Enlightened by the Quran

The Enchanted Realms: A Journey of Reflection

Heba Shakeel

 

Have you ever taken a moment to observe your surroundings? Have you ever wondered how tiny seeds sprout into towering trees, their branches reaching for the sky? Have you marvelled at the celestial dance of the sun and the moon, as they take turns in lightening up the sky? Have you looked up at the night sky and contemplated how the stars have guided travellers for centuries, like beacons in the vastness of space?

 

Have you ever considered how much colour and beauty would be lost from our world if seeds just refused to germinate? The natural world, with all its beauty and intricacies, serves as a profound source of inspiration and guidance. It beckons us to ponder the profound questions of our existence: How were we created? What is the purpose behind the rain that causes barren landscapes to burst forth with life?

 

In the heart of nature’s grand tapestry, imagine a world where seeds refused to fulfil their destiny. Picture the barren landscapes, devoid of the vibrant colors and lush beauty we so often take for granted. Yet, seeds teach us profound lessons about life and growth in this seemingly simple act of sprouting.

 

In Chapter 6 of the Noble Quran, we come across some of the Most beautiful verses. They vividly illustrate the incredible power of Allah. 

“Indeed, Allah is the One Who causes seeds and fruit stones to sprout. He brings forth the living from the dead and the dead from the living.” (Surah An’am: Verse 95)

 

This reveals His role as the catalyst for life’s miracles. He proclaims Himself as the force that causes seeds to split, setting in motion the remarkable journey of growth. It is in this very verse that He reminds us of His power to grant life after death.

 

Consider for a moment the parallel between the seed’s journey and our own. When we stagnate, when we resist the call to evolve and flourish, we not only deny ourselves the chance to grow but also rob the world of the beauty and vitality we possess within. The universe, in all its splendour, is a testament to the divine artistry of creation, and we, as sentient beings, are entrusted with the privilege of participating in this grand masterpiece.

Just as Allah, the Almighty imbued the seed with the ability to sprout and reach for the sun, He has bestowed upon us the potential for growth and transformation. It is an invitation to embrace the full spectrum of life’s meaning and purpose. To remain stagnant, to refuse growth, is to prematurely choose a state akin to spiritual dormancy, a form of self-imposed hibernation.

In the seed’s journey from dormancy to vitality, we find a profound metaphor for our own lives—a call to sprout, to thrive, and to paint the world with the vivid hues of our aspirations.

 

In the next verse, we are presented with a profound reflection on the natural world and its divine order.

“He causes the dawn to break, and has made the night for rest and ˹made˺ the sun and the moon ˹to travel˺ with precision. That is the design of the Almighty, All-Knowing.” – (Surah An’am: Verse 96)

 

The verse begins with the assertion that Allah causes the dawn to break. This opening phrase underscores the cyclical nature of time and the regularity with which the sun rises, giving birth to a new day. Dawn represents a symbol of hope, renewal, and a fresh start. It is a reminder that each day brings with it opportunities for growth, change, and improvement. 

The verse then highlights the purpose of the night, describing it as a period of rest. Nighttime is when the world finds respite from the intensity of the day, a time when living beings rejuvenate themselves through sleep and rest. 

Furthermore, the verse acknowledges the precision with which the sun and the moon operate. The sun, a blazing orb of energy, provides the light and warmth necessary for life to flourish on Earth. Its consistent rising and setting are governed by precise celestial mechanics, ensuring the regularity of day and night.

The moon, too, plays a significant role. Its phases mark the passage of time and regulate tides. The synchronization between the sun and the moon, as they travel through the heavens, is a testament to the meticulous design of the cosmos. It is a harmonious dance orchestrated by our Creator, allowing life to thrive on this planet. This verse serves as a testament to the profound belief that nothing in this universe operates by chance; everything is intricately designed and governed by the Divine.

 

In the next verse, Allah, the Almighty is reminding us of His divine guidance through the creation of stars. 

“And He is the One Who has made the stars as your guide through the darkness of land and sea. We have already made the signs clear for people who know.” – (Surah An’am: Verse 97)

 

The purpose of these stars is to serve as reference points and navigational aids, particularly in times of darkness, when travelling across land and sea.

The verse highlights the precision and order in the universe, where stars are not randomly scattered but are part of a well-structured system. Their positions and movements are consistent and reliable, making them valuable for navigation and orientation.

