• There is an essential need for visionary leaders within the ummah.
• Exploring Allah’s creation fosters reflection, sparks creativity, and cultivates innovative thinking.
Our ummah is in desperate need of trailblazers—visionaries like a modern-day Ibn Sina or Al Ghazali. Consequently, one must ask: Why have we lost the spirit to nurture such giants?
Well, there are numerous factors at play. One is generational trauma from our lands being continuously invaded and occupied. Another is the gora complex that many of us unknowingly harbour. Furthermore, we are often trapped on a hamster wheel of life, disconnected from nature, stifling our creative faculties.
I am the daughter of a Pilot, which means I got to traverse some of this world with my family as a child. I therefore feel relatively well positioned to present my postulation to you. I’m not here to tell you how to spend your hard earned cash but as your sister, I want us to contemplate on how vastly beautiful and breathtaking Allah swt has created this world and how the greatest minds in Islamic history were at one with the earth, making tadabbur over Allah’s creation.
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, the alternation of the night and the day, are signs for those of understanding.” (Qur’an 2:164) “Do they not look at the camels, how they are created? And at the sky, how it is raised? And at the mountains, how they are erected? And at the earth, how it is spread out?” (Qur’an 88:17-20)
These ayat emphasise the importance of contemplation and understanding of Allah’s creation, urging believers and disbelievers to reflect on the world around them as a sign of His existence and power.
The awe-inspiring splendor of this earth compels us to reflect on the nature of our Creator.
Al-Khaliq (The Creator): The intricate designs and diverse forms of life demonstrate Allah’s unparalleled creativity. Al-Jameel (The Most Beautiful): The aesthetic splendour found in nature showcases Allah’s attribute of beauty, evident in landscapes, flora, and fauna. Al-Muhaymin (The Preserver): The balance and harmony in ecosystems reflect Allah’s protective and sustaining nature, ensuring the continuity of life. Al-Razzaq (The Provider): The provision of sustenance through the beauty of nature—such as fruits, flowers, and natural landscapes—highlights Allah's role as the sustainer of all living beings. Al-Bari (The Evolver): The continuous evolution and adaptation of life forms display Allah's ability to create and transform life in wondrous ways.
Each of these attributes illustrates the connection between Allah azza wa Jal and the beauty observed in the world, prompting reflection and gratitude among believers. Furthermore, this contemplation leads us to consider our purpose in this vast world, which is, first and foremost, to worship Allah. However, to achieve excellence (ihsan) in our worship, we must also reflect on what actions we can take that are optimally pleasing to Allah.
Once upon a time, I was on a plane my father was in command of. He gestured to the night’s sky and said to me in Urdu, “Beta, look at how many stars are lighting up the sky. Allah created this. Ask Allah for anything because He is capable of so much more than we can imagine.”
I don’t think I would’ve been able to feel the sentiment of these words in the pit of my soul, had my father said them to me in Dubai Mall, sat outside Ben and Jerrys.
Later on in life. I learnt the tafsir of Surrah Kahf with one of my teachers. The travels of Khidr and Musa reminded me of my interaction with my father; how powerful life lessons can be learnt through travel and visual demonstration as opposed to in a stuffy classroom.
I used to think Allah swt created two types of people in this world. Those who possess depth of character and those who don’t. The ones who didn’t possess it booked trips to soulless, shiny, Dubai twice a year or all inclusive resorts. How horribly naive of me. I now think every single one of us possesses depth. However, Capitalism and materialism pollutes our hearts and erodes our minds and in turn, makes us stop appreciating authentically beautiful things.
“…They forgot Allah, so Allah forgot them” (Qur’an 9:76)
Muslims must be thinking people, and people of depth who love to make tadabbar and marvel at Allah’s natural creation which surrounds us. Not only so that we can revive our dead hearts by remembering Allah: But so that we can achieve great things, unlock innovative ideas in our minds, cut out the noise and leave a legacy behind.
There’s something powerfully humbling and chilling about making dikr whilst a mountain is staring at you dead in the face, something remarkable about being reminded of how powerful Allah is whilst walking through a canyon, or watching a dolphin playfully dance in the ocean.
The pioneering minds of our history accomplished extraordinary achievements, likely to be inspired by their profound connection to the dynamic and awe-inspiring creation of Allah. The greatest example of this, is the solace Rasool Allah (saw) felt whilst sat in a cave, mediating and contemplating on life around him.
Don’t get me wrong, I get it. Living in the west in particular comes with a hectic lifestyle. Places like Dubai and Doha offer luxury, unparalleled safety, never being lost in translation, fun activities for children, halal food galore, the adhan 5 times a day and clean and easily accessible places to pray. However, and I don’t want to be the grim reaper here but it does what it says on the tin. Moreover, seeking discomfort is the best thing for your soul.
I speak to mothers who will only ever book all inclusive resort holidays on their husbands bank cards when the summer holidays are approaching. They’ll not set foot outside their hotel in Antalya for the entire duration of 7 days. They tell me, “Sis, I’m knackered! I just need a break. Besides, these kids don’t want to look at a palace built by a sultan during the Ottoman empire. They want to go on a water slide and eat chips by the pool.” Is this poor parenting or am I being horribly naive again? I’m not saying kids shouldn’t have fun holidays with all those things but perhaps both types of holidays can be had? Are Muslim parents truly maximising opportunities for their children and nurturing the next Ibn Rushd?
There are many in our ummah, such as single mothers across the UK, who are deeply concerned about how they will manage their winter bills. Planning an October half-term holiday is a luxury beyond their reach. However, England offers abundant natural beauty, with parks and scenic walks along the River Thames providing equally enriching experiences for children. Given that one in three children now suffer from short-sightedness due to excessive screen time and reduced time outdoors, these simple outings hold immense value.
Seek discomfort! Become comfortable with being uncomfortable
Taking your child to explore Islamic Spain, for instance, allows them to connect with our rich history and fosters a sense of pride in their identity. Additionally, guiding them on a challenging hike not only reveals the strength and potential of their bodies but also instills resilience—teaching them not to retreat when life becomes difficult or relationships face turbulence. Such experiences mirror life’s inevitabilities (this is now beginning to sound like something out of a Paulo Coelho novel, I know).
Nowadays, many Muslims proudly showcase the flags of all the countries they have visited on their Insta profiles (a flex I don’t think I’ll ever be able to quite get my head around). If traveling the world has only heightened your tendency to boast, then what has it truly accomplished for you? And if you are a Muslim displaying a dozen flags on your Insta profile and Saudi Arabia isn’t one of them, what are you doing with your life? You haven’t been home yet. Moreover, what does it matter how many places you’ve visited if you return seeking validation from others online?
We are all transient travellers on this earth, and as such, we must adopt the mindset and spirit of pioneers. This transformation begins with nurturing innovative, creative, and unapologetically Muslim children.
If you haven’t been home yet, I strongly advise you too (may we all get that invitation). Additionally, Ustadh Adnan Rashid conducts educational, historical tours. These will certainly enable you and your children to gain a deeper understanding of our identity and our direction of travel in this world.
Furthermore, given the current state of the ummah and the ongoing genocide in Bad Al Sham, there is a pressing need for visionary leaders. The question I would like to leave you with is this: Do you want to be part of the froth on the ocean that our beautiful Prophet (saw) once spoke about, or would you like to be part of the small army that will drive transformation in the ummah and holistically serve the deen of Allah (azza wa jal)?
