Golden Words of Allah (episode 31)

By Abdullahi Yusuf

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. All perfect praise be to Allah, may He be glorified and exalted, the Lord of the Worlds. We testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad, (pbuh), is His slave and Messenger.

The Mountains;

Introduction

Mountains have stood tall for centuries, capturing the gaze of travelers and the awe of believers. These silent giants are more than just geographical features they are purposeful creations, woven into the fabric of life on earth. The Quran speaks of mountains not merely as physical entities but as stabilizers of the earth, signs of divine artistry, and sources of sustenance for all living creatures. In their towering presence, we are invited to reflect on the Creator’s wisdom and the interconnectedness of all life. To appreciate the mountains is to appreciate the One who placed them so firmly and intentionally.

1. Mountains as Stabilizers
The Quran describes mountains as pegs or stakes that stabilize the Earth. “And We placed within the earth firmly set mountains, lest it should shift with them…” Surah An-Naba (78:7)

Similarly, another verse says: “And He has cast into the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you…” Surah Luqman (31:10)
Scientific Perspective – Geologists have discovered that mountains have deep roots beneath the Earth’s surface, which function like stakes, providing stability. These roots help in balancing tectonic forces, reducing the frequency of massive shifts in the Earth’s crust. This aligns remarkably with the Quran’s depiction of mountains as stabilizers.

2. Mountains as Anchors for the Earth “And the mountains as stakes?” Surah An-Nazi’at (79:32) This verse likens mountains to stakes or pegs driven into the ground. Stakes hold and secure, preventing movement or instability.
Scientific Insight – Mountains play a role in maintaining the Earth’s crustal equilibrium. Through the process of isostasy, the weight and mass of mountains help balance the Earth’s surface, akin to anchors.

3. Mountains as Sources of Water
“And We sent down from the sky water in a measured amount, and We settled it in the earth. And indeed, We are Able to take it away. And We placed therein lofty mountains and provided you with sweet water to drink.” Surah Al-Mursalat (77:27).
Mountains act as reservoirs of water, feeding rivers and streams that supply fresh water to various ecosystems.

Scientific Perspective – Mountains are vital for the water cycle: They trap moisture-laden winds, causing precipitation. Snow and glaciers in mountains store water, releasing it gradually to rivers and streams during warmer seasons.

4. Mountains as Pathways
“And He placed on the earth firmly set mountains, lest it shift with you, and made rivers and roads, that you may be guided.” Surah An-Nahl (16:15)
The Quran highlights how mountains contribute to creating natural pathways and rivers, aiding human navigation and travel
Practical Understanding – Mountain passes and valleys have historically served as routes for trade, migration, and exploration, guiding humanity across difficult terrains.

5. Mountains as Signs of Allah’s Power
“Do they not look at the mountains – how they are erected?” Surah Al-Ghashiyah (88:19). Mountains are presented as manifestations of Allah’s creative power, inviting reflection and gratitude.

Reflection – Their grandeur, beauty, and diverse ecosystems inspire awe and point to the Creator’s mastery over creation.

6. Mountains as Display of Divine Beauty (The Colored Mountains)
Among the most visually striking of mountains are those that display vibrant colors, such as the Zhangye Danxia mountains in China, the Rainbow Mountains in Peru, and the Painted Hills of Oregon. These mountains, with their rich and varied hues, stand as a testament to the breathtaking beauty and infinite creativity of Allah, whose command shapes the Earth in awe-inspiring ways. “Do you not see that Allah sends down from the sky water, with which We bring forth fruits of different colors? And in the mountains are streaks, white and red, of varying colors and [others] intensely black.”  Surah Fatir (35:27)

The Zhangye Danxia mountains in China where the earth is painted in a spectrum of reds, yellows, and browns. These colors were formed through the layering of minerals over millions of years, creating a surreal and captivating landscape that draws visitors from around the world. The vibrant hues serve as a visual reminder of Allah’s power to create such unique and diverse beauty.

On the other side of the world, the Painted Hills of Oregon, USA, present a similar palette of vivid colors. The rolling hills, in shades of red, gold, and black, were shaped by volcanic ash and sediment over centuries. They stand in quiet grandeur, telling the story of the Earth’s dynamic geological history while showcasing the magnificence of Allah’s design.

In the Andes, the Rainbow Mountains (Vinicunca) in Peru also shine with stunning colors, ranging from deep reds to vibrant greens and pinks. The mineral-rich layers of these mountains offer a living canvas that reflects the diversity and beauty found in nature. Just as the Quran encourages us to reflect on the heavens and the earth, these colorful peaks urge us to pause and appreciate the infinite wisdom behind such majestic creations.

The vivid colors of these mountains, from China’s Zhangye Danxia to Peru’s Rainbow Mountains, from Oregon’s Painted Hills to Australia’s Bungle Bungles, all bear witness to Allah’s artistry. Surah Fatir (35:27) beautifully encapsulates this diversity, where the earth, nourished by water sent from the sky, brings forth not only varied fruits but also mountains with diverse colors. These natural wonders encourage us to reflect on the signs of Allah’s power, reminding us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of His creation in all its forms.

Conclusion
Mountains stand as silent witnesses to the power and wisdom of Allah. Their presence on Earth is not just for beauty; they serve a purpose, as stabilizers of the land and sources of sustenance. The Quran emphasizes the role of mountains as part of a greater design, reminding us of the delicate balance of creation. As we look at them, let us remember that everything in this world, from the smallest grain of sand to the highest peak, has been placed with meaning. The mountains, in their stillness, encourage us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the Creator who gave them their place in the world.

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