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Every human soul derives great pleasure and spiritual comfort from the natural beauties and phenomena. The majestic view of a wide open landscape; far away peaks of mountains and the surrounding greeneries satiate our hearts with great aesthetic feelings.
Tranquility of forests or sight and sound of water flowing down the hills or rolling through the trees and stones leaves every human being in awe.
Response to natural beauty is universal. Peoples of any ethnicity or any region having different faith or even no faith at all often describe spiritual-like feelings when standing before a grand canyon, a tranquil forest, or vast seashore. Nature speaks a common language, touching the soul of everyone irrespective of race and creed.
Although natural beauties give us aesthetic feelings and satiate our hearts we are often heedless to think about nature. Is it the great artwork of some Master Artist? Is there any purpose behind this majestic artwork?
As a human-being we must not deny our responsibility to know about nature and its purpose. In order to discover the truth about nature and its phenomena we should deeply reflect on it pushing aside all the prejudices, taboos and constraints of mind.
Beauty in the natural world evokes wonder in the thoughtful minds and prompts them to seek deeper meaning beyond the materials. Every sunrise, every flowering plant, every harmonious ecosystem reckons to something beyond itself. Any sincere thinker can find from the awe of nature that it is a pointer to the existence of a Higher Power.
The beauty in nature is like a gentle invitation, a constant reminder that there is a Supreme Authority who is the Originator of all these things we see and enjoy. Islam teaches that the Supreme Authority is Allah SWT Who created the heavens and the earth and everything in between including the human-beings. The Qur'an proclaims:
هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَـٰلِقُ ٱلْبَارِئُ ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ لَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ
"He is Allah, the Creator, the Inventor, the Fashioner; to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise." (Qur'an 59:24).
This verse in the Qur'an highlights an Islamic worldview in which every aspect of nature, from the grandeur of the galaxies to the tiniest insect at the bottom of the ocean reflects intentional design and divine wisdom.
Nature is the majestic tapestry of beauty and intricacy woven by the Master Artist, the Creator. He has presented the universe to the mankind as a vast book written in the language of beauty, order, and purpose. This is parallel to the written verses of the Qur'an:
سَنُرِيهِمْ ءَايَـٰتِنَا فِى ٱلْـَٔافَاقِ وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِهِمْ حَتَّىٰ يَتَبَيَّنَ لَهُمْ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ أَوَلَمْ يَكْفِ بِرَبِّكَ أَنَّهُۥ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ شَهِيدٌ
"We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. -----?" (Qur'an 41:53).
The greatness of the Creator can be perceived in nature through observing the intricate details and harmonious order of creation, which reflect His omnipotence, wisdom, and mercy. In Islamic thought, the majestic harmony and aesthetics of creation are seen as unmistakable signs (ayat) pointing to the wisdom and presence of the Creator.
The natural beauty is a bridge from creation to the Creator. By appreciating the beauty in nature as a sign of Allah, one's journey through the world becomes graceful with moments of transcendence. The Qur'an mentions:
ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلًا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ
"Those who remember Allah while standing, sitting or (reclining) on their backs, and reflect in the creation of the heavens and the earth, (saying): 'Our Lord! You have not created this in vain. Glory to You! Save us, then, from the chastisement of the Fire." (Qur'an 3:191).
When one truly senses the vastness and perfection of creation, pride and heedlessness vanish from the mind and reverence and readiness arise to acknowledge a Higher Power. The Qur'an alludes to this transformative power when it says:
ثُمَّ ٱرْجِعِ ٱلْبَصَرَ كَرَّتَيْنِ يَنقَلِبْ إِلَيْكَ ٱلْبَصَرُ خَاسِئًا وَهُوَ حَسِيرٌ
"Then look again and yet again, your sight will return to you in a state of humiliation and worn out." (Qur'an 67:4).
Thus when we experience something eye-catching and beautiful in the nature, Islam encourages us to see Allah's signature in those phenomena.
In Islam, it is thought that nature serves as a potent reminder of Allah's creation and power fostering reverence and a sense of awe in believers. In Islamic view, beauty in nature deliberately delights our senses, engage our minds, and elevate our souls - ultimately guiding us to remember and love the Source of all beauty.
In essence, Islam views nature not as a mere object to be exploited, but as a source of spiritual and ethical guidance, encouraging Muslims to cultivate Allah-fearing attitude (Takwa) through appreciation of its beauty, power, and interconnectedness.
Natural beauties constantly alert the believers to remember Allah's attributes and to contemplate over His power and wisdom that leads to build strong Takwa. Muslim minds find an interconnectedness of the beauties and intricacy of nature with the Great Creator urging them to appreciate all these as signs of Allah.
