Wonders of Creation in Surah Al-Ghashiyah
The Holy Quran, in a verse of Surah Al-Ghashiyah, cites one example, inviting us to reflect on the creation of camel, an animal that has been created in harmony with nature.
Al-Ghashiyah is the 88th chapter of the Quran that has 26 verses and is in the 30th Juz. It is Makki and the 68th Surah revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Ghashiyah means covering, enveloping and an overwhelming event.
It refers to the Day of Judgment whose overwhelming events affect all people.
The word comes in the first verse and hence the name of the Surah.
The main theme of the Surah is the Resurrection Day, the painful punishments for sinners and the rewards for believers.
It describes that day and how people are divided into two groups: Those who are happy and those who are sad and miserable. The first group enters paradise and the second enters hell.
The second theme is monotheism and references to the wonders of creation such as camel, sky and mountains, guiding people to reflection and getting to know their Creator.
The third theme is the position of prophethood and the responsibilities of messengers of God toward people. In this Surah, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) is ordered to remind people of how God has created this world and the fact that all people will return to God and He is the one who assesses their deeds.
One of the wonders of creation mentioned in this chapter for humans to reflect on is the camel: “What, do they not reflect upon how the camel was created?” (Verse 17)
Camel is an animal that has many capabilities, thinking about which makes one wonder. Camels have three eyelids that enable them to resist dust and sandstorms in the desert. They can store fat in their hump, which enables them to go without food for weeks. They can also go without water for a long time. Their feet have been created in such a way that they can easily move on desert sand. As Arabs say, camels are desert ships. They are among the most powerful, most beneficial, most gentle and most enduring animals.
