The Connection Between Humans, Nature, and the Universe

A Mystical Perspective

Have you ever wondered about the profound connections that bind us together as human beings, to nature, and to the entire universe? It's easy to overlook these connections in our everyday lives, but when we pause to reflect, we begin to see the intricate web that links us to each other, the natural world, and the Creator.

In this article, I want to explore the connections between human beings, the natural world, and the universe from a mystical perspective. I will draw on scientific insights, teachings from the Quran, and the words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). We will examine how our existence is intertwined and how our souls connect us directly to Allah. Understanding these connections can help us appreciate the deeper purpose of our existence and our responsibilities as stewards of creation.

How Are We Connected as Human Beings?

As human beings, we are profoundly interconnected. From a biological perspective, 99.9% of our DNA is identical, regardless of our race, ethnicity, or background. This leaves only 0.1% of our DNA to account for our differences, such as our facial features, which allow us to recognize each other uniquely. We all share the same physical origin and will ultimately return to that origin.

The Quran beautifully reminds us of our shared origin:

"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you. Indeed, Allah is Knowing and Acquainted." (Quran 49:13)

This verse emphasizes that all humans are created from the same origin, both male and female, reflecting a shared humanity. The purpose of human diversity in terms of different peoples and tribes is for recognition and understanding among one another, not for division or discrimination.

The Qur'an does not explicitly mention DNA, as it is a modern scientific concept. However, this verse supports the idea of a shared human origin and interconnectedness, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background. This idea aligns with the scientific understanding that most human genetic material is identical, with only a tiny fraction accounting for visible differences.

What Is Our Connection to Nature?

As living beings, we are an integral part of the natural world. Our survival depends on nature for the food we eat, the air we breathe, and the water we drink. The cycles of nature and the nutrients in the soil, which support the growth of our food, are closely linked to our biology.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The world is green and beautiful, and Allah has appointed you as His stewards over it. He sees how you acquit yourselves." (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2742)

This hadith emphasizes stewardship, responsibility, and accountability toward the Earth and its resources. It reflects the Islamic view that Allah entrusts humans with caring for the environment and using its resources wisely and sustainably. It's a call to action, reminding us of our duty to the Earth and all its inhabitants.

How Are We Connected Through Chemistry?

When we delve deeper, we realize that chemistry links us to the fundamental world. Our bodies are made up of the same elements as the world around us—carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Water (H2O) and air (O2) are not just substances we consume; they are essential to our existence.

Allah says in the Quran:  

"And We have made from water every living thing." (Quran 21:30)  

This verse emphasizes the crucial role of water as the source of life, highlighting its fundamental importance in creating and sustaining all living organisms. This concept is also reinforced by other Qur'anic references, such as in Surah An-Nur, where Allah says:

"Allah has created every [living] creature from water. Some of them move on their bellies, some of them walk on two legs, and some of them walk on four. Allah creates whatever He wills. Surely Allah is Most Capable of everything." (Quran 24:45)

This passage emphasizes that all forms of life, regardless of their diversity, share a common origin in water. The interdependence of all living things on this essential element reinforces our shared connection with the natural world.

Our connection to nature through chemistry goes beyond water. Several vital chemical processes in our bodies demonstrate our deep relationship with the natural world. For example, photosynthesis in plants produces the oxygen we breathe. At the same time, cellular respiration in our cells uses that oxygen to convert glucose, a product of plants, into the energy that sustains us. Similarly, our bodies constantly undergo chemical reactions such as metabolism, where enzymes break down nutrients from the food we eat—whether from plants or animals—into simpler molecules to produce energy, repair tissues, and support growth.

Moreover, carbon cycles through the environment and our bodies, illustrating our connection to all living organisms and the Earth. The carbon we exhale as carbon dioxide is taken up by plants during photosynthesis, forming the basis of the food chain that sustains life on Earth. Nitrogen, another critical element, is cycled between the soil, plants, and our bodies, where it becomes an essential component of amino acids, the building blocks of proteins that make up our muscles, tissues, and DNA.

The Qur'an frequently draws attention to the natural world as a sign of Allah's creation and urges humanity to reflect on these signs. Understanding our chemical connection to the world and acknowledging the role of water, oxygen, carbon, and other elements in all life forms reminds us of our interconnectedness and the unity of all creation. It also calls upon us to recognize our duty to protect and cherish the natural resources that sustain all living beings, fulfilling our role as stewards of the Earth as ordained by Allah.

What About Our Connection to the Universe?

The atoms in our bodies are the same as those scattered throughout the universe. The identical particles that make up the stars are within us. When our physical life ends, these atoms return to the Earth and continue the life cycle.

Consider the Quranic verse:  

"From the earth We created you, and into it, We will return you, and from it We will bring you back again." (Quran 20:55)

This verse emphasizes the cyclical nature of life and death, connecting us to the Earth and the broader cosmos. It reflects the idea that humans are made from the same elements that make up the Earth and the universe, emphasizing our deep, intrinsic bond with all creation. The verse also signifies a spiritual and physical journey: we come from the Earth, our bodies return to it upon death, and ultimately, we will be resurrected from it. This fact reinforces our role in the larger cosmic order, reminding us of our temporary existence on Earth and our responsibility to live in harmony with the natural world that we are a part of, both now and in the life to come.

How Are We Connected to Allah Through Our Souls?

Finally, and most profoundly, we are connected to Allah (SWT) through our souls. While our physical bodies connect us to the material world, our souls connect us directly to our Creator. The essence of this connection is faith, love, and devotion.

The Quran reminds us:  

"So when I have fashioned him and had a spirit of My Own breathed into him, fall down in prostration to him." (Quran 15:29)

This verse signifies that our souls are a divine gift from Allah, a holy breath establishing our direct spiritual connection with Him. Unlike our physical form, which is rooted in the material world, our souls transcend it, reflecting a deeper purpose and meaning. This divine origin of our souls calls us to acknowledge our spiritual nature, fulfill our worship duties, seek closeness to Allah, and live according to His guidance. The verse also highlights the inherent dignity bestowed upon human beings by Allah, inviting us to honor this divine connection by living righteously and nurturing our relationship with our Creator.

Conclusion: Reflecting on Our Place in the Universe

"You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in a drop." - Mevlana Rumi

This profound statement echoes the truth that while we may seem small on the grand scale of the universe, within us lies the essence of the entire universe. This proverb is not just a metaphor; it's a reality that invites us to ponder our existence and purpose.

We are connected in ways that are both visible and invisible, material and spiritual. By reflecting on these connections, we gain a deeper understanding of our place in the world and our relationship with the Creator.

How will you choose to live knowing that you are part of this vast, interconnected universe? How will this understanding change your relationship with yourself, others, and Allah (SWT)?

Join the Conversation

I invite you to share your thoughts and reflections on these connections. How do you perceive your relationship with the natural world, the universe, and the Divine? Do you see other connections that were not mentioned here? Your insights and experiences can add depth to this discussion, so feel free to leave a comment below and join the conversation. Let's explore these ideas together and learn from each other's perspectives.