Category Archives: Nature

What Does The Quran Say About The Natural Environment

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For a Muslim, caring for the environment is a part of faith. There are many verses (known as ‘ayahs’) about the natural environment. The Quran describes plants, animals, the elements of rain and wind as resources for use by people and animals. Some features of the natural environment, such as water, are mentioned several times as proof of God’s existence and power. The Holy Quran asks the reader to ‘think, ponder and reflect’ on the natural signs in the world and contemplate their purpose. Read on to know more about the Quran and natural environment: On Rainwater Cycle ‘It is … Continue reading →

How Islam is in Harmony with Nature

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The ecological crisis of the world presents one of the biggest challenges of our time. Through prophets and messengers, God has revealed holy books that bring both glad tidings and warnings, so that people act in a righteous and just manner. In the Holy Quran, God speaks of creating everything in balance, and warns that transgression of the balance shall have disastrous consequences. This holds true not just for the world around us, but also for our souls, for Islam does not differentiate the world of man from the world of nature. There are over 6,000 verses in the Holy Quran … Continue reading →

Catastrophic Impacts of Biological Warfare on Biodiversity

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Biological weapons are considered the most dangerous of all known weapons of mass destruction. They are used to deliberately cause epidemics among humans; destroy the environmental components, including water, air, and soil; and target crops and livestock. Examples of diseases used in biological warfare include anthrax, smallpox, plague, cholera, and avian flu. In addition to the catastrophic effects of biological warfare on the biodiversity and the environment, their danger lies in their low cost and rapid spread, as well as their easy preparation, transport, and use. Unlike nuclear and chemical bombs, biological bombs are without odor or color and therefore … Continue reading →

Exploring the UAE’s Natural Wonders: A Student’s Guide to Six Pristine Sites

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What many don’t realize is that the United Arab Emirates, despite its desert reputation, is an incredibly biodiverse place. My journey exploring the indigenous species of the Emirates took me from the rugged mountains of Al Ain to the thriving wildlife sanctuary of Dubai and the lush mangroves of Umm Al Quwain. This exploration revealed a surprising tapestry of ecosystems, each teeming with life adapted to the unique conditions of the region. From resilient desert plants to migratory birds and marine life in the coastal areas, the UAE’s biodiversity is as rich as it is unexpected. The following six sites … Continue reading →

Mutual Aid and Moral Behaviour in the Animal Kingdom

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“A good deed done to an animal is as meritorious as a good deed done to a human being, while an act of cruelty to an animal is as bad as an act of cruelty to a human being.” – Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) One regularly hears people describe a dangerous and violent person as an “animal.” This is always an injustice, not to the person, but to all animals. There is most often nothing harmful and attributed to “animals” that is done by them, but which is done on a daily basis by humans. Only in cases of … Continue reading →

Our Earth: A Gift for Humanity Which Should be Protected

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Ecological living is about protecting and preserving the environment of planet Earth, through recognizing the uniqueness of its various eco-systems and species. Every individual habitat supports all manner of life. Awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only we can hear the language of other beings as we can understand the generosity of the earth and learning to give our own gifts in return. Earth was given as a gift for humanity and the human being was created and established on this earth as … Continue reading →

The Concept of Garden in Islamic Culture

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The Arabic words Hadiqah, riyad, janna, raudah refer to the garden in its classical sense, with different nuances. The words bustan, munia, ruzafa, buhaira, ‘ars refer to the large agricultural or leisure estates generally located on the periphery of towns. These terms and others go to show the diversity of meaning in the concept of garden in the Islamic culture. In Islamic Culture, the garden is above all the essence of elements of Creation: Creation itself is a garden. This garden is at the heart of all the flowering Islamic civilization: beauty, mathematics, architecture, spirituality, poetry, botanic sensibility, hydraulics, biodiversity… … Continue reading →

Can Nature Be A Tool For Those With Personality Disorders?

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Personality disorders are more common than one might expect. While we don’t have the exact number, statistics looking at the past-year prevalence of personality disorders among adults from 2001-2003 found that 9.1% of the population experienced a personality disorder when the data was taken. But, what exactly are personality disorders? How are they treated, and can nature be used as a tool for those who are struggling with personality disorders and other concerns? What Are Personality Disorders? To start, what are personality disorders? Personality disorders are characterized by ongoing patterns of maladaptive behavior, affect, and cognition. Every personality disorder has … Continue reading →

How Love for Nature is a Blessing for Mental Health Patients

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A love for nature and outdoor activities is a common trait that people in the world bond over and share. We know that nature can be fun and freeing, and time spent with nature is something a lot of people look forward to, but can it support your mental health? The answer is “yes.” So, what are the mental health advantages of nature, and how can a love for nature support clients who are struggling with their mental health? Mental Health Advantages of Nature Here are some of the ways that nature can help mental health: 1. Reduced stress We … Continue reading →

التعليم البيئي والتربية البيئية

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على العكس من الأنماط التقليدية للتعليم، يعتبر التعليم البيئي (التربية البيئية) عملية تعليمية شمولية تمتد مدى الحياة, وهي عملية موجهة نحو خلق أفراد مسؤولين لإستكشاف وتحديد القضايا والمشاكل البيئية القائمة والمشاركة في حلها وإتخاذ إجراءات فعالة لتحسين أوضاع البيئة, والعمل على الحيلولة دون حدوث مشكلات بيئية جديدة. ونتيجة لذلك، فإنه يمكن للأفراد تطوير وعي أعمق وفهم أوسع للقضايا البيئية, بل ويمكن لهم إكتساب مهارات فعالة تساعدهم على إتخاذ قرارات واعية ومسؤولة وغير منحازة تؤول إلى حل التحديات البيئية. لا يعتبر التعليم البيئي عملية إستشارات بيئية, ولكنه حقل متنوع يرتكز على العملية التعليمية والتي يجب أن تبقى محايدة من خلال تعليم … Continue reading →

Ratam as Food and Fuel: An Overview

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If you set out to design a shrub for the desert you wouldn’t be amiss in choosing ratam as a model. The desert environment has selected for plant characteristics that are ideally suited to meet the challenge of the driest lands. Water To make the most of rare rain events ratam can grow quickly when water is available. Shrubs can reach 3 meters in height and 6 m in spread. Roots can grow to considerable depth to reach soil moisture or groundwater. Roots have to grow fast to keep up with the drying front as the soil dries down after … Continue reading →

How Park Signages Improve Visitor Experience

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Imagine wandering through a sprawling park, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of nature. You’re eager to explore, but a wave of uncertainty washes over you. Where’s the trailhead for that scenic hike you read about? Which path leads to the hidden waterfall? And is there a restroom nearby? Do you feel this way sometimes? Did you know that Americans visit their local parks an average of 29 times a year? That’s a lot of potential for getting lost or missing out on hidden gems! Thankfully, park signage is the trusty guide that silently leads through these unfamiliar … Continue reading →