The Prostrating Shadow

Selections from the Book The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him …

Written by Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi...

Episode  (51)

Allah Almighty said: {Have they not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows incline ‎to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allah, while they [i.e., those ‎creations] are humble.} [An-Nahl: 48].

This noble verse refers to this delicate creation, the "shadow that prostrates" to Allah Almighty. It is a direct invitation to reflect and ponder over that wondrous movement, which many people often limit to merely seeking refuge from the scorching heat of summer. The spiritual significance expressed through the movement of the shadow embodies the meaning of submission and prostration to the One and Only God, in perfect harmony with all of His creations that prostrate and humbly turn to Him, the Exalted.[1]

Allah Almighty said: {And to Allah prostrates whoever is within the heavens and the earth, ‎willingly or by compulsion, and their shadows [as well] in the mornings and ‎the afternoons.} [Ar-Ra'd: 15]‎.

Allah Almighty informs us of His greatness and majesty, to which everything submits. All things and creatures, including inanimate objects, animals, and those accountable beings among humans, jinn, and angels, are in submission to Him. He tells us that everything with a shadow, which tilts to the right and left—meaning in the morning and evening—prostrates with its shadow to Allah, the Exalted. Mujahid commented that when the sun reaches its zenith, everything prostrates to Allah Almighty.

And His saying; {while they [i.e., those creations] are humble.‎} means that they are submissive and humbled. Mujahid also mentioned that the prostration of everything is represented by its shadow. Regarding the mountains, he said: "Their prostration is in their shadows". Abu Ghalib Al-Shaybani added that the waves of the sea are a form of prayer.

Al-Qurtubi stated that the shadows of the truth prostrate to Allah Almighty during the morning and evening, as they become evident during these times and tilt from side to side. This is a manifestation of Allah's control over them as He wills. This is akin to His saying: {Have they not considered what things Allah has created? Their shadows incline ‎to the right and to the left, prostrating to Allah, while they [i.e., those ‎creations] are humble.} [An-Nahl: 48]‎. Mujahid mentioned that the shadow of a believer prostrates willingly and in obedience, while the shadow of a disbeliever prostrates against its will and is reluctant.

How unfortunate is this disbeliever, who has everything around him proclaiming the Oneness of Allah yet remains stubborn and deviates miserably from this universe in his worship of The One, The Unique, Allah. Even his shadow, which leaves an imprint of his form on the ground and follows him everywhere, serves as a testament to this truth.

This profound meaning of the shadow's prostration deserves that every rational person reflects upon it, declaring their servitude to Allah and disavowing any denial or arrogance in worshipping Him, the Exalted. It is an acknowledgment of their need and poverty before the deity to whom everything prostrates, even the shadows.

Allah has indeed repeated the mention of this theme in several verses, highlighting the great blessings He has bestowed upon His servants. Here, we see Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) recounting his journey from Egypt to Midian, where he faced much hardship and difficulty. After watering the two women’s flock, he seeks refuge in the shade of a lush tree, surrendering his affairs to Allah and presenting his complaint to Him with humility and gentleness. Allah Almighty says: {So he watered [their flocks] for them; then he went back to the shade and ‎said, "My Lord, indeed I am, for whatever good You would send down to ‎me, in need."} [Al-Qasas: 24]‎.

The mention of Allah's blessings continues in the story of the people of Moses (peace be upon him). Here, the shade referred to is not the ordinary shade that Moses sought, but rather a gentle, refreshing shade provided by the clouds. Allah Almighty says: {And We divided them into twelve descendant tribes [as distinct] nations. ‎And We inspired to Moses when his people implored him for water, "Strike ‎with your staff the stone," and there gushed forth from it twelve springs. ‎Every people [i.e., tribe] knew its watering place. And We shaded them with ‎clouds and sent down upon them manna and quails, [saying], "Eat from the ‎good things with which We have provided you." And they wronged Us not, ‎but they were [only] wronging themselves.} [Al-A'raf: 160].‎

Episode references:

- Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi, The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him, pp. 350-353.

- Al-Qurtubi’s interpretation, 9/302.

- Ibn Kathir’s interpretation, 2/571-572.

For further information and review of the sources for the article, see:

The Book of The Story of The Beginning of Creation and The Creation of Adam, peace be upon him on the official website of Sheikh Dr. Ali Muhammad al-Sallabi: