Moving Despite the Rise and Fall
Jummah Mubarak, sis! Did you know that Monarch butterflies migrate to the same location as their ancestors, even though they've never been there themselves? These butterflies live much longer than the others—up to 8 months—and are able to navigate to the same wintering sites in Mexico. Once they arrive, they breed and die, and the following generations continue the journey north in the spring and summer.
Similarly, we may not always see the end of our journey, but we trust that each step is part of a divine plan. Despite facing challenges like the butterflies—such as obstacles, struggles, and setbacks—we are guided by faith, much like they are by their instincts. Just as their migration is vital for their species’ survival, our journey towards righteousness and seeking Allah's pleasure is essential for our spiritual growth. May Allah make our paths easy and protect us through our journey, just as He does for them.
Surah At-Tawbah | 9:51
قُل لَّن يُصِيبَنَآ إِلَّا مَا كَتَبَ ٱللَّهُ لَنَا هُوَ مَوْلَىٰنَا ۚ وَعَلَى ٱللَّهِ فَلْيَتَوَكَّلِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ
"Say, 'Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed for us; He is our protector.' And upon Allah let the believers rely."
The ayah has strong implications of Taqdir (destiny) and Tawakkul (trust) and it can be beautifully related to the migration of monarch butterflies. Monarchs undertake one of the most incredible migrations on Earth, traveling thousands of miles, across borders, climates, and terrains. This natural event offers a powerful metaphor for how humans should approach destiny and trust in their lives.
In the same way that butterflies don’t simply sit and wait for migration to happen, we should not adopt a passive stance when faced with challenges. Monarchs do not rely on fate alone but use their inherent strength, instincts, and energy to navigate their path. They make the journey based on available resources, such as wind currents and geographical markers. This mirrors the concept of Tawakkul: the butterflies do their best, flying in harmony with nature, but ultimately they trust in the natural forces that guide them to their destination.
Similarly, the belief in Taqdir reminds us that after we do everything within our power to prepare—whether it’s taking actions to improve our circumstances, seeking knowledge, or building strength—we must trust that the outcome is in the hands of a greater power. Just as the butterflies trust the migratory path without fully understanding how or why, we must trust in Allah swt’s divine will, knowing that the ultimate result lies beyond our control.
The balance between active effort and trusting in the unfolding of what is destined is echoed in the monarchs’ journey. Their migration represents a blend of human-like agency (preparing, navigating) and reliance on unseen forces (nature, fate) to reach their final destination. Remember, we must have courage, hope, and determination. These monarchs teach us that once we’ve done our best, we should release our anxieties and trust that everything will unfold as it should.
The Monarch Butterfly Migration | Its Rise and Fall
By Monika Maeckle
The migration of monarch butterflies is a remarkable natural phenomenon where these insects travel up to 3,000 miles between North America and central Mexico each year. This journey, spanning multiple generations, begins in the fall with butterflies flying south to their overwintering sites in Mexico, where they cluster together in high-altitude forests. In spring, the migration resumes northward as new generations continue the journey. Monarchs rely on environmental cues and genetic programming to navigate. However, their migration faces threats from habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides, prompting efforts to conserve their habitats and protect their routes.
Journalist and butterfly advocate Monika Maeckle explores the history and current challenges of the monarch butterfly. Through careful reporting, she provides insights into the butterflies and a complex view of the community of scientists, enthusiasts, and supporters working for their conservation.
