Awakening Determination

O travelers of life's paths, the Earth moans, our planet moans, and our ship moans. The Earth, with its daily cries in the form of earthquakes and tsunami waves, drowning floods, storms here and there, unprecedented heat, and continuous drought in our Arab regions and even in areas we once considered or heard of as having a winter climate, is in pain and distress. There are glaring scientific indicators - not mere theories - confirming that our ecological system is transforming and changing, possibly irreversibly, if societies insist on maintaining the diversity of their cultures, religions, economic models, and ideologies while remaining ignorant of what is happening. Isn't this due to the pride of societies and their adherence to the unsustainable excessive materialistic consumption pattern that has caused severe environmental damage to the Earth, oceans, and atmosphere, leading to the depletion of animal and plant species and natural energy resources? All while believing that we are detached from the world and that money is the solution to all problems? This approach is certainly flawed, gentlemen, and has been known to be so for a long time. 

Our planet Earth, in our estimation, noble gentlemen, is a living being like us, to which we belong willingly or unwillingly. It was created to be stewards in it. It is a part of us, and we are a part of it. Our suffering is its suffering, and vice versa. There is no independent separation in meaning or essence. Otherwise, why did God honor us with stewardship and honor the Earth with existence before us, as stated in the words of God, "And [mention, O Muhammad], when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I will make upon the earth a successive authority.'" (Quran 2:30). Also, His saying, "And [mention] when your Lord said to the angels, 'Indeed, I am creating a human being from clay - from molded mud.'" (Quran 38:71). Similarly, His saying, "And of His signs is that He created you from dust; then, suddenly you were human beings dispersing." (Quran 30:20). And His saying, "And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created, with [definite] preference." (Quran 17:70). Are not our souls noble, as mentioned in the words of God, "And when your Lord said to the angels, 'I am creating a human being from clay, from molded mud,' so when I have proportioned him and breathed into him of My [created] soul, then fall down to him in prostration.'" (Quran 38:28-29). Did not the angels prostrate to Adam? Is not the Earth generous with life compared to the other planets in the solar system? Is not God's power acting on the Earth and on us simultaneously, along with His kindness, beauty, and majesty? Is not everything in the Earth or, let's say, in the universe, glorifying God like us, as stated by God, "Whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth is exalting Allah, the Sovereign, the Pure, the Exalted in Might, the Wise." (Quran 62:1).

In the universe, collectively and in detail, we come to know the beauty, majesty, power, generosity, kindness, and greatness of God, for He is the First and the Last, the Apparent and the Hidden. The universe, including the Earth, is, of course, a source of knowledge about God for us, and we, in turn, are a source for the universe in its perception of itself through continuous contemplation and observation, leading to the path of truths. As God says: "We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth. But is it not sufficient concerning your Lord that He is, over all things, a Witness?" (Quran 41:53).

The world is a creation, and we are also created, with no separation or independence from each other. All are creations of God, as mentioned in the Quran: "Say, 'Have you considered that which you invoke besides Allah? Show me what they have created of the earth; or did they have partnership in [creation of] the heavens? Bring me a scripture [revealed] before this or a [remaining] trace of knowledge, if you should be truthful.'" (Quran 46:4, Surah Al-Ahqaf).

The world is a creation, and all people are as well. Our connection to it is by the hidden will of God, in the secret of the lights of the spiritual dimension of life. There is no healing for the Earth from the damages mentioned, and no survival for humanity except by returning to the truth, addressing ourselves, preserving our environment, and constantly listening to the Earth's sighs that awaken us to our transgressions. Our separation from the Earth is akin to our separation from the servitude represented by the knowledge of God, as God says: "Corruption has appeared throughout the land and sea by [reason of] what the hands of people have earned, so He may let them taste part of [the consequence of] that which they have done that perhaps they will return [to righteousness]." (Quran 30:41, Surah Ar-Rum).

To restore the Earth to true balance, the humanity must be restored  to its designated position. This position is manifested in respecting what God has created. As our noble Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "The whole earth has been made a place of worship and pure for me."

In the names of Allah, the entire universe is nourished. So why has humanity, for centuries, worked to forcefully sever its connection with the Earth and arrogantly cut off all praises of creation, whether individually or collectively? Hasn't the time come, before it's too late, to respond to the continuous calls of the Earth to preserve it with our hearts, souls, and actions?

"Has the time not come for those who have believed that their hearts should become humbly submissive at the remembrance of Allah and what has come down of the truth?" (Quran 57:16, Surah Al-Hadid).

It's time to awaken determination. If paradise is the beginning for humanity and the beginning of our knowledge of God, then we must not forget that our settlement on Earth is also knowledge, stewardship, responsibility, and action. Our planet needs our attention and preservation for future generations. It needs us, and we need it. Do not be like those who forget God, for He will make them forget themselves. Indeed, God is truthful and great.

The constant is Allah, the Almighty, and to Him is the final destination.

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Source: "Depths of the Soul" by Dr. Abdeljalil Rusi El-Hassani.

The  Shadhiliya Darqawiya Rusiya Al-Hassaniya Path

The Kingdom of Morocco

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