Beauty in nature is a form of light that illuminates the soul. The experience of beauty in nature is a moment of transcendence - our soul recognizes something eternal shining through the temporal. It softens our hearts, makes us more receptive to spiritual truths.
Many people admits that when they come close to natural beauty they spontaneously feel close to Allah and it guides them to pray after a long time of neglecting prayer. Such is the gentle but profound effect of beauty.
It bypasses intellectual defenses and speaks directly to the soul. When we experience the splendid colors of leaves emerging together in different shades, the radiance of a flower, or the generosity of a fruit-bearing tree, Islam guides us to feel the presence of Allah and His wisdom in these phenomena.
In essence, beauty in nature serves as a gentle but persistent call toward faith. It engages the aesthetic, rational, ethical, and spiritual faculties of mind of the human being. It makes the eyes delightful, the conscience feels grateful and responsible, and the soul senses the divinity. The Qur'an encapsulates this in verses like:
وَفِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ءَايَـٰتٌ لِّلْمُوقِنِينَ .وَفِىٓ أَنفُسِكُمْ أَفَلَا تُبْصِرُونَ
"And on the earth are signs for the certain [in faith], and in yourselves. Then will you not see?" (Qur'an 51:20-21).
Believers have been constantly advised in the Qur'an to engage in contemplation on nature as a practice to sharpen their awareness of Allah. The Qur'an teaches that the more we reflect on the nature, the more we can sharpen our Iman (belief) and deepen our connection with Allah SWT.
The great Creator Allah SWT has created the Jannah (جنّة) or Paradise with eternal bliss and all perfections as rewards to the believers for their solid faith and good deeds. Beauties, tranquility and happiness of Jannah are far surpassing anything imaginable in this world which no one has ever seen or known.
The Qur'an describes Jannah with breathtaking beauty, emphasizing its lush gardens, flowing rivers, abundant food, beautiful maidens, mansions in gardens right next to springs or rivers etc. It also highlights the eternal nature of this place, free from hardship and fatigue, and adorned with riches and adornments like gold, jewels, and silk.
Many verses of the Qur'an highlight the physical, spiritual, and emotional blessings awaiting those who enter Jannah.
وَعَدَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَـٰتِ جَنَّـٰتٍ تَجْرِى مِن تَحْتِهَا ٱلْأَنْهَـٰرُ خَـٰلِدِينَ فِيهَا وَمَسَـٰكِنَ طَيِّبَةً فِى جَنَّـٰتِ عَدْنٍ وَرِضْوَٰنٌ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِ أَكْبَرُ ذَٰلِكَ هُوَ ٱلْفَوْزُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ
"Allah has promised the believing men and believing women gardens beneath which rivers flow, wherein they abide eternally, and pleasant dwellings in gardens of perpetual residence; but approval from Allah is greater. It is that which is the great attainment." (Qur'an 9:72).
مَّثَلُ ٱلْجَنَّةِ ٱلَّتِى وُعِدَ ٱلْمُتَّقُونَ فِيهَآ أَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّن مَّآءٍ غَيْرِ ءَاسِنٍ وَأَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّن لَّبَنٍ لَّمْ يَتَغَيَّرْ طَعْمُهُۥ وَأَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّنْ خَمْرٍ لَّذَّةٍ لِّلشَّـٰرِبِينَ وَأَنْهَـٰرٌ مِّنْ عَسَلٍ مُّصَفًّى وَلَهُمْ فِيهَا مِن كُلِّ ٱلثَّمَرَٰتِ وَمَغْفِرَةٌ مِّن رَّبِّهِمْ كَمَنْ هُوَ خَـٰلِدٌ فِى ٱلنَّارِ وَسُقُوا۟ مَآءً حَمِيمًا فَقَطَّعَ أَمْعَآءَهُمْ
"The description of Paradise which the righteous have been promised is that in it are rivers of water the taste and smell of which are not changed; rivers of milk of which the taste never changes; rivers of wine delicious to those who drink; and rivers of clarified honey (clear and pure) therein for them is every kind of fruit; and forgiveness from their Lord.." (Qur'an 47:15).
It is quite apparent from these verses that the blissful abode or Jannah promised to the true believers in the Afterlife is unique and elegant. Everything in Jannah will be just as a believer desires. Environmental conditions of Jannah have been designed to give the human spirit true satiety and comfort.
The Great Creator Allah SWT has proclaimed in the Qur'an:
وَمَا خَلَقْنَا ٱلسَّمَآءَ وَٱلْأَرْضَ وَمَا بَيْنَهُمَا لَـٰعِبِينَ
"And We did not create the heaven and the earth and what is between them in play." (Qur'an 21:16).
