"He created man from a clinging clot." (Surah Al-‘Alaq, 96:2)
This verse is a profound reminder of our humble beginnings—created from a mere clinging clot, dependent entirely on the mercy and power of Allah ﷻ.
Yes, our existence feels incredibly small in the grand scheme of Allah’s vast creation. Yet, this humility is not a source of insignificance, but a bridge to recognising Allah’s magnificence and our reliance on Him. I am also reminded of Allah’s Istighna and Iftiqor, but shall perhaps touch on that in another post.
As I reflect, it triggers a memory of my younger sci-fi nerd self watching the opening credits of Star Trek, which boldly declares space as the "final frontier." Now that I am older, the more I observe Allah’s creations above us and ponder upon Surah Al-‘Alaq, I realise that the true final frontier isn’t out there among the stars—it’s within us. The journey to truly know Allah ﷻ and our purpose is an exploration far more vast and intricate than anything the cosmos could offer.
Allah’s Creation Beyond Earth
This sense of humility deepens when I consider Allah’s creation beyond our earthly realm. The Universe, with its incomprehensible vastness, is often mentioned in the Quran. And indeed there are many, one of which is:
"So I swear by the positions of the stars—and indeed, it is a mighty oath if you could know." (Surah Al-Waqiah, 56:75-76)
This feeling is especially profound as we witness the planetary alignment this January 2025. For most of us, the Universe has often been something we see through images—photographs captured by NASA or distant galaxies glimpsed through sophisticated telescopes. But now, being able to look up and (possibly) see Venus, Mars, Saturn and Jupiter align with the naked eye feels like a scene from a science fiction movie turned into reality.
#planetparade
Even if we can’t spot every celestial body, the spectacle of the heavens brings the reality of Allah’s creation closer. It offers not just wonder but also a sense of reverence. Take the moon, for instance—a celestial body so near yet so far. Just gazing at it fills my heart with a unique sense of connection.
The Moon and the Messenger ﷺ
This is the same moon our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ once looked upon, centuries ago. When I pause to think about that, it tugs at my emotions. There’s a bittersweetness in knowing that the very creation he ﷺ gazed at is the one we gaze at today—a connection spanning centuries, binding the past, present, and eternity in a single glance.
It’s moments like these that make me realise the Quran’s beauty isn’t just in its verses—it’s in how those verses weave themselves into every part of creation, from the vast cosmos to the tiniest clinging clot.
Final Frontiers: Within and Beyond
In a way, the more I reflect on the Universe, the more I understand its purpose: to remind us of Allah’s greatness and to humble us. The Quran calls us to reflect on creation not for the sake of curiosity alone, but to contrast it to the Grand Creator and for us to submit to Him. True humility isn’t just realising how small we are—it’s recognising the immense power of the One who created everything, from the heavens and the earth to the depths of our hearts.
Your Turn
What’s something in Allah’s creation that humbles you?
Whether it’s the stars, the ocean, or the intricate design of our own bodies, I’d love to hear what fills your heart with awe and strengthens your connection to Allah ﷻ.
Also, did you catch the Planet Parade? Beam me a picture if you did!
Warm regards and sincere du’as,
Great article! It’s a reminder that while the celestial wonders reflect Allah’s grandeur, they also tether us to timeless moments of faith and reverence. Truly, the final frontier lies not just in exploring the cosmos, but in uncovering the depths of our connection to our Creator - a journey of humility, wonder, and profound submission. Thank you for such a stirring reminder.
Subhan'Allah! I love how you reflected on the moon and how it's the same one that the Prophet (pbuh) would gaze upon. I love learning about the earth and environment and when I learn about how each molecule, small as it may be, plays such a critical role in the maintenance of the earth. I feel awestruck learning about how everything in this is earth is so deliberate.