Blog: Muslim inspirations

"Verily in the heavens and the earth are signs for those who believe. And in the creation of yourselves, and the fact that animals are scattered (through the earth), are signs for those of assured faith. And in the alternation of night and day, and that fact that Allah sends down sustenance from the sky, and revives therewith the earth after its death, and in the change of the winds, are signs for those who are wise" (45:3-5).

The Qur'an describes that Allah "made from water every living thing" (21:30).

Another verse describes how "Allah has created every animal from water. Of them are some that creep on their bellies, some that walk on two legs, and some that walk on four. Allah creates what He wills, for truly Allah has power over all things" (24:45).

These verses support the scientific theory that life began in the Earth's oceans. We think about the fact that 72% of the earth is covered by water, and that 80% of the human body is water. We also acknowledge the central role of water in spiritual practice, such as cleansing and blessing.

In the Hadith (the book of sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, Peace be upon him), we learn a different version of the Islamic Creation story. This version tells us that God took 7 handfuls of clay of different colours, and made humankind from that. From this we deduce that life is in our soil, comes from the soil, and that to take care of life we must take care of the soil. We also learn that diversity amongst humankind was an intentional part of Creation and it must be respected and valued as such.

So soil and water are sacred in the eyes of Allah and of humanity. Together, these elements nurture and support all of life. And yet there is persistent hunger in the world.

A contributor to SAFCEI’s Regional Interfaith Dialogue What does your faith say about food security and climate change?, farmer Nazeer Sonday, tells us: In the Islamic tradition fighting hunger is a jihad- a righteous struggle- fought in 4 ways.

• Islam recognizes food security as a valuable blessing,
• Islam encourages work and production,
• Islam discourages wasteful spending and consumption
• Islam considers solidarity towards others an obligation

Hunger is often the result of eco injustice, climate change, a consumerist world and corporate activity that values profits over people.

Islamic Poetry & Prayer

God's Garden

Lord, the air smells good today, straight from the mysteries within the garden of God. The trees in their prayer, the birds in praise, the first blue violets, kneeling.

- Rumi

Thanks and Gratitude

Bismillah Al-Rahman Al-Raheem In the name of God the most Merciful, the Beneficent. Oh Nourisher and Provider of all things. We offer our thanks and gratitude for this food, and for those who prepared it. In a world where so many are hungry, may we eat this food with humble hearts. We offer our thanks and gratitude for each member of our community and the opportunity that we all have to come together to do good. Dear God, may you bless our efforts and help us sit present with one another, mindful of our purpose. Bismillahi'wa' ala Barakatillah In the name of God and with the blessings of God, Let us begin.

- Tamara Mahmoud , Xavier Graduate '17 offered at Xavier Board of Trustees and student dinner, Feb. 16, 2017

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