Everything is not Always What it Seems

Asalaam ‘Alaikum:

Last year we had a nice vacation in San Diego. In fact, it was our second visit there – we liked it so much the first time. Of course, when we got there, our favorite place to visit was Sea World in San Diego. We really enjoyed our visit and to tell you the truth, I never thought anything about it. However, a while ago, while trying to feed my children’s minds with interesting information, I searched for videos online about Dolphins since my daughters are infatuated with them. To my surprise, I found this video online that made me really look at our visit to Shamu with a different perspective.

Click Here to See Video.

I recently showed the video to a friend and she highly suggested that I must add this to my blog – because even she (like I had before) never thought about it in that light. We should always try to be aware of the consequences of our actions – so perhaps this will make you aware as well, insha’Allah.

After watching the video, we won’t be going to anything like this again. While it may seem like something small and trivial to some, I really feel that we are not the caretakers of the earth like we should be. Our constant search for entertainment and our lack of asking important questions about its affects on others leads us to often cause harm. That is not our purpose.

Once, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) spoke of God’s forgiveness due to the humane treatment of animals. He told his companions the story of a man who got thirsty on his way. He found a well, climbed down inside it to the water, and quenched his thirst. When he came out he saw a panting dog licking on mud out of extreme thirst. The man thought to himself, ‘The dog has become as thirsty as I was!’ The man went down the well again and got some water for the dog. God appreciated his good work and forgave him. The companions asked, ‘O Prophet of God, do we get rewarded on humane treatment of animals?’ He said, ‘There is a reward in (doing good to) every living being.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari)

I think, if we were to go to San Diego again, perhaps we will just go when the whales are migrating and watch them from afar – or perhaps go on a boat for whale sightings. There’s nothing more beautiful (IMHO) than seeing the world and its creatures in their natural form and environment anyway. Besides, I want to teach my girls to respect life of others – including animals – they are truly a gift from Allah that should be treated with respect and cherished. Insha’Allah my actions will speak louder than words.

Asalaam ‘Alaikum,

Sumayyah Umm SAA