Discover the divine art behind the yellowing leaves and what autumn whispers to our souls.
The shedding of yellowing leaves by trees is often likened to the shedding of sins in Islamic culture. Just as trees get rid of the burden on them and return to their essence, humans can get rid of their spiritual burdens through repentance and seeking forgiveness. While the autumn winds blow, remembering the good news of our Prophet (PBUH) that 'Prayer sheds sins just as the wind sheds the dry leaves of a tree' changes our perspective on this season.
Autumn presents the most beautiful manifestations of Allah's names 'Al-Musawwir' (The Shaper) and 'Al-Muzayyin' (The Adorner) with the riot of colors in nature. Walks in nature during this season are not only a physical activity but also an act of worship. Reading the book of the universe by looking at the drying soil, changing colors, and cooling air refreshes faith and brings peace to the heart.
Nature's gradual retreat into hibernation is a powerful metaphor reminding us of the transience and mortality of life. Nature, which comes to life in spring and bears fruit in summer, whispers to us in autumn that everything has an end. This cycle creates not pessimism for the believer, but a consciousness of preparing for the Hereafter, our true home. Autumn reminds us that worldly life is a place of transition and the real spring is in Paradise.
"Autumn is not just a season where leaves fall, but also a period where the soul flourishes again with contemplation."
Just as autumn is harvest time for farmers, it is also a time of accounting for our spiritual lives. It is necessary to get out of the lethargy of summer and prepare for long winter nights. Lengthening nights offer unique opportunities for Tahajjud prayer and Quran recitation. This season is the most productive time to account for the past days, make up for deficiencies, and enter winter spiritually equipped.
Autumn is not a season of sadness for a believer, but rather an opportunity for deep contemplation and purification. Nature's preparation for hibernation reminds us of the transience of worldly life and the Hereafter, our true home. Seeing Allah's art in every falling leaf is a means to purify our souls from spiritual impurities. We should see this season as a blessing to turn to our inner world, increase our gratitude, and fill our spiritual saddlebags.