There are many such verses in the Qur'an where Allah SWT repeatedly mentioned that He has not created anything without any purpose. Therefore, He has a definite purpose in creating the natural beauties and phenomena. It is not for mere enjoyment of the human-beings. The beautiful and intricate nature presents important indications and lessons to the humankind.
The eternal realm of Jannah will be accessible in the Afterlife to those who can achieve perfections in their deeds in this world along with mercy and blessings of Allah. The Qur'an reveals that perfect beauties, aesthetics, satiation and peace prevail only in Jannah which never diminish and do not have any match in this world.
The natural beauties and pleasures what we observe on the earth can never be compared with the eternal beauties in the Jannah. However, it can be considered as a mere reflection or preview of the lush beauties and comfort of Jannah. In essence, natural beauty is a kind of projection of the eternal beauties of Jannah in a very weak form.
Compared to the beauties of Jannah, the natural beauties are very insignificant. Allah SWT has bestowed a very small fraction of theheavenly peace and blessings on earth in order to give a glimpse of the unbounded beauties, peace and comforts of Jannah to the mankind.
Deeply reflecting on the natural beauties which is a fractional projection of the heavenly happiness and beauties one can perceive the multitude of perfect beauties and aesthetics in Jannah. Therefore, natural beauty shows the humankind a gateway to the actual peace and happiness which awaiting the true believers in the Afterlife. It is a reminder from the Merciful Allah to us to be careful of our responsibility in this world.
From the beginning of the human journey on the earth the nature has been a great awe to the humanity. Why do humans feel a deep connection with nature? Only from Islamic point of view, it is possible to explain the reason why the beauty of nature is so pleasing to the humans. According to the Islamic faith the human spirit has been created for Jannah, the realm of eternal beauties.
So, human soul feels a connectedness with beauty. The father of the humankind, Adam Alaihis Salam and his spouse Eve descended from Jannah. They had profound love for beauties in their minds, because the world of eternal beauty, the Jannah, was their original abode. Afterwards, the love for beauty has been genetically passed down from them to all the progenies of the humans.
In essence, Allah SWT has created humans with the instinct of love for nature in their minds. That's why every human being derives unbounded pleasure and peace from the natural beauties.
The love for natural beauties is in strong agreement with the Islamic faith that the humans descended from the Jannah and not at all originated through the evolution process on the earth. Apart from the fact that the humans love nature, they also like natural environments in their dwelling place.
They like to live in villas or mansions surrounded by gardens and greeneries, lakes and artificial fountains. All these simulate an environment of Jannah around their home which pleases their hearts.
Furthermore, humans are fond of natural stuffs. They like to decorate interior of their houses with wood or bamboo, they like wooden or bamboo made furniture for their houses. They like to stay under the shade of trees.
These features of human character also indicate a connectedness of human soul with the nature and beauty reckoning to their ultimate abode of beauty, the Jannah. All these facts indicate that Jannah was the original dwelling place of humans and they possess an imprint of the beauties of Jannah in their genes which direct them to love nature and its beauties.
Allah SWT made the human race begin from Jannah and finally terminate into Jannah by successfully completing a journey through this world with righteous deeds.
Anybody who adopt improper route in the journey along with wrong doings being prey to the deception of Shaitan (Satan) will terminate into hell. Thus the love for nature is a genetically built-in characteristic feature of the humans. Allah SWT has endowed them with this quality so that they can have a feeling of the pleasure and comfort of Jannah (in a miniature scale) in this world.
The aesthetic feelings for beauties may guide the humankind to the right path and instigate them to strive for Jannah. This is a special mercy and blessing of Allah SWT to the mankind.
When we come close to the nature our minds become overwhelmed with its beauty and aesthetics. We forget our materialistic life and our minds find a relief from all kinds of worldly preoccupations. The Qur'an often uses the beauty of nature as an introduction to talking about the Hereafter or Higher Realities, precisely because it lifts our gaze from worldly preoccupations.
The Qur'an describes Jannah as Gardens beneath which rivers flow with fruit-laden trees, pleasant shade, outpouring water from springs etc. The lush descriptions of Jannah in the Qur'an also indicate that what we find beautiful in the nature is a mere preview of the perfect beauty in Jannah.
This preview helps us to raise our focus from temporal to spiritual level guiding us to the path of achieving perfect Takwa. We should express our highest gratitude to Allah, the Almighty for adorning the nature with beautiful and aesthetic views through which we can make a preview of the realm of Jannah.
Where Do Hearts Find Rest… If Not in Allah?
