Dear sisters, can you spot the difference between these two photographs?
The photos were taken on the same day. The first picture, taken at 8am shows daisies with their petals tightly closed, while the second shows the flowers with their petals wide open. The first time I observed this phenomenon I was startled: how come I had never noticed it before? Isn’t this how we go through life – so busy in our mundane tasks, always rushing to get from one place to the next. Sometimes we fail to see what is literally at our feet.
Allah says in the Quran:
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)
The miracles of nature are all around us: the perfection and harmony in the natural world is undeniable proof of the existence of an eternal and almighty Creator.
So, why are daisies, and other similar flowers closed at night? Researchers have come to the conclusion that this amazing occurrence is the result of Circadian Rhythms: working around a 24 hour ‘biological clock’, daisies close at night when there are no pollinating insects which would otherwise be attracted to the brightly coloured petals. The mechanism allows flowers to conserve their fragrance and protects them from early morning dew.
Humans have a similar mechanism which allows us to wake up and sleep according to routine. Changes in our routine, like working at night and of course praying and eating in the early hours during Ramadan interfere with these natural rhythms but our bodies are able to adapt quickly to such situations. We can make use of our knowledge of our own biological clock to determine when we are most alert and energetic and utilise this fact to be more productive. For instance, I am definitely a ‘morning person’ and I can usually start my tasks from the word go. Conversely, one of my sisters works best in the evening when my energy levels are low!
Finally, whatever our routine we need time to rest, to conserve our energy and to recharge our bodies and minds. Remember the daisies and listen to your body: sometimes even a 20 minute power nap is enough to refresh your senses. Look after yourself and give yourself time to reflect on the miracles of nature all around us.
‘We will show them Our signs in the horizons and within themselves until it becomes clear to them that it is the truth…’ (Quran 41:53)