Reading time: 2 minutes

In the early days of the mosque in Madinah, the Prophet ﷺ would deliver his Friday sermons while standing beside the trunk of a date palm tree.

As the congregation grew, an Ansari woman offered to construct a small pulpit for him so that he would be more visible and carry his voice further.

The Prophet ﷺ agreed, and a new pulpit of three steps was built.

On the following Friday, As the Prophet ﷺ ascended the new pulpit, the mosque was filled with the sound of weeping.

The Sahaba looked around, confused.

But the Prophet ﷺ immediately descended and walked over to the old stump.

He gently placed his hand on the tree trunk, soothing it like one calms a crying child.

The tree stump had cried out, grieving the loss of the Prophet’s physical presence next to it.

The mosque shook from the intensity of the tree’s cries, and the people present were moved to tears.

The Prophet ﷺ embraced the tree until it quieted.

This story reminds us that even the inanimate parts of creation are deeply connected to the Prophet ﷺ and the message of Allah.

Another touching example of the Prophet’s ﷺ compassion toward the natural world is the story of the weeping camel.

The camel, suffering from neglect and overwork, approached the Prophet ﷺ with tears in its eyes.

In response, the Prophet ﷺ wiped its tears and reminded its owner, “Won’t you fear Allah regarding these animals which Allah has placed in your possession? For it has complained to me that you starve it and overwork it.”

This profound moment shows that compassion in Islam extends not only to human beings but to all creatures.

We are caretakers of the earth and its inhabitants and are encouraged to treat everything with respect and kindness.

This compassion requires us to reconnect with the world around us.

There is a deep spiritual connection between our humanity and the natural world.

A 2021 study by UC Berkeley found that experiencing awe and presence in nature—observing the sky, listening to birds, or admiring a landscape—can significantly reduce stress and overthinking.

These moments of wonder help quiet our minds and restore our sense of peace.

During the pandemic, many people found comfort in nature.

Studies showed that those who spent more time observing the natural world felt more connected and less isolated.

Nature reminds us that we are part of something far more significant, calming our minds and uplifting our spirits.

Moreover, these moments of awe spark a curiosity and drive to explore the world.

It has a unique ability to stretch our awareness beyond our own lives, enabling us to recognize our smallness in the vastness of Allah’s creation.

When we take the time to observe nature, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and ideas, becoming more eager to learn and grow.

This self-transcending emotion propels us beyond our limited concerns and encourages us to contribute to something greater than ourselves—whether it’s through seeking knowledge, engaging in acts of service, or pursuing our higher callings.

It draws us closer to an awareness of Allah and helps us realize that every element of this world, from the tiniest ant to the vast sky, plays a role in Allah's intricate design.

The Qur’an frequently calls upon us to reflect on the signs of Allah in the world around us.

In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.” (2:164).

These signs surround us, calling us to reflect on Allah’s majesty and wisdom.

When we reconnect with the natural world, we nurture our hearts, minds, and souls, drawing ever closer to the Divine.