Connecting with Allah SWT through Nature

Posted on December 28, 2020February 8, 2021 by Karyma Rios in Close to Nature

Last November I went for the first time to the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. It was an incredible trip, but more than that, it was a trip to take a break and breathe fresh air, a kind of escape from the chaotic routine which every week makes me feel overwhelmed.

Ever since I was a child, connecting with nature has always made me feel happy. I grew up with a scouting family, but this trip was completely different. In this trip, I could connect with Allah SWT through admiring huge innumerable pines, marvelous mountains, tiny colorful insects, incredible sunsets, and a sky full of gems.

I’m currently studying Islamic Psychology which is helping me to complement my knowledge in Islam and to deeply understand the message of Allah SWT. While reading, I came upon the term Tafakkur, which according to our scholars means to think on a subject deeply, and in great detail. Reflecting on the environment, flowers and animals embodies the essence of Islam.

Subhanallah, it’s incredible how admiring beautiful landscapes is a form of worship of God, Allah SWT. He is the only Creator of this entire universe, the only one who has the power to raise the sun every day and make the stars shine at night.

ٱلَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ ٱللَّهَ قِيَـٰمًۭا وَقُعُودًۭا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِى خَلْقِ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ رَبَّنَا مَا خَلَقْتَ هَـٰذَا بَـٰطِلًۭا سُبْحَـٰنَكَ فَقِنَا عَذَابَ ٱلنَّارِ

“They are those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth and pray, “Our Lord! You have not created all of this without purpose. Glory be to You! Protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Qur’an, 3:191)

Masha’Allah, while we are admiring nature, we are confirming and testifying that we believe in Allah SWT, our qalb (heart) lights up and our ruh (spirit) nourishes when we reflect. I totally felt connected to God when smelling the pine trees, looking at the river flowing and birds flying around – I felt Allah SWT was there. When we open our eyes from darkness, we become the ones who can identify Allah’s signs.

Photo was taken by Kary Rios during the sunset at Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Plastic Waste Generation by Country

Posted on December 28, 2020January 1, 2021 by Karyma Rios in Our Planet in Numbers

It’s incredible how plastic has been affecting our lives since the 1950s. Below you can identify the top five countries that generate the most plastic waste.

Source of Information: https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

Below you can find the world map picture of plastic generation per year.

Map taken from https://ourworldindata.org/plastic-pollution

We have to reflect and self-analyze to reduce these numbers because we are harming our earth which is our big mosque.

Allah SWT says in the Qur’an:

يَـٰبَنِىٓ ءَادَمَ خُذُوا۟ زِينَتَكُمْ عِندَ كُلِّ مَسْجِدٍۢ وَكُلُوا۟ وَٱشْرَبُوا۟ وَلَا تُسْرِفُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّهُۥ لَا يُحِبُّ ٱلْمُسْرِفِينَ

O children of Adam, take your adornment [i.e., wear your clothing] at every masjid,¹ and eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excess. (Qur’an, 7:31)

You can be a Green Khalifa and help the environment. Join the PLARN Sleeping Mat: Conserve, Crochet, Care project. Check here all the information about this incredible project and be a Guardian of the Earth.

All About Recycled Plastic Clothing and What You Should Be Wary Of

Posted on December 28, 2020December 31, 2020 by Kaylee Craig in Interesting Read

Did you know that your laundry load could be releasing microplastics into waterways in your region?

If your clothing or other household fabrics are made of synthetic fibers (plant-derived or petroleum-derived) such as Polyester, Nylon, Acrylic, Rayon, Fleece, Microfleece, Spandex, and Acetate, then they’re releasing microplastics into the environment through the sludge left over after wastewater treatment.

Fortunately, there are solutions to this problem. This article explores the problem in depth through the trend of recycled plastic clothing and offers some solutions. It is worth noting that the article doesn’t mention that natural fibers (e.g., cotton, linen, wool, silk, etc.) don’t pose a problem, since they easily biodegrade.

If you want to learn more about the microplastic problem, there is a ton of research out there on this topic that will help you understand the impact on your region and some possible solutions. For more information visit https://www.onegreenplanet.org/lifestyle/all-about-recycled-plastic-clothing-and-what-you-should-be-weary-of/

An Evergreen Ramadan

Posted on June 24, 2020December 29, 2020 by Caroline Williams in Blog Post

Caroline started her green house on the second day of Eid, May 24, 2020. She considers herself a zero experience gardener and challenged herself to start planting seeds and food scraps during the Green Ramadan. She begun germinating tomato and bell pepper seeds indoor. She used toilet paper rolls to grow the seedlings. She also planted garlic, shallots, and milkweed seeds she got from Save Our Monarchs event. To her surprise, all the seeds grew well and fast. She felt like, nature was really nice to her.

One day, she went to her local grocery store and saw a green house displayed for sale. She took a picture and showed it to her husband. To her surprise again, he told her to get the green house right away, on that same day. About a week later, on the second day of Eid, the green house was assembled.

The first day of Green House on the second Eid 2020

She had no clue how to deal with a green house especially in Chicago with extreme temperature in summer and winter. She started learning things online. Just in a month, she is already facing three challenges; mosquitoes, too much sunshine, and the plastic cover was being ripped apart due to strong wind. She went online to find solutions for all the problems.

Today is one month anniversary of her green house. It becomes a sanctuary for her from all the craziness in the world during COVID19 pandemic and political crisis in the country. She is happy to see her plants grow well.

Until today, she is still in learning mode. She does not have a high expectation in regard to the yields. She really enjoys the opportunity to recycle her “junks” into whatever items needed for the green house or for the plants. For example, she recycles used wire hangers to create tomato cage, hooks to hang things, and to secure the green house to the ground.

Her current three principles to maintain her green house and enjoy her new adventure in gardening are (1) low expectations (2) low cost (3) maximum creativity. She is grateful that the green house makes her feels like this year Green Ramadan is her evergreen Ramadan.