BLESSINGS ON EARTH

Oxygen, water, food, sunlight, day and night: your body needs these elements. And along with these, there are beauties which your soul finds pleasure in such as a beautiful view, a pleasant face to look at, or a welcoming home.

The world is full of such blessings, but some people are just not aware of them. They are so caught up in their own troubles that they don't see the wonders of the world. The reason for this negative spiritual state is their life remote from God's religion, and their state of disbelief. A troubled life is the inescapable result of a life not lived according to religious morals.

The approach which may be hoped to please God is that we see all the blessings of the Earth as His gifts to us, and that we live our lives in a state of thanks to Him. A person who lives according to this morality will take pleasure from the wonders and blessings from God, and will feel them every moment of his or her life.

... from the spathes of the date palm [We bring forth] date clusters hanging down, and gardens of grapes and olives and pomegranates, both similar and dissimilar. Look at their fruits as they bear fruit and ripen. There are signs in that for people who believe. (Qur'an, 6:99)	The metaphor of those who spend their wealth in the way of God is that of a grain which produces seven ears; in every ear there are a hundred grains. God gives such multiplied increase to whoever He wills. God is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing. (Qur'an, 2:261)
... they will have Gardens with rivers flowing under them. When they are given fruit there as provision, they will say: “This is what we were given before.” But they were only given a simulation of it... (Qur'an, 2:25)	In the Earth there are diverse regions side by side and gardens of grapes and cultivated fields, and palm-trees sharing one root and others with individual roots, all watered with the same water. And We make some things better to eat than others. There are signs in that for people who use their intellect. (Qur'an, 13:4)
Good land yields up its plants by its Lord's permission, but that which is bad only yields up scantily. In this way We vary the signs for people who are thankful. (Qur'an, 7:58)	And a tree springing forth from Mount Sinai yielding oil and a seasoning to those who eat. (Qur'an, 23:20)
And by it He makes crops grow for you and olives and dates and grapes and fruit of every kind. There is certainly a sign in that for people who reflect. (Qur'an, 16:11)	[I swear] by the fig and the olive. (Qur'an, 95:1) The herbs and the trees all bow down in prostration. (Qur'an, 55:6)
You who believe! Eat of the good things We have provided for you and give thanks to God if you worship Him alone. (Qur'an, 2:172)	We pour down plentiful water, then split the earth into furrows. Then We make grain grow in it, and grapes and herbs and olives and dates. (Qur'an, 80:25-29) Don't you see that God has subjected to you everything in the heavens and Earth and has showered His blessings upon you, both outwardly and inwardly?... (Qur'an, 31:20)
In them are fruits and date-palms and pomegranates. (Qur'an, 55:68) We place in it gardens of dates and grapes... (Qur'an, 36:34)	By means of it We produce gardens of dates and grapes for you, in which there are many fruits for you and from which you eat. (Qur'an, 23:19)
And We sent down blessed water from the sky and made gardens grow by it and grain for harvesting. (Qur'an, 50:9)	There is nothing that does not have its stores with Us and We only send it down in a known measure. (Qur’an, 15:21)
... Eat of their fruits when they bear fruit and pay their due on the day of their harvest, and do not be profligate. He does not love the profligate. (Qur'an, 6:141) Say: “My Lord expands the provision of anyone He wills or restricts it. But the majority of humanity do not know it.” (Qur'an, 34:36)

SIGNS IN TECHNOLOGY

The modern buildings we live in, the luxurious cars we drive, the computers, the televisions, and all the other technology along these lines: these are all blessings created by God's will.

Technology is the result of mankind putting together certain elements found on Earth for specific purposes. If we look at technological products around us, we see that they are all composed of metals like iron, copper, zinc, and aluminum, or petroleum by-products like plastic. If these elements, in particular metals, did not exist on Earth, and if people were not able to use these elements, it would not be possible to develop any of these technological devices.

All the technology that we are used to in our daily life, and which makes our lives so much easier, has been created by God's will. Technology is a blessing which people should think about and for which should thank our Lord.

