The Ailing Tree

Question: Despite humanity's significant advancements, individuals continue to grapple with illness and distress, often failing to comprehend the underlying causes. Can you provide insight into this phenomenon?

Answer: Contemplation of Allah the Almighty’s creation, guided by the Quran, brings forth a profound understanding: though the essence of matter is singular, the laws, principles, and methods of creation are consistent, and the natural requisites of all beings are uniform. Intelligence and consciousness are inherent across creation, albeit in varying degrees—some beings possess higher cognitive capacities, others less, and some minimal.

Amid these shared foundations, the distinctiveness of each creation remains intact. This distinctiveness is twofold: one dimension pertains to the collective identity of the species, while the other represents the unique individuality of each member.

Within each species, every individual manifests a unique form, appearance, and characteristics, thereby preserving a dynamic equilibrium between universal commonalities and individual uniqueness. This duality underscores the intricate balance within creation.

The individuals of a species, such as parrots or pigeons, exhibit uniform forms, reflecting the collective identity of their kind. This phenomenon extends to all creations, where the collective appearance of a species is mirrored in its individuals. Such observations are evident and consistently affirmed by human experience. Examining the diversity of species reveals that the distinctiveness of each species arises from specific proportionate compositions embedded within their form by Allah the Almighty. These predefined compositions activate to produce only the intended species—goats give birth to goats, and pigeons to pigeons; no interspecies anomaly occurs. These precise compositions are not limited to earthly creatures but are fundamental to every component of the universe. Their primary function is to interact, combine, and transform, producing various colors and forms. These transformations define the attributes of a species. The creative formula thus emerges: while matter is singular, molds are diverse. These molds encapsulate matter and transform it into distinct proportionate compositions. As these compositions interact and combine, they give rise to a spectrum of colors, which ultimately manifest as the multiplicity of creation. The Quran affirms this profound truth: "Exalted is He who created all things in precise measure and guided them accordingly." This verse highlights that Allah the Almighty not only creates with balance and proportion but also endows each creation with a distinct awareness tailored to its purpose. The equality referenced pertains to the singularity of matter, while proportionate compositions signify the diverse patterns of forms and colors manifested in creation. As previously discussed, the essential faculties for sustaining life—emotions, instincts, and sentiments—are present universally across all terrestrial and celestial entities. Each particle of the cosmos is intrinsically endowed with consciousness and the requisite capabilities for existence. Every entity within the universe possesses an innate awareness of its status as a creation and recognizes the existence of a Creator. Moreover, each being discerns its unique identity within its species. For instance, a goat is cognizant of its membership in the goat species and is equally aware of the presence of predators like wolves, recognizing them as threats to its survival.

Beyond this, beings perceive their distinctiveness from other species; a goat recognizes humans as a separate type, just as humans differentiate between various species such as goats, horses, buffaloes, and trees. This embedded awareness within all elements of creation reflects a profound, divinely instilled consciousness and interconnectedness, establishing the unity of creation while maintaining its diversity under the creative will of Allah the Almighty.

In the realm of spirituality, the notion of awareness is extended to all entities, positing that species possess an intrinsic cognition akin to human self-awareness. It is understood that, just as humans trace their lineage and awareness to Adam as the first human, every species, including trees, is imbued with an inherent recognition of its archetypal origin. The transfer of awareness and essence from the primordial representative of a species to its contemporary members mirrors the evolutionary journey of human consciousness from Adam. A critique may arise regarding the apparent disparity in intellectual progression between humans and other species. Humanity's evolution is marked by significant advancements, from primitive living in caves to the mastery of tools, fire, metallurgy, and modern technological innovations. In contrast, species like trees appear to have remained static, retaining their primordial state from Adam's era to the present. This critique, while seemingly valid, overlooks a critical dimension of analysis. Human progress, characterized by scientific and technological breakthroughs, has been accompanied by the proliferation of complexities, including environmental degradation, psychological stress, and societal challenges. Earlier epochs were comparatively devoid of such burdens. The advancements that facilitated human dominance also necessitated remedies for self-imposed crises, leading to the development of medical sciences, environmental strategies, and psychological frameworks to mitigate the afflictions born of progress. Trees and other species, on the other hand, remain unburdened by such complexities, maintaining an equilibrium within their ecological niche. Their perceived stasis is, in essence, a testament to their alignment with the creative order, free from the dual-edged sword of progress that defines human existence. This contrast underscores the profound balance within the natural world, where species fulfill their ordained roles without deviating into existential dilemmas. From a spiritual perspective, this distinction illustrates the creative wisdom of the Absolute Being, who designed the cosmos with proportionate compositions and functional roles, ensuring harmony across all forms of existence. Human intellectual evolution, though remarkable, is inseparable from its accompanying trials, reflecting the broader cosmic principle that advancement often entails an increase in responsibility and challenge. Human advancements, particularly in the realms of science and technology, have inadvertently resulted in environmental degradation, including the contamination of the atmosphere with toxins. This pollution has led to various diseases in humans, necessitating the creation of numerous remedies and innovations for survival. However, trees, which lack the label of ashraf ul makhluqat (the most honored of creations), also experience the consequences of the same polluted environment. Just as humans suffer from contaminated air and water, trees and other forms of life are not immune to these adverse effects. Humans rely on oxygen for survival, and polluted oxygen becomes a carrier of toxins in the bloodstream, resulting in diseases, some of which remain incurable. Trees, sharing this reliance on oxygen as their vital fuel, are exposed to the same environmental pollutants. This parallel raises an essential question: if humans succumb to illnesses due to polluted air, why would trees remain unaffected? The answer lies in the inherent wisdom and resilience bestowed upon all species by the Absolute Being. Just as humans have developed methods to combat diseases, trees are equipped with an intrinsic system of self-preservation and adaptability. While their methods are not as visible or active as human inventions, trees possess a subtle but profound mechanism to protect their species from the destructive effects of human-induced environmental harm. This inherent adaptability suggests that the Creator has endowed all forms of life, including trees, with the necessary awareness and tools to sustain themselves despite environmental challenges. Trees, in their quiet endurance, reflect a different form of intelligence and a deeper harmony with nature's laws, enabling them to mitigate the damage caused by human progress. This harmony underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings, with each adapting in its unique way to the shared challenges of existence.

If trees lacked the inherent knowledge or the capacity to employ reason for their preservation, they would have perished due to environmental pollution, leaving the earth barren of vegetation. This undeniable evidence affirms the divine proclamation that creation is fashioned in proportionate compositions. These compositions include trees, which are explicitly mentioned to challenge the misconception that they lack awareness or sensory capacity. Contrary to the assumption that trees are devoid of intelligence or sensation, they demonstrate an innate ability to protect their kind. This stands in contrast to animals like cows, goats, and buffaloes, which are generally perceived as more conscious and intelligent than trees. Yet, even what appears to be devoid of awareness, reasoning, or autonomy to the human eye, is imbued with divine, proportionate compositions. These compositions grant trees the capacity to sustain their existence and preserve their species. This understanding underscores the comprehensive wisdom in creation, where even seemingly insentient beings are endowed with the means to fulfill their purpose and thrive within their ordained roles. The divine system operates flawlessly, ensuring balance and harmony across all forms of life, regardless of human perceptions of intelligence or awareness.