Islam places a significant emphasis on nature and its relationship with humanity. God in the Quran describes the eternal abode for the believers Jannaat (gardens), as places of exquisite and unimaginable beauty.
Some of our best memories from childhood are playing outside with our siblings and friends. It may have looked like playing made-up games in the park, hitting or kicking a ball in the alleyway, or even playing in the dirt in your backyard.
“And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
Haven't spoken to your friend in a long time? Had a bad fallout with a family member recently? Perhaps the standoff between you and the other person compels you to not patch things up with them again for a long time or even forever. And why not?
Over the last decade and a half in my involvement with organizing Islamic events in the Northeast, there have been two familiar faces that I consistently see in the audience.
Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, exemplified virtue and noble conduct from a young age, abstaining from prevalent immoral practices such as idolatry, intoxication, oppression, and dishonesty.