It is He Who created all the species and gave you ships and livestock for you to ride. (Qur'an, 43:12)	Don't you see that ships sail on the sea by God's blessing so that He can show you something of His signs?... (Qur'an, 31:31)
... And you see the ships cleaving through it so that you can seek His bounty, and so that hopefully you will show thanks. (Qur'an, 16:14)	We made everything on the Earth adornment for it so that We could test them to see whose actions are the best. We will certainly make everything on it a barren wasteland. (Qur'an, 18:7-8)
We have honored the sons of Adam and conveyed them on land and sea... (Qur'an, 17:70) Don't you see that God has made everything on the Earth subservient to you and the ships running upon the sea by His command?... (Qur'an, 22:65)

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED FROM NATURAL DISASTER

Earthquakes, volcano eruptions, floods, tornadoes, storms, fires… These are all disasters which have different levels of ferocity and effect. Their shared quality however is that in a short time, they are able to wipe out a city, as well as many of the human beings and animals living in it, and create huge damage. Most of the time, it is impossible to prevent this damage from occurring.

Natural disasters are a reality which most people don't want to think about as long as they are not confronted with one. And actually, life on Earth is so well-balanced that natural disasters are not a common occurrence. There is a special protection in place for all creatures, including humans. However God does sometimes show people how unsafe their lives and homes can be. The signs contained in natural disasters, a few examples of which will be shown in this chapter, are reasons to consider the weakness of humans before God, and to pay heed.

On the Day the first blast shudders. (Qur'an, 79:6) When the Earth is convulsed. (Qur'an, 56:4)	We unleashed a howling wind against them on a day of unremitting horror. It plucked up men like uprooted stumps. (Qur'an, 54:19-20)
When they saw it as a storm cloud advancing on their valleys they said: “This is a storm cloud which will give us rain.” No, rather it is what you desired to hasten – a wind containing painful punishment. (Qur'an, 46:24)	[A wind] destroying everything at its Lord's command! When morning came you could see nothing but their dwellings. That is how We repay the people of the evildoers. (Qur'an, 46:25)
That is some of the news of the cities which We relate to you. Some of them are still standing, while others are now just stubble. (Qur'an, 11:100) We did not wrong them; rather they wronged themselves. The gods they called upon besides God did not help them at all when God's command came upon them. They did nothing but increase their ruin. (Qur'an, 11:101)	When harm occurs to you at sea, those you call on vanish – except for Him alone! But when He delivers you to dry land, you turn away. Man truly is ungrateful. (Qur'an, 17:67) Do you feel secure against Him causing the shore to swallow you up or sending against you a sudden squall of stones? Then you will find no one to be your guardian. (Qur'an, 17:68)
It is He Who shows you the lightning, striking fear and bringing hope; it is He Who heaps up the heavy clouds. The thunder glorifies His praise, as do the angels, out of fear [and respect] of Him.	He discharges the thunderbolts, striking with them anyone He wills. Yet still they argue about God when He is inexorable in His power! (Qur'an, 13:12-13)
Yet they play around in doubt. So be on the watch for a day when heaven brings forth a distinctive smoke, which enshrouds humanity. This is a painful punishment! (Qur'an, 44: 9-11)	When the oceans surge into each other. (Qur'an, 81: 6) [I swear] By the overflowing ocean. (Qur'an, 52: 6)
No indeed! He will be flung into the shatterer. And what will convey to you what the shatterer is? The kindled fire of God reaching right into the heart. (Qur'an, 104:4-7)	On the Day the sky is like molten brass and the mountains like tufts of colored wool. No good friend will ask about his friend even though they can see each other … (Qur'an, 70:8-11) The Day when heaven is split apart in clouds, and the angels are sent down rank upon rank. The Kingdom that Day will belong in truth to the All-Merciful. It will be a hard Day for the unbelievers. (Qur'an, 25:25-26)
How many generations We have destroyed before them! Do you see a trace of any one of them or hear even a whisper of them? (Qur'an, 19: 98)	[Are you going to be left secure] amid gardens and clear springs, and cultivated fields and palms with supple spathes? Will you continue hewing houses from the mountains with exultant skill? (Qur'an, 26: 147-149)
Pharaoh exalted himself arrogantly in the land and divided its people into camps... (Qur'an, 28:4)	Aren't they guided by the many generations We have destroyed before them, among whose dwelling places they walk about? There are signs in that for people of sound intellect. (Qur'an, 20:128)
Pharaoh called to his people, saying: “My people, doesn't the kingdom of Egypt belong to me?	Don't all these rivers flow under my control? Don't you then see?” (Qur'an, 43:51)
Whereas for those who do not believe there will be the fire of Hell. They will not be killed off so that they die and its punishment will not be lightened for them. That is how We repay every thankless man. (Qur'an, 35:36)	Hell, where they will roast. What an evil resting-place! This! So let them taste it – boiling water and scalding pus and other such torments. (Qur'an, 38:56-58)
... Safeguard yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is people and stones. Harsh, terrible angels are in charge of it who do not disobey God in respect of any order He gives them and carry out what they are ordered to do. (Qur'an, 66:6)	... when they arrive there and its gates are opened, its custodians will say to them: “Didn't messengers from yourselves come to you, reciting your Lord's signs to you and warning you of the meeting on this Day of yours?” They will say: “Indeed they did, but the decree of punishment is justly carried out against the unbelievers.” (Qur'an, 39:71)
Aren't they guided by the many generations We destroyed before them, among whose ruined homes they walk around?... (Qur'an, 32:26)

