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The proof of Allah in a leaf
a lesson from Imam Shafi'i
A group of people once came to Imam Ash-Shafi’i ر asking him for a proof of Allah’s existence
They expected a long
complex answer -
perhaps something about the universe
or the stars
or the structure of a human being
Instead
the Imam paused for a moment
and then said something simple :
“The proof is the leaf of the mulberry bush.”
They looked at him in confusion
How could something as ordinary as a leaf be proof of Allah?
Imam Shafi’i then explained :
“The taste and substance of this leaf are one
yet when the silkworm eats it, it produces silk
when the bee eats it, it produces honey
and when the deer eats it, it produces musk"
Then he said
“Reflect on the Creator who allows a single leaf to produce such different results - each one unique, each one valuable, each one serving a purpose.”
SubhanAllah
The same leaf
the same taste
the same substance -
but three completely different outcomes
Who controls the process within each creature?
Who gave the silkworm the ability to spin threads finer than any man-made fabric?
Who placed sweetness in the honeybee’s creation and fragrance in the deer’s?
Who made all of them feed on one leaf
yet bring forth such varied gifts to the world?
It is Allah -
Al-Khaliq (The Creator)
Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise)
Al-Qadir (The All-Powerful)
When we truly pause and reflect
we realise that the signs of Allah are not hidden
They are everywhere -
in the smallest
most ordinary things we overlook each day
The air you breathe
The water that nourishes you
The heartbeat that keeps you alive without your command
All of them whisper the same truth :
“There is no power nor might except with Allah.”
Imam Shafi’i’s response wasn’t just to prove Allah’s existence -
it was a reminder to observe
to reflect
and to feel the signs of Allah in the world around us
We often look for miracles in grand events
But sometimes
the greatest proofs lie in the quiet design of everyday things
Each breath
each leaf
each sunrise -
all point back to the One who created them with purpose
As Allah says in the Qur’an :
“Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and day are for those of understanding - those who remember Allah while standing, sitting, and lying on their sides, and reflect on the creation of the heavens and the earth.”
Reflection leads to recognition
Recognition leads to love
And love leads to submission
Take a few quiet minutes today
Step outside
or sit near a window
Pick one ordinary thing -
a leaf
a glass of water
a flower
even your own hand
Then ask yourself :
how does this serve me - or someone else?
what systems has Allah placed in it?
what does it reveal about His mercy, power, and wisdom?
Write down your reflections
even if they’re just a few words
This small habit of reflection softens the heart and brings you closer to Allah
What’s one simple thing that makes you remember Allah?
Reply to this email (or comment on threads)
I’d love to hear your reflections
until the next letter,
— hidvyaa