Switzerland is known for its breathtaking landscapes—snow-capped mountains, pristine lakes, and lush green fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Living here has given me an appreciation for nature’s beauty, but beyond that, it has also become a place where I find spiritual solitude.
As a Muslim girl in a Western country, my faith is a deeply personal journey. It’s not always easy to feel connected to the community when mosques are far away and Islamic events are rare. But I’ve realized that faith is not confined to buildings or gatherings—it is something that lives within us, something we carry wherever we go.
This morning, my sister and I decided to do something different. Instead of reading the Quran indoors, we took our books outside, seeking to merge the beauty of Allah’s words with the beauty of His creation. The sun was gentle, casting a golden glow over the garden, and the air carried the fresh scent of grass and blooming flowers. It was one of those moments where everything felt perfectly aligned.
Setting Up Our Peaceful Corner
We carefully arranged our little reading space. Two small beige stools held our Qurans, each resting on a velvet-lined book cover. Nearby, we spread out our prayer mats—one a rich brown embroidered with intricate patterns, and the other a deep navy blue with golden geometric designs. A small cup of warm coffee sat beside me, a simple pleasure to accompany this sacred time.
As I flipped through the delicate pages of the Quran, I was reminded of how these verses have remained unchanged for over fourteen centuries. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of connection—not just to the words, but to the millions of people around the world who, at that very instant, might be reciting the same ayahs, reflecting on the same meanings.
Reciting in the Open Air
The first verse I read was:
"Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day, are signs for those of understanding." (Quran 3:190)
I paused, letting the words sink in. The irony was not lost on me—here I was, surrounded by nature, reading about its wonders from the very Book that teaches us to reflect on them.
My sister and I took turns reciting, each voice carrying softly through the air. The gentle rustling of the trees, the distant chirping of birds, and the occasional whisper of the wind made the experience even more serene. It was as if nature itself was listening.
We occasionally stopped to discuss certain verses, sharing our thoughts on their meanings and how they applied to our lives. In those moments, I felt incredibly grateful—not just for the Quran, but for the companionship of my sister. Having someone to share this spiritual journey with made it all the more meaningful.
Finding Solace in Faith
Living in a country where Islam is a minority sometimes makes me feel out of place. The call to prayer does not echo through the streets, Ramadan is not a public celebration, and finding halal food can be a challenge. But in moments like this, I am reminded that Islam is not about where you are—it’s about what’s in your heart.
Sitting there in the quietness of the garden, surrounded by nothing but the greenery and the open sky, I felt at peace. The Quran is not just a book; it is a companion, a teacher, a source of comfort in times of doubt and distress. It reminds me that no matter where I am, I am never truly alone—Allah is always near.
As the sun began to set, we closed our Qurans, sat silently for a moment, and simply soaked in the stillness. With a deep breath, I whispered a quiet prayer of gratitude: for the faith that anchors me, for the family that supports me, and for the nature that constantly reminds me of the greatness of Allah.
Sometimes, the most profound moments of faith come in the simplest of settings. And today was one of those days—a day where the Quran and the beauty of nature came together in perfect harmony, leaving my heart full and my soul at peace.