by Dr. Ildus Rafikov
MI Vice President – Research
In the complex web of existence, all elements—animate and inanimate—form part of a vast, interlinked, and dynamic system. This system, devised by the Creator, functions according to universal laws that regulate the birth and eventual decay of everything within it. One of the most profound of these laws is the law of transience, which dictates that all created things—be they individuals, nations, animals, environments, or even the greatest mountains—are transient. They come into existence, fulfill their purpose, and then disappear, making room for new creations. This cycle of life, growth, and eventual decline is not only a natural process but also a reflection of the divine wisdom and purposefulness that permeates all of creation.
The Cycle of Human Life
Human beings, with their remarkable intellect and capabilities, are perhaps the most aware of their mortality. From the moment of birth, every soul embarks on a journey that will inevitably lead to the same destination—death (Al-Qur’an, 3:185, 21:35, 29:57). The Qur’an poignantly describes this journey, reminding us that we are created from weakness, grow into strength, and then return to weakness in old age before we die (30:54). This cyclical process underscores the temporary nature of human life and serves as a reminder that, regardless of our achievements, reaches, or position, we are bound by the same laws that govern all creation.
This transience is not merely a reflection of physical reality but also a reminder of our spiritual purpose. The transient nature of life encourages us to focus on what truly matters: our relationship with the Creator, our actions, and the legacy we leave behind. Just as a flowering plant goes through stages, fulfilling its purposes attracting insects that benefit from it and in return help pollinate the plant to continue its life in other creation and then withers away, humans too live their lives in stages, each with their own beauty and purpose, before we return to our origin.
The Rise and Fall of Nations
History is replete with examples of mighty civilizations that once dominated the world only to crumble into obscurity. The Qur’an recounts the stories of ancient nations such as the people of ‘Ad and Thamud, who were unparalleled in their strength and prosperity yet were ultimately destroyed because of their arrogance and disregard for divine guidance (40:21). These narratives serve as powerful reminders that no nation, no matter how powerful or advanced, is immune to the law of transience.
The rise and fall of nations are not random occurrences but are deeply intertwined with the moral and spiritual fabric of society. When a nation adheres to justice, humility, and righteousness, it prospers. However, when it becomes corrupt, oppressive, or neglectful of its duties to the Creator and humanity, it begins to decay from within. This decay may not be immediately apparent; however, over time, it leads to the nation’s downfall, making way for new societies to emerge.
This process is a manifestation of divine justice and the interconnectedness between all things. Just as a tree that has outgrown its roots eventually topples, so too do nations that have lost their moral foundations. The transience of nations serves as a reminder that power and wealth are not ends in themselves but are means to uphold justice and contribute to the well-being of humanity.
The Transience of the Natural World
The natural world, with its breathtaking beauty and complexity, is a constant reminder of the transience that pervades all of creation. The environment around us—forests, rivers, oceans, and even the climate—undergoes continuous change. Seasons shift, ecosystems evolve, and landscapes transform over time. This dynamism is part of the divine plan, reflecting the purposefulness and connectivity that underlie all of nature.
The Qur’an invites us to reflect on the signs in the natural world, where the earth, once barren, is revived with rain, bringing forth life in abundance, only to return to its original state (22:5). This cycle of life and death is not only a physical process but also a spiritual lesson. It teaches us that nothing in this world is permanent, and that everything is subject to change according to divine wisdom.
The impermanence of the environment also reminds us of our responsibility as stewards of the earth. While the natural world is transient, our actions can either contribute to its preservation or hasten its decline (30:41). This interconnectedness between human actions and the environment highlights the principle of wholism, where every part of creation is linked to the whole. Our care for the environment is not just an ethical duty but also a recognition of our place within the broader tapestry of life.
The Mortality of Animals
Animals, like humans, are part of the cyclical process of life and death. They live, reproduce, and eventually die, contributing to the balance of ecosystems and the continuity of life. The Qur’an acknowledges the importance of animals, describing them as communities like human beings (6:38). This recognition of animals as part of a larger community emphasizes their role in the interconnected web of life.
The mortality of animals is a reminder of the natural order that governs all living beings. Just as a flock of birds migrates with the changing seasons, animals adapt to their environments, living in harmony with the natural cycles. However, their existence is also subject to the law of impermanence. Species that once thrived may become extinct, and new species may emerge, reflecting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of creation.
This transience serves to remind us of the balance that exists in the natural world. When one species declines, it can have a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, affecting other species and the environment. This interconnectedness underscores the principle of wholism, where every element of creation is interdependent, and the well-being of one part affects the whole.
The Erosion of Mountains
Mountains, often seen as symbols of permanence and stability, are also subject to the law of impermanence. The Qur’an describes mountains as pegs that stabilize the earth (78:6-7), yet it also foretells a time when these mountains will be shattered and reduced to dust (73:14). This apparent paradox reflects the dual nature of mountains as both stabilizers of the earth in its current state and symbols of the ultimate transformation that will occur at the end of times.
The erosion of mountains is a gradual process that takes place over millennia, shaped by wind, water, and other natural forces. This slow yet inevitable process reminds us that even the most enduring aspects of the natural world are not immune to change. The eventual dissolution of mountains into sand and dust serves as a metaphor for the impermanence that characterizes all of creation.
The transformation of mountains also highlights the connectivity between different elements of the natural world. As mountains erode, they contribute to the formation of valleys, rivers, and fertile plains, supporting new forms of life. This cyclical process reflects the divine wisdom that ensures the continuity of life, even as individual elements undergo change.
Conclusion: Embracing the Law of Transience
The law of transience is a fundamental principle that governs all of creation. From the life cycle of individuals to the rise and fall of nations, from the changing environment to the mortality of animals, and from the erosion of mountains to the transformation of landscapes, everything in this world is subject to change. This impermanence is not a cause for despair but a reminder of the purposefulness, connectivity, and wholism that characterize the divine design.
By recognizing the transient nature of all things, we are encouraged to live with a sense of humility and purpose. We are reminded to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with the Creator, our responsibilities to others, and our stewardship of the earth. In doing so, we align ourselves with the divine wisdom that guides the universe, finding peace and fulfillment in the knowledge that, while this world is temporary, our actions can have lasting significance in the Hereafter.
As we journey through life, we need to embrace the law of transience as a source of wisdom and guidance, knowing that every moment is an opportunity to fulfill our purpose and contribute to the greater good.