Nature, Reflection and Iman 

THERE IS A growing body of research showing that spending time in nature has a significant positive impact on mental health. This became especially evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, when many city dwellers — confined to their homes — experienced heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue.

Interestingly, newer studies suggest that it’s not merely being in nature that brings these benefits, but intentionally engaging with it. A person might pass through a park to jog or socialise, yet remain disconnected from the natural world around them. In such cases, nature becomes a passive backdrop, rather than a source of active reflection or presence, and the mental health benefits are weaker.

As Muslims, this idea is deeply familiar to us. What people term the natural world, of course, is none other than Allah’s creation. Our Lord not only calls us to observe His creation, but to reflect upon it. The Quran is replete with verses urging us to ponder the signs embedded in the natural world:

إِنَّ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ وَٱخْتِلَـٰفِ ٱلَّيْلِ وَٱلنَّهَارِ لَـَٔايَـٰتٍۢ لِّأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَلْبَـٰبِ

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.” (Aali ‘Imran 190)

وَفِى خَلْقِكُمْ وَمَا يَبُثُّ مِن دَآبَّةٍ ءَايَـٰتٌۭ لِّقَوْمٍۢ يُوقِنُونَ

And in the creation of yourselves and what He disperses of moving creatures are signs for people who are certain (in faith). (Al-Jathiyah 4)

To the believing heart, these signs naturally give rise to words that emerge unhesitantly and in awe, SubhanAllah! For when one truly sees the beauty, intricacy, and majesty of creation, it affirms that Allah is indeed Al-Khaliq, the Creator of boundless power and exquisite beauty. It strengthens our conviction in His existence and deepens our spiritual connection.

هَـٰذَا خَلْقُ ٱللَّهِ فَأَرُونِى مَاذَا خَلَقَ ٱلَّذِينَ مِن دُونِهِۦ ۚ بَلِ ٱلظَّـٰلِمُونَ فِى ضَلَـٰلٍۢ مُّبِينٍۢ

This is the creation of Allah. So show Me what those other than Him have created. Rather, the wrongdoers are in clear error.”* (Luqman 11)

Yet modernity seeks to sever that connection. It isolates human beings from the natural world, replacing it with concrete, steel, artificial turf, and digital illusions. In such environments, it becomes harder to turn our hearts toward Allah. Many children today have never witnessed a sunrise or sunset or a star-filled night sky, their view obscured by light pollution and tall buildings. Some are so far removed that they don’t know where milk or eggs come from. Is it any wonder that many — including Muslim youth — struggle to feel a connection to their Creator?

This is why it is so crucial for Muslims to consciously seek out moments in nature. It doesn’t need to be somewhere remote or exotic. Even a walk through the local park can suffice — if we go with the intention to observe, to reflect, and to remember Allah. That is the key.