seasons, animals, plants and even natural disasters. He created every organism, every inch of our world upon which our ancestors walked, and we continue to inhabit.
The Qur’an mentions its beauty, and it guides us to marvel at it, to take care of it, and to cherish it. We previously have considered ways you can live as a steward on earth, and reduce your carbon footprint.
But this year on Earth Day, we’re going to explore what the Qur’an says about the Earth, and how we can draw closer to Him, by pondering and reflecting on His Creation.
The creation of the Earth is mentioned in the Quran.
“Have those who disbelieved not considered that the heavens and the earth were a joined entity, and We separated them and made from water every living thing? Then will they not believe?” (Qur’an, 21:30)
The Earth was created to help sustain us. We live our day-to-day lives often not giving a second thought to how we are living, breathing, and nourishing ourselves based on what grows, blossoms, and thrives.
“He who made for you the earth a bed and made for you upon it roads that you might be guided” (Qur’an, 20:53)
Within each relationship on earth between seed and plant, predator and prey, rain and cloud, there is a sign for us to reflect on. Everything is created in perfect harmony, for us to thrive in. We can enjoy an array of fruit that falls from trees and grow underground, coming in different colours, shapes, and sizes. Even the range of animals that surround us with their unique characteristics and quirks.
“And He it is who sends down rain from the sky, and We produce thereby the growth of all things. We produce from it greenery from which We produce grains arranged in layers. And from the palm trees – of its emerging fruit are clusters hanging low. And [We produce] gardens of grapevines and olives and pomegranates, similar yet varied. Look at [each of] its fruit when it yields and [at] its ripening. Indeed, in that are signs for a people who believe.” (Qur’an 6:99)
Allah has created these blessings as signs for us. As believers when we look around us we should be in awe of what He has created for us, using these as daily reminders, and pondering over His Creation.
There is no flaw in anything Allah has created. All favours which we’ve been bestowed with. Ponder on everything from the seas:
“He released the two seas, meeting [side by side]; Between them is a barrier [so] neither of them transgresses.” (Qur’an, 55:19-20)
To the mountains:
“Have We not made the earth a resting place? And the mountains as stakes?” (Qur’an, 78:6-7)
To the clouds:
“Do you not see that Allah drives clouds? Then He brings them together, then He makes them into a mass, and you see the rain emerge from within it. And He sends down from the sky, mountains [of clouds] within which is hail, and He strikes with it whom He wills and averts it from whom He wills. The flash of its lightning almost takes away the eyesight.” (Qur’an, 24:43)
To the trees:
“And [We brought forth] a tree issuing from Mount Sinai which produces oil and food for those who eat.” (Qur’an,17:60)
And the animals, the ground, the sun, the planets, and the solar systems. The list goes on and we’re inhabitants of this Earth, appreciating it daily.
Whilst the beauty that surrounds us is there for us to enjoy, we’re also held accountable for how we live and manage it. Along with our responsibility as stewards on earth, we’re also warned against causing corruption within it.
“And cause not corruption upon the earth after its reformation. And invoke Him in fear and aspiration. Indeed, the mercy of Allah is near to the doers of good.” (7:56)
We live busy lives, sometimes overlooking the blessings and miracles we’ve been bestowed. But we should use every opportunity we’re reminded to look inward and ponder. Earth Day should do just that. We’ve shared just a few gems from the Quran that highlight His Favours, but take it upon yourself to spend time today marveling at what intrigues you.
You could find in how the waves overlap and crash, or how the sun rises and sets. It could be how the trees sway, or the ground dips. There’s so much beauty around, and the more you notice it, the more you’ll feel blessed daily.
We invite you to go on this journey and grow closer to Him because of it. As Spring gives way to Summer, our trees will bloom with colour, and our days will grow longer.
Use the changes in the season, and in our world to lean in on the worldly gifts you’ve been bestowed, and call out to Him when you do:
How Perfect are You O Allah, and all praise is Yours. Your Name is most blessed, Your majesty is exalted and there is no god worthy of worship except You!