An interesting question came to mind. I saw a video called “Before Mars” the other day. It works as a short prologue to a series by National Geographic called “Mars”, (here is a trailer), which ran for 2 seasons, a series which is both a dramatization as well as a documentary dealing with plans for colonizing planet Mars (المريخ). A very interesting series by the way. The video “Before Mars” introduces us to two of the characters from the main series, twin sisters, when they were young girls. One of them finds an old radio, allowing her to communicate long distances. She manages to get in contact with a female astronaut in space. It presents her with the opportunity to ask the question…. “do you ever miss home?”. The astronaut gives a beautiful reply, which affected me to write this input.
Most people identify home as a location. Our living space is our home. Our city is our home. Our nation is our home. Home is associated with daily routines and familiar surroundings. Strong community ties and a supportive neighborhood strengthens the feeling of belonging. But the reply from the female astronaut gives a wider picture… “It took me years to realize that a home can change over time, that it isn’t a destination or a location. Home is anywhere you make it.” In the words of the astronaut… “For me, I just had to change my perspective. And now, whenever I think of the word home, I don’t think of a place. I think of my family.” The religion of Islam takes a step further.
سورة الروم ٢٠-٢٢
وَمِنۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦٓ أَنۡ خَلَقَكُم مِّن تُرَابٖ ثُمَّ إِذَآ أَنتُم بَشَرٞ تَنتَشِرُونَ
وَمِنۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦٓ أَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَٰجٗا لِّتَسۡكُنُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَيۡنَكُم مَّوَدَّةٗ وَرَحۡمَةًۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّقَوۡمٖ يَتَفَكَّرُونَ
وَمِنۡ ءَايَٰتِهِۦ خَلۡقُ ٱلسَّمَٰوَٰتِ وَٱلۡأَرۡضِ وَٱخۡتِلَٰفُ أَلۡسِنَتِكُمۡ وَأَلۡوَٰنِكُمۡۚ إِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ لَأٓيَٰتٖ لِّلۡعَٰلِمِينَ
Surah Ar-Room 30:20-22
Among His Signs in this, that He created you from dust; and then,- behold, ye are men scattered (far and wide)!
And among His Signs is this, that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquillity with them, and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts): verily in that are Signs for those who reflect.
And among His Signs is the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the variations in your languages and your colours: verily in that are Signs for those who know.
For me… who has more or less always felt a bit like an outsider, it just strengthened my feelings… that my family are not necessarily of my blood. My brothers and sisters, whom I feel a closer tie with, are all of you. I feel a sense of comfort, a feeling of belonging and a purpose. Something I appreciate so much more than words can say. Love and care for all of you from the heart.
سورة الأنبياء ٩٢
إِإِنَّ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمۡ أُمَّةٗ وَٰحِدَةٗ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمۡ فَٱعۡبُدُونِ
سورة البقرة ١٤٨
أَيۡنَ مَا تَكُونُواْ يَأۡتِ بِكُمُ ٱللَّهُ جَمِيعًاۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَيۡءٖ قَدِيرٞ
Surah Al-Anbiyaa 21:92
Verily, this brotherhood of yours is a single brotherhood, and I am your Lord and Cherisher: therefore serve Me (and no other).
Surah Al-Baqara 2:148
Wheresoever ye are, Allah will bring you Together. For Allah Hath power over all things.
I do hope that all of you are safe and that this input has brought a smile.
I was recently asked to write an input focused on Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وسلم). This is in the mind, I will need to do a little research before I can undertake such a task. Is there any part of his life that is of interest, any stories or issues that any of you feel I should write about? Any thoughts or ideas on this matter are always welcome.
The best of times to you all inshallah.
Peace, happiness, and stay faithful.
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