“And it is He 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)
In this incredibly vivid verse, Allah (SWT) reminds us that He (SWT) alone created the environment we live, breath, work, and play in each day. Part of His majesty is the creation of the beautiful land and water surrounding us, providing both physical and spiritual sustenance. There are few things more beautiful than the landscapes and backdrops we are blessed to call home here in Canada, and yet, we often take them for granted.
How often does the greatness of a mountain cause us to remember Allah (SWT) and turn back to Him?
When we feel the coolness of the crisp blue water of the oceans and rivers, do we thank Him?
Does the sight of fruits and vegetables of all sizes, shapes, and colours remind us of the bounty that Allah (SWT) bestowed upon us?
Do the incredible and almost unreal colours of flowers in lush gardens cause us to pause and reflect on the unique and unmatched work of our Creator – work that could never be replicated by us – the creation?
Do we pause to think about the fact that no matter which camera, phone, app, or filter we use, we can never truly capture the beauty of what our eyes see before us?
The vivid imagery in this verse is a reminder to us all. All of the serene beauty that surrounds us is not simply there to be looked at and photographed. There is no doubt that as Allah (SWT) says, these are ‘signs for a people who believe’.
May Allah (SWT) make us of those who not only recognize but respond to those signs, and ultimately make us of those who truly believe. Ameen.
