A Woodland Walk can be an Act of Worship
Ramadan Guest Post #02
Ramadan Mubarak, to those observing.
This month, I will be sharing with you a series of guests posts from readers and writers around the world. It’s a way for me to take a break during this holy, introspective month, while also using this platform to uplift the voices of others. Today, we have a gorgeous piece from by Hannah Idil on treating the earth as a trust, and reconnecting with the wonder of nature…
Narrated by Anas bin Malik:
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, "There is none amongst the Muslims who plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person or an animal eats from it, but is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”
Even in the stillness of dawn, the sky is awash with colour. The lilac light floats through as an orange gleam emerges, the sweetness of the morning lustre performing to an audience full of living things. Yet for so many when Fajr comes, we pray and we sleep oblivious to the reflections and the movement of the sky we are missing out on.
Once the day arrives, we ready ourselves under the illusion of speed, our haste accelerating time. We cross through the outdoors on our journeys to be inside again, no time to witness the beauty of the natural world awakening. Eventually, when Duhr comes, we pray and we trudge on until nightfall. The cycle continues, and we remain unaware of all the wonderful workings of the world.
For billions, Ramadan requires a shift in these daily cycles. It demands that we schedule in the time to pour into acts of worship and feed into our souls, into our communities and into our bodies too. It reminds us that slowing down and being present is key in order to realign our hearts with purpose.
As I write, the first week of the holy month comes to a close. I vowed to spend as much of this time as I can do outside appreciating the gifts of nature, remembering that every leaf, every bug, every drop of water, every breath is a sign of Allah’s mercy and that we must extend the same mercy to His creation. The Earth is an amanah (a trust), and therefore our responsibility. It greatly benefits our spiritual lives to cherish nature and tend to the wildlife around us. Does waking up to the soft chorus of birds not stir something deep inside you, a reminder that all creation sings of gratitude to Allah? Have you never watched the sun, with its bold citrus hues, melt into the horizon and felt your heart swell with belief? Nature is constantly giving us reasons to be believe. Love of the Earth is a measure of health and imaan (faith).
The last few days I have been taking my ibadah (worship) outdoors, reading Quran by the water, listening to lectures on long woodland walks. I’ve been lucky the sun has been out over London and, inshaa Allah, long may it remain. It doesn’t have to be solitary either. Recently, I joined ASRA Club at one of their Park Walk and Talk events. It was a lovely display of sisterhood.
Love of the Earth is a measure of health and imaan (faith)
Ultimately, this piece is a heartfelt invitation for you to join me in treating the Earth with love and reverence, not just in Ramadan but always. I’m conscious of the fact that many of us live in urban landscapes where it’s not as easy to admire the natural world. But if you can look up and see even a single star in the sky, know that Allah meant for its light to reach you. Or if there is a flowerbed on your path someday, you can admire the delicate unfolding of the petals, knowing that it’s beauty is a testament to His artistry.
If you can look up and see even a single star in the sky, know that Allah meant for its light to reach you.
If you were at all moved by reading this, organisations such as Sustainably Muslim are worth following online. Here are some words of theirs that really resonated with me:
“Islam emphasises the concept of stewardship where humans are seen as caretakers of the Earth. This responsibility is not just a privilege but a duty that calls for us to protect and preserve the natural world. The Qur’an repeatedly encourages us to reflect on the beauty and balance found in creation, ultimately making us affirm our faith in the Creator.”
Hannah Idil is a writer from West London, spinning her world into words. She is currently busy working on her debut novel unraveling the complex reality of Black Muslim womanhood. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter at @hannahidil and dive into more of her musings on Substack at strawbone.substack.com.
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Beautiful Ramadan reflection ❤️ it's also Lent for Christians at the moment, and I felt encouraged to reflect and worship in nature too.
Such a peaceful walk. Thank you .