When Sulaiman (AS) noticed the absence of the Hoopoe from the assembly of birds in his army, he declared, “I will surely punish him severely, or even slaughter him, unless he presents a valid reason.” However, when the Hoopoe returned, one of the compelling excuses it provided, as mentioned in the Qur’an, was:
“So they do not prostrate to Allah, Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth, and knows what you ˹all˺ conceal and what you reveal”
We often ponder and debate the origins of creation, but our focus tends to be on humans and other living organisms. How often do we stop to think about the origin of a corn seedling, a banana sucker, gravitational force, electromagnetic waves, or countless other essential things that sustain our lives — many of which we can’t even see or may not fully understand? In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us that He created the heavens and the earth and placed everything within them that we need to survive;
Fussilat 41: 9, 10
Ask ˹them, O Prophet˺, “How can you disbelieve in the One Who created the earth in two Days? And how can you set up equals with Him? That is the Lord of all worlds.
He placed on the earth firm mountains, standing high, showered His blessings upon it, and ordained ˹all˺ its means of sustenance — totaling four Days exactly1 — for all who ask.
“…Who brings forth what is hidden in the heavens and the earth”
We witness how Allah provides for our sustenance, beginning with rainfall and the countless blessings that follow. But do we truly reflect on how plants and other essential elements of life are sustained and replenished by Allah? He has given us these gifts as part of a divine care package, continually providing for us as we journey through life. Yet, how often do we stop to consider how all of this is made possible?
We know that the heavenly bodies move with absolute precision. Scientists tell us that if Earth’s orbit shifted even slightly closer to the sun, we would burn, and if it moved farther away, we would freeze. But do we ever reflect on how this balance is maintained? Surely, it is Allah who sustains and governs it all.
There are countless things that humans cannot perceive but are visible to other creatures. For example, when we see dogs barking at what appears to be empty space, or when certain insects and birds sense things beyond our abilities — perhaps through telepathy, much like the Hoopoe!
The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Verily, the dead are surely punished in their graves, such that even the beasts can hear their cries” [Source: al-Mu’jam al-Kabīr 10459]. In other narrations, it is mentioned that animals can even see the souls of the deceased conversing when their bodies are being carried to the grave.
Moreover, the Prophet (s) could see and communicate with angels. For instance, when Jibreel (AS) revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ or when angels visited Ibrahim (AS).
There is so much to reflect upon, and endless reasons to be grateful for the unseen blessings that surround us.