The Year Has Turned — Reflections on a New Solar Cycle
A few days ago, the Earth—together with us and all life upon it—completed yet another beautiful tawaf, another perfect revolution around the Sun.
SubhanAllah.
As we now stand at the very beginning of a new year, it is worth pausing to reflect on the solar dance that has just been completed—365 days of precision, balance, and mercy—and on the countless blessings from Allah (SWT) that continue to sustain life on this Earth.
Consider just a few scientific signs:
If the Earth were only 10% closer to the Sun, the world would burn. If it were 10% farther away, the planet would freeze. SubhanAllah.
If the Earth’s rotation were 10% faster, winds across the globe could reach 400 km/h, destroying forests and human structures. SubhanAllah.
If the Earth’s rotation were 10% slower, days and nights would become extreme, bringing daytime temperatures of 60–80°C and nighttime temperatures of –40 to –50°C. SubhanAllah.
The precise orbit of the Moon plays a critical role in stabilizing the Earth’s axial tilt. SubhanAllah.
Jupiter acts as a vital shield in our solar system, helping protect the Earth from asteroids, meteoroids, and comets. If Jupiter were just 10% closer to the Sun, it would shield Mars and Venus instead of our Earth. SubhanAllah.
“So which of the favors of your Lord will you deny?” (Qur’an 55:18)
Such delicate and interconnected balances are far too precise to be explained by chance alone. This fine-tuning testifies to the infinite wisdom, knowledge, and power of Allah (SWT). These are not random coincidences; they are signs of intentional design, pointing toward the greatness of the Designer—Allah (SWT).
Now that we have entered a new year, a new solar cycle has already begun—another 365-day journey written with precision. Let this moment be an opportunity to renew our gratitude to Allah (SWT) and to return to Him with greater awareness, humility, and trust. Insha’Allah.
“The sun and the moon move with precision, and the stars and the trees submit in prostration.” (Qur’an 55:5–6)
Alhamdulillah.
By the will of Allah, the Earth has just completed another circle around the Sun. This continuous circular motion is a duty assigned by Allah (SWT), and the Earth has fulfilled it for 4.54 billion years, without hesitation, without error, and without missing a single day. How fitting it is that believers take a lesson from this constant devotion to the One and Only Creator.
What is a year in the eyes of a believer?
A year is 365 days of the Earth’s tawaf.
A year is 365 days of day and night worship, in which the Earth glorifies Allah (SWT).
A year is 365 days filled with signs, where the beauty and perfection of Allah (SWT) continuously manifest for hearts that are attentive.
A year is 365 days of mercy, often disguised as routine.
So we say, as believers:
Alhamdulillah for the sun above us. Alhamdulillah for the earth beneath us. Alhamdulillah for the breath within us.
And we supplicate:
O Turner of hearts and eyes. O Controller of day, night, and years. O Changer of states and conditions. In this new year, improve our condition and the condition of all Muslims. Grant us goodness, mercy, stability, and success—both inward and outward. Ya Rabb al-‘Alamin, Most Generous, Most Great, Most Merciful, Most Forbearing. Amin.
May this new year be one of awareness, gratitude, and nearness to Allah.