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Baby Birds Story, a reflection on Allah's creation It was a spring afternoon in Austin. An attractive, small bird flew to the tall shrub in the front yard and perched on it. She was a beautiful bird with light gray colored feathers and dark and light pattern under the wings, which gracefully unfolded when she was in flight. Allah had fashioned her with His power of creation, with care and love, and made her attractive, for He is Al Khaaliq (the Creator), Al Baari (the Evolver)), Al Musaw'wir (the Fashioner), Al Mubdi (the Originator), Al Wadood (the Loving.) He had taught her all the skills for survival, for He is Ar Rahmaan (The Beneficent). He taught her to obtain nourishment from what He has created, for He is Ar Razzaaq (the Provider) and Al Baasit (Grantor in abundance). Then it was time for her to find a mate and have babies. Allah knew her needs, even before she knew them,for Allah is Al Khabeer (the all Knowing). He provided her with a mate, for He is Al karim (the generous). Then, it was time for her to lay eggs. He taught her to build a nest in a secure place, with expertise, so it will be strong, safe and comfortable for the babies, and out of reach of predators, for He is Al Haadi (the Guide), and Al Wali’i (the protecting friend). He guided her to make her nest in a sculptured bush less than six foot tall, in the front yard of the house located at Lovridge court, Austin. Perhaps, she was divinely instructed, and she duly obeyed without questioning or having any doubts, because she had surrendered totally and completely to her Creator. She was an obedient and submissive servant. She perhaps, was assured of her safety, despite her nest being at eye level, and very close to human habitation. A dweller of the house discovered the nest while tending the garden. This was not an accidental discovery, since in the realm of God there are no accidents. Everything is in His knowledge, the past, the present, the future, the manifest, and the hidden, for He is Al Aleem (the all Knowing). What was witnessed was an amazing sight; two little baby birds, barely strong enough to move. As soon as they felt the vibration in the nest, they perceived that perhaps their mother had brought food for them. They extended their necks up, opened their large mouths, as wide as possible, to receive the food. In fact, their opened mouths were so big that one could hardly notice their heads. “Allaahu'Akbar, AlhamduLillah, Sub'haanAllaah” were the phrases that spontaneously came out of amazement at that marvelous sight. What was witnessed was the manifestation of the creative power of God, the beauty and wisdom with which He conducts His affairs, for He is Al Hakeem (the Wise), in fact, that was a sign of, and a proof of the existence of a Supreme Being, the only being in the universe with the power of creation - creation of life. Some call Him Allah; others call him with different names like, God, Eloheim, Yahweh, etc. In fact, this was the Mercy of the Creator that He sent the little bird to build her nest at that precarious location, so that His human servants recognize Him through His most powerful sign; the creation life. The mother bird appeared to be a noble creature. She did not get unduly upset or ruffled, and did not scream when humans approached the nest. She quietly flew away at a safe distance, without making a sound, and returned later when she deemed it was safe to return. She had submitted completely to the Will of the Creator, and put her trust in Him. She had attained Tawak'kul (complete dependence and reliance) in her Creator. She seemed to have no fear. Allah was her guardian (Al Wakeel). Mysterious disappearance. Two days later, in the morning, when the resident of the dwelling peaked into the nest, the babies were not there. They were there the day before. There was an un-hatched egg. There was no sign of the mother. As mysteriously as the baby birds were discovered, equally mysteriously they disappeared. They were too young and weak to fly. The nest was not disturbed. They left no trace or clue. There was no sign of the mother anywhere. There were no predators around. Like many other mysteries of nature, this might, perhaps, remain a mystery. However, the marvelous experience and the lessons learned will remain forever with those who witnessed. The realization of not only what was witnessed, but also, that through His Mercy, it was actually made available to be seen and appreciated. For Allah says in the Qur’an that His signs are everywhere. Lessons learned. Of course, these miracles do happen every day, every night, and everywhere. It is up to us to take time to pay attention to them, recognize our Lord through them, Praise Him, thank Him, and Exalt Him. Allaahu'Akbar (God is greater than any one), Alham’du-Lillaah (All Praise belongs to God), Sub'haanAllaah (Glory be to God). Syed H. Akhtar Austin, Texas. 5-1-07 Post-script. Photos of the baby birds are printed below. A perceptive young lady, a niece of mine, remarked that the story was an act of worship, to recognize Allah (God) through His creation. Yes, of course this is an act of worship, and in my humble opinion, it is a higher form of worship, perhaps higher than some ritualistic acts of worship. Of course, all of us who are witnessing and experiencing this are also performing His worship. Aameen. SHA
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