The Religion of Nature

The Religion of Nature T he Quran presents nature as a model for human behaviour. An explanation of this is given in the chapter Al-‘Imran (The Family of Imran). A translation of the relevant verse is given below: Do they seek a religion other than the religion of God, when everything in the heavens and the earth has submitted to Him, willingly or unwillingly? To Him they shall all return. (3:83) In other words, the religion of God means the law of nature. The whole world is controlled by this law, and the crux of this law is submission. Therefore, the religion of the universe is based on submission. Submission to God is the only religion for both man and the universe. This natural model for man is referred to in several parts of the Quran. For example, in one verse the Quran says: “The sun cannot overtake the moon, nor can the night outpace the day: each floats in [its own] orbit.” (36:40) This means that sun and moon follow their own prescribed orbits, and the same is required of humans. Of course, all men and women are allowed to organize their own activities, but it is with the caveat that they should not go beyond limits, that is, they should not do anything which could be harmful to others. The sun supplies light and heat every day, but it never sends out any bills. Heat and sunlight are supplied free to all living beings. The same service is required of man. Man must adopt the principle of selfless service. The honeybee enters the world of plants; along with the