As the seasons change it is a cause for reflection, like in the “alternation of Night and Day”, these are “indeed signs for those of pure understanding” (Al-Imran; 3:190). Like in the very “creation of the heavens and the earth” and “the sailing of ships upon the sea”, and “the rain which Allah sends down from the skies”, and “and the beasts of all kinds”, and in ”the change of the winds and the clouds which they trail like their slaves”. These indeed are signs “for a people that are wise” (Al-Baqarah; 2:164).
To what knowledge is it that these signs do point, and who are the “wise” that can read them with “pure understanding”?
The Qur’an repeatedly calls our attention to the universe and the many signs around us, but how do we read them?
Unlike how we must be taught to understand a language, reading the signs of Allah should come naturally to us all. Impressed and in awe of the beautiful world around us and its perfect design, we should begin to feel our selfish desires melting away revealing that we too have a role in this creation. The beauty of these signs are designed to remind us of something beautiful within our souls; the knowledge that every aspect of creation is endued with a purpose and with this we should realize that we have one ourselves. In awe of the creation, and and this realization, we may then feel the weight of our own deficiencies; our selfish acts, desires, and shortcomings. We begin to think: How well do we fulfill what we were designed for?
Allah says: “Behold! In the creation of the heavens and earth, and the alternation of Night and Day – there are indeed Signs for those of pure understanding – Those who celebrate the praises of Allah, standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and contemplate the (wonders of) creation in the heavens and the earth. (With the thought that): ‘Our Lord! not for naught hast Thou created (all) this! Glory to Thee! Give us Salvation from the Penalty of the Fire’ ” (Al-Imran; 3:190-191).
If we are to be of those of “pure understanding” we must remember Allah, “standing, sitting, and lying down on [our] sides”; that is, we must remember Him at all times. And like in how a gift from a loved one reminds us of them every time we look upon it, the gift of this life, and this universe, and the blessing of a sound faith and sincere friends should always remind us of the One Who created all of it.
After contemplating the vastness of the universe, our purpose, and the threat of a corrupted soul not fulfilling the purpose for which it was made a pure heart should CALL OUT to its Lord: “Our Lord! we have heard the call of one calling (us) to Faith, ‘Believe ye in the Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord! forgive us our sins, blot out from us our iniquities, and take to Thyself our souls in the company of the righteous” (Al-Imran; 3:193)
The seasons changing are but a reminder to us all. How much have we changed and have we realized for what purpose we were created. What good qualities have blossomed from our faith and character? What good deeds have we done to show we are trying to be worthy of our Lord’s blessings and rewards? This spring how often will we contemplate on our Lord’s creation, and often shall we call upon Him to assist us in that for which we were designed?
Ibrahim J. Long 