ISLAM: Our real habitat

There is a verse in the Quran which states: “We created pairs of all things so that you might reflect.” (51:49)

This verse of the Quran addresses those who have the ability to reflect and, by reflecting, learn a lesson. It is clear that this verse is addressed to human beings. It is asking an individual to ponder over the creation and pay heed to it.

Further pondering tells us that all the things that are present in this world have a habitat which is suitable for them. For instance, the orbiting stars have the vastness of space for their movement, vegetation has favourable soil to grow, the animals have the plains and the forest to serve their needs, the fish have water, etc. Similarly, in the universe, every creature has its own favourable habitat.

But there is only one creature which does not have the desired habitat. A human being finds himself in a world where he can barely survive. He has not found a world which has all the resources to meet his needs. This is the reason that man always lives in this world like a fish out of water

. He is always in distress. He never finds a propitious habitat. If man reflects on this reality, he will discover Paradise. And he will plan his life in a way which may lead him to his destination, that is, Paradise. The discovery of Paradise is the discovery of the wisdom of creation. This is what is meant by the exhortation of this verse of the Quran: “Therefore hasten to God.” (51:50)