 

Additionally, Allah mentions that He has detailed these signs for a specific category of people, namely, those who possess knowledge. This knowledge may refer to the ability to use the stars for navigation, but it can also extend to deeper spiritual and metaphysical insights, as the universe itself serves as a sign of God’s existence and creative power.

 

And Allah knows best.

 

In the next verse,

“And He is the One Who originated you all from a single soul, then assigned you a place to live and another to ˹be laid to˺ rest. We have already made the signs clear for people who comprehend.”– (Surah An’am: Verse 98)

 

In this verse, Allah reminds us that He is the one who created all of humanity from a single soul. This emphasizes the shared origin of all human beings, regardless of their diverse backgrounds, races, or ethnicities. This unity serves as a reminder of our interconnectedness and mutual responsibility towards one another.

Furthermore, Allah has not only created us but has also assigned us a place to live. This signifies not only our physical dwelling on Earth but also the broader context of the world as our temporary abode. It reminds us that our existence in this world is a divine assignment, an opportunity for personal growth, and a test of our character and deeds.

Just as we are brought into existence, we are also destined to return to our Creator. The concept of ‘rest’ here signifies the eventual end of our worldly journey, a return to our Creator, and a state of accountability for our actions in this life. It prompts reflection on the transient nature of our existence and the importance of preparing for the hereafter.

 

The verse concludes by stating that Allah has detailed these signs for those who “understand” or “comprehend”. It encourages individuals to reflect on these signs as a means of deepening their understanding of their purpose and connection to the Creator. 

 

The last verse in this context, Surah Al-An’am (6:99), beautifully describes the divine process of rain, the diversity of plant life and invites us to reflect on these signs.

“And He is the One Who sends down rain from the sky—causing all kinds of plants to grow—producing green stalks from which We bring forth clustered grain. And from palm trees come clusters of dates hanging within reach. ˹There are˺ also gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates, similar ˹in shape˺ but dissimilar ˹in taste˺. Look at their fruit as it yields and ripens! Indeed, in these are signs for people who believe.”

This verse begins by mentioning that Allah is the One who sends down rain from the sky. We know that rain is a fundamental element of life on Earth, and it plays a vital role in nourishing plants and sustaining ecosystems. Allah’s act of sending rain is a manifestation of His providence and care for His creation. The verse then mentions how rain causes all kinds of plants to grow. It’s a reminder of the miraculous transformation that takes place when water touches the Earth. Dry, seemingly lifeless soil bursts forth with greenery and life when rain showers upon it. This growth is a sign of Allah’s power and ability to bring life from what appears lifeless. 

 

The verse further describes the diversity of plants that Allah brings forth from the Earth. It mentions green stalks bearing clustered grain, palm trees with dates, and gardens of grapevines, olives, and pomegranates. Each of these plants has its unique qualities and uses, and they provide sustenance and benefit to humanity. The verse acknowledges that these plants, while similar in appearance (having clusters), offer different tastes and flavours. The verse encourages believers to ponder the growth and diversity of plant life, recognizing these as divine signs that point to Allah’s existence and His role as the Creator and Sustainer of the natural world.

 

Finally, Allah addresses the misguided belief held by some people who associate the jinn with Allah in acts of worship. The jinn are supernatural beings created by Allah from smokeless fire. While they possess free will like humans and can choose to follow a path of obedience or disobedience to Allah, they are not deities to be worshipped.

 

“Yet they associate the jinn with Allah ˹in worship˺, even though He created them, and they falsely attribute to Him sons and daughters out of ignorance. Glorified and Exalted is He above what they claim!” – (Surah An’am: Verse 98)

 

The verse also mentions another grave error committed by some individuals: attributing sons and daughters to Allah. Such beliefs are rooted in ignorance and are contrary to the fundamental concept of Allah’s absolute oneness (Tawhid) in Islam.

The verse concludes with a powerful statement, affirming the absolute transcendence of Allah above what people claim about Him. It emphasises that Allah is far beyond any human-like characteristics, relationships, or associations attributed to Him. He is glorified and exalted above all such false beliefs and practices.

 

In the creations of Allah, we find not only guidance but a reflection of His mercy and grace. May we, as seekers of truth, continue to gaze upon the world with wonder, embrace the growth that life offers, and find our ultimate guidance in the boundless wisdom of the Creator.