SACRED LOCATIONS NOTED IN THE QUR’AN

The locations which are noted in the Qur'an are those where the prophets lived through history (such as Mount Tur and the valley of Tuwa), or the cities where Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) lived and taught about religion to the people.

Sacred places are a reminder of the struggles between prophets and their followers against unbelievers. They also remind us of the extraordinary patience and decisiveness of these blessed people in God's way. For this reason, the sacred sites are a cause of increased excitement and enthusiasm among believers.

Believers feel a special spiritual bond with these lands and sites. They want to get to know these lands, which carry the valuable memories of the prophets. In the following pages, we will focus on some of these sacred sites.

God has made the Kaaba, the Sacred House, a special institution for humanity, and also the sacred months and the sacrificial animals and the ritual garlands.	That is so you will know that God knows what is in the heavens and in the Earth and that God has knowledge of all things. (Qur'an, 5:97)

The Hajj (pilgrimage) is a duty commanded to all Muslims by God in the Qur'an. This most important task of the Hajj takes place with the circling of the Kaaba (the House).

Today, the Kaaba is found in the courtyard of the Masjid al-Haram (the Sacred Mosque). It was built according to God's command by Prophet Abraham and his son, Prophet Ishmael (peace be upon them).

And We located the position of the House for Abraham... (Qur'an, 22:26)

Just as it is explained in this verse, Prophet Abraham (pbuh) built the Kaaba in the place and in the way God commanded him to.

The Kaaba is a site where people can come together and worship God. God specified that the Kaaba would be a clean and safe site where the believers would worship.

The careful protection of the Kaaba is one of the most important duties of Muslims. Our Lord, Who commanded Prophet Abraham (pbuh) to keep the Kaaba clean and safe for believers, also made it clear in the Qur'an that only believers are to protect it. In a verse from the Qur'an, God reveals that the true protectors and guardians of the Kaaba are those who believe:

... Only people who guard against evil can be its guardians. But most of them do not know that. (Qur'an, 8:34)

Another important aspect of the Kaaba within the Islamic world is that it is the direction of prayer for Muslims. Muslims all over the world, in prayer five times a day, worship in the direction of the Kaaba.

The first house established for humanity was that at Bakka, a place of blessing and a guidance for all beings. (Qur'an, 3:96) And when Abraham built the foundations of the House with Ishmael: “Our Lord, accept this from us! You are the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing.” (Qur'an, 2:127)	... A mosque founded on performing one's duty from the first day has a greater right for you to stand in it. In it there are men who love to purify themselves. God loves those who purify themselves. (Qur'an, 9:108)
And We located the position of the House for Abraham: “Do not associate anything with Me and purify My House for those who circle it, and those who stand and bow and prostrate.” (Qur'an, 22:26)	Announce the pilgrimage to humanity. They will come to you on foot and on every sort of lean animal, coming by every distant road. (Qur'an, 22:27)

Maqam Ibrahim (Station of Abraham)

On the east side of the Kaaba, about two meters high, one meter wide, there is a rectangular structure covered in glass on its top part and marble on the bottom. This structure protects a stone that Prophet Abraham (pbuh) stepped on while building the Kaaba. Islamic and historical sources accept this as the point mentioned in the Qur'an as "the Maqam of Abraham."

The stone, which is called "Hajar al-Aswad" is traditionally accepted as the starting point for the circling of the Kaaba. According to stories, this stone was put in its place by Prophet Abraham (pbuh). "Hajar al-Aswad" means "The Black Stone."

