Renewal Like the Eagle
A Journey of Spiritual Transformation
Did you know that eagles can live up to 70 years? These majestic creatures are known not only for their strength but also for their mental resilience. However, reaching such a remarkable age requires them to endure a process of painful transformation when they turn 40.
At this critical stage of life, an eagle's claws become weak, losing their sharpness for hunting. Its beak grows bent and blunt, making it difficult to catch prey. The once-powerful feathers become thick and heavy, preventing the eagle from flying high. Faced with these challenges, the eagle must make a choice:
To surrender and die,
Or to endure a painful renewal process.
The eagle chooses survival. It retreats to the peak of a high mountain, where it begins its transformation. The bird painfully breaks off its beak against the rocks, allowing a new one to grow. With its new beak, it removes its old talons, waiting for stronger ones to replace them. Finally, it plucks out its heavy feathers, one by one, enduring months of vulnerability and discomfort.
This painful process lasts 150 days. But at the end of it, the eagle emerges renewed, with a fresh beak, sharp claws, and light feathers, ready to fly higher and live like never before.
Here's a short video that beautifully illustrates the eagle's incredible journey of renewal:
A Spiritual Parallel
For Muslims and all spiritually inclined individuals, this renewal process mirrors the journey of tazkiyah (spiritual purification). Like the eagle, a believer must face the inner struggle to remove harmful traits and habits that weigh down the soul. This includes letting go of pride, greed, anger, jealousy, and other imperfections that distance one from Allah.
Allah emphasizes the importance of purification in the Qur'an:
"Successful indeed is the one who purifies their soul, and doomed is the one who corrupts it!"
(Surah Ash-Shams, 91:9-10)
Just as the eagle breaks its beak and talons, a person undergoing spiritual renewal breaks away from ego-driven desires and harmful practices. The old, flawed parts of the self must be painfully removed to allow new virtues to take their place.
This journey is often difficult and may involve feelings of vulnerability, confusion, and even despair. The heart feels exposed, much like the eagle without its feathers. Yet, this stage is crucial if we want, just like the eagle, to regain new spiritual power and live life with patience, resilience, and compassion—virtues that guide us toward a higher purpose and inner peace.
The Light at the End of the Struggle
With steadfastness (istikamet) and reliance on Allah's guidance, a believer develops new qualities: compassion, patience, gratitude, humility, wisdom, and generosity. These virtues strengthen the soul, enabling it to rise higher than ever before.
Allah highlights the reward of steadfastness in the Qur'an:
"Surely those who say, "Our Lord is Allah," and then remain steadfast, the angels descend upon them, saying, "Do not fear, nor grieve. Rather, rejoice in the good news of Paradise, which you have been promised."
(Surah Fussilat, 41:30)
Just as the eagle renews its strength to fly above the clouds, a purified soul can ascend to the highest spiritual realms, closer to Allah and His infinite mercy. This transformation reminds us that pain and struggle, when faced with faith and determination, are the pathways to growth and ultimate success.
Let us embrace the challenges of life as opportunities for renewal, trusting in Allah's wisdom and promise:
"Surely with that hardship comes more ease."
(Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6)
May Allah grant us the courage to break away from our flaws, the patience to endure the process of renewal, and the strength to soar towards Him with hearts purified and spirits uplifted.
What do you think about this perspective? Have you experienced a similar journey of growth and renewal? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below!