From The Quran to the Outdoors

(Photo Credit: Ryan Burt)

I grew up around the outdoors, but I never thought of myself as a conservationist until I started practicing Islam in college.

You might be thinking, “uhh...what?”

Let me give you the bigger picture.

I believe every one of us enters this life as a wide-eyed explorer. The “oohs” and “ahhs” we experience as kids stick with us as long as we nurture our sense of wonder.

Sahara Desert ‘08 (Photo Credit: My Dad)

Growing up, my parents would load up the family van with my brothers and I and travel across the U.S. We’d drive west, scouting out national parks, museums and theme parks, plus, we’d occasionally travel out of the country. The first time I went camping was actually in Morocco! Falling asleep under the stars and waking up to sunrise in the desert was something I’ll never forget.

I’m grateful that my sense of wonder was able to blossom thanks to my parents who exposed us to different ways of life. Going into my teenage years, I was still taken aback by the natural wonders around me, but at that time, a lot of my vision was blurred by teenage angst.

I was at a low point in my life towards my senior year and I wasn’t as excited about the world as I used to be.

I missed my genuine “ooh ahh” moments.

It was losing my sense of self that led me to search for answers. While in college, I was given a Quran and would read it periodically in my apartment.

I was looking for new grounds to explore.

It was then that Islam entered my life. I was beautifully reminded to take care of myself and others. As a psych major, I was intrigued by the self-care aspects like prayer and fasting. As a “tree-hugger,” I also gravitated towards the call for environmental stewardship.

Blue Ridge Mountains. (Photo credit: Getty Images)

The verses of the Quran reminded me of earth’s natural splendor and rich ecological diversity. It became a daily reminder of the immense beauty of the natural world. Reading the Quran helped connect me to nature; it also drew me out of my shell and gave me something to feel thankful for.

Through my faith, I felt encouraged to look at the earth around me with a renewed, deep sense of wonder. This is what drew me to the outdoors.

After I graduated from college, I had the opportunity to live in Asheville, NC for a year as an AmeriCorps member. I was really excited about spending my free time hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains with my childhood friends.

(Photo Credit: Ryan Burt)

I spent a lot of time helping out at the Francine Delany New School for Children where I got to learn about social justice and outdoor education. Being in an environment surrounded by change makers from the faculty to the students motivated me on my journey towards stewardship.

My good friend Ryan at Max Patch

Although it’s been a few years since then, I’ve been able to go back to the mountains.

I recently took a trip to Asheville to attend the 2019 Outdoor Economy Conference and camp out at Max Patch with my friend Ryan.

It was on the rolling hills of Max Patch that I was able to nurture the wide-eyed explorer within myself. With my feet on my prayer mat, a friend by my side, and mountains as far as the eye can see, my hope was and still is to continuously seek out the grand design all while taking steps towards a better me.

Amath Diouf is a new writer for Melanin Base Camp. Check out his profile here!

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