Sometimes Our Environment Changes us…
Jummah Mubarak, sis! Did you know that turtles are slow on land but surprisingly quick in water? How about you? Do you find that you act differently in various environments—sometimes feeling sluggish in one but flourishing in another? Alhamdulillah, Allah SWT remains constant through all our changes. Speaking of turtles, they can also slow their heart rate to conserve oxygen. What do we slow down in ourselves to preserve what’s important?
Surah Al-Fath | 4:48
هُوَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أَنزَلَ ٱلسَّكِينَةَ فِى قُلُوبِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ لِيَزْدَادُوٓا۟ إِيمَـٰنًۭا مَّعَ إِيمَـٰنِهِمْ ۗ وَلِلَّهِ جُنُودُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِيمًا حَكِيمًۭا ٤
He is the One Who sent down serenity upon the hearts of the believers so that they may increase even more in their faith. To Allah ˹alone˺ belong the forces of the heavens and the earth. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Allah swt remains consistent through our changes, knowing us better than anyone or anything else. Leaning on that trust is pivotal as we navigate shifting environments. Just as Allah swt provides a turtle the ability to slow its breath underwater to preserve oxygen, He may also be guiding us to slow down in certain situations to help us gain what we need in those spaces. These moments are opportunities to learn, receive blessings, and fulfill what is decreed for us.
Surah Al-Fath (48:4) reminds us that Allah swt sends tranquility to the hearts of believers, reinforcing the idea that His support is always with us, especially in times of change. Be patient in every space you find yourself in; go with the flow. Allah swt is in control—trust Him, and everything will unfold as it should.
Turtles Play a Role in Our Ecosystem, Just like you do
Turtles are vital to many ecosystems, serving as both predators and prey. They act as "ecosystem engineers," creating habitats, dispersing seeds, and influencing nutrient cycling. Their presence is a key indicator of environmental health in both land and water settings. By contributing to the balance of food webs, turtles significantly impact the overall well-being of their habitats.
Just as Allah SWT has designed turtles to thrive in their environments and maintain ecological balance, we, too, are placed in various circumstances for a reason. Embracing our own changing environments can lead to growth, learning, and the fulfillment of our purposes. Trusting Allah’s wisdom in these moments can help us find our place in the greater scheme of things.