This stone, which is found on the east side of the Kaaba, is about one and a half meters high. It is yellowish black, and oval shaped. There are red spots on it. The sides are covered in silver. People making the Hajj begin their circulation of the Kaaba at the Hajar al-Aswad. While circling the Kaaba, pilgrims face this stone, lifting their hands in praise.

Safa and Marwa are among the landmarks of God, so anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the House or	does the pious visit incurs no wrong in going back and forth between them... (Qur'an, 2:158)

Safa and Marwa are two hills to the east of the Kaaba. Mount Safa is about 15 meters higher than the Haram area, while Mount Marwa is about 8 meters in height. There are about 420 meters in between the two hills. The area in between them is called "Masa," which is adjacent to the Masjid al-Haram. In pictures, you can see pilgrims performing Sa'y (walking between Safa and Marwa).

Arafat is a large and flat plain of twenty-four square kilometers which lies to the north of Mecca. It is outside of Haram. The name "Arafat" is the plural of "arafa," and comes from the root of the words "irfan" (insight) and "marifa" (knowledge). It also means mountain. This is how Arafat is mentioned in the Qur'an:

There is nothing wrong in seeking bounty from your Lord. When you pour down from Arafat, remember God at the Sacred Landmark. Remember Him because He has guided you, even though before this you were astray. Then press on from where the people press on and ask God's forgiveness. God is Ever-Forgiving, Most Merciful. (Qur'an, 2:198-199)

Pictures of Arafat and Mount Rahmat during the Hajj.

Mina is the name of the place between Mecca and Mash'ar al-Haram. During Hajj, pilgrims also visit Mina. Some of the important rituals of the Hajj take place here:

Remember God on the designated days. Those who hurry on [to leave Mina] in two days have done no wrong, and those who stay another day have done no wrong – those of them who guard against evil. So fear [and respect] God. And know that you will be gathered back to Him. (Qur'an, 2:203)

Above: The top of Mina. Left: Masjid al-Khaif in Mina.	In these pictures, you can see the places of worship called the Sab'ah Masajid (Seven Masjids), built on the spot where the Battle of Khandaq (Battle of the Trench) took place. According to historical sources, the masjid on the right was used by our Prophet (may God bless him and grant him peace). Below is the Uhud cemetery.
A different view of the Masjid al-Haram	Day and night views of the Masjid al-Nabawi
It is not for the idolaters to maintain the mosques of God, bearing witness against themselves of their disbelief. They are the ones whose actions will come to nothing. They will be in the fire timelessly, for ever. (Qur'an, 9:17) The mosques of God should only be maintained by those who believe in God and the Last Day and perform prayer and give the alms, and fear no one but God. They are the ones most likely to be guided. (Qur'an, 9:18)	Glory be to Him Who took His servant on a journey by night from the Sacred Mosque [Masjid al-Haram] to the Further Mosque [Masjid al-Aqsa], whose surroundings We have blessed, in order to show him some of Our signs. He is the All-Hearing, the All-Seeing. (Qur'an, 17:1)

Due to the fact that Masjid al-Aqsa was the first direction of prayer for Muslims, it carries an important distinction. It is accepted that Masjid al-Aqsa is the second mosque ever built, the first being the Kaaba.

In 638 AD, after Jerusalem was conquered during the period of the Caliph Omar, Masjid al-Aqsa was built at the site of Bayt al-Maqdis. The fact that Caliph Omar accepted this as a place of worship is also another reason it is important for Muslims. Masjid al-Aqsa was later constructed in its new structure during the rule of a later caliph, Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan.

An 1890 view of Qubbat al-Sakhra and Masjid al-Aqsa	Say: “My Lord has commanded justice. Stand and face Him in every mosque and call on Him, making your religion sincerely His. As He originated you, so you will return.” (Qur'an, 7:29)

Qubbat al-Sakhra (Dome of the Rock) is also known as the Mosque of Omar, but it was not built as a mosque. Inside the structure, there is a stone believed to have been stepped on by Prophet Muhammad (may God bless him and grant him peace) during his ascension to heaven; the stone is considered sacred.

The word "sakhra" means a "piece of rock," and so Qubbat al-Sakhra means a dome built on rock. To the east of the rock in the structure, there is a long cupboard which contains what is believed to be hairs from Prophet Muhammad's (may God bless him and grant him peace) sacred beard.

And [I swear by] Mount Sinai and this safe land. (Qur'an, 95:2-3) He picks out for His mercy whoever He wills. God's favor is indeed immense. (Qur'an, 3:74)