In the Holy Quran, Allah has revealed a chapter called An-Naml. The Arabic word “naml” means ant.
Because it contains the account of an ant, the chapter is named An-Naml. The chapter records a brief exchange of an ant warning its own people of an approaching danger and showing them the way to safety, a message that at once conveys compassion for one’s own kind and a sense of responsibility. The Quran states: “When they came to the valley of the ants, an ant said: O ants, enter your dwellings, lest Solomon and his hosts crush you without their being aware. Solomon smiled at its words.”
(Surah An-Naml, verses 18-19)
According to the Quran’s account, a weak ant is warning its own people, urging them on, and giving its life to save its community. It places before them the gravity of the approaching danger. The question is: is a single ant more responsible toward its own kind than we are? Reflect on it. The ant was not anxious for itself; rather it was anxious for its community. It did not say, “I alone will survive and leave you to die.”
Despite being small, it did not keep its voice low; it cried out, O ants! so that all would hear and all become alert. Does the ant’s sense of responsibility toward family, neighbors and its own kind not shame us?
How many people neglect their duty; how many sentries sleep and give the enemy an opening; how many people stay silent even when they see danger to their families, or slip away to safety and say, I saved myself. Though you may be young, your responsibilities are many. If a single ant can save its community, why can a single human not protect theirs? Do not think yourself small and cut off; do not say, what is it to me?
Every Muslim is responsible toward faith and the ummah. So let no harm come to Islam and the Muslims because of you. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: Each of you is a guardian, and each of you will be questioned about those in his care. (Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
In this age of self-absorption and selfishness, how many people sleep with full stomachs while their neighbors go hungry. How many workers stay indifferent as they watch their own institution collapse, yet still draw their pay. How many officials pass their days in comfort while putting others in danger. How many scholars and preachers stay silent in the face of wrongdoing to protect their positions and privileges. Are such people not shamed by the ant? It chose loyalty to its community over its own self-interest.
The account ends thus: “Solomon smiled at its words.” This smile of Allah’s prophet was not one of mockery; it was one of wonder and admiration. He marveled at the ant’s wisdom, tenderness and courage. A prophet was moved by the qualities of an ant.
Be one who warns. Do you see danger approaching your family? Do you sense the scent of discord and corruption? Do you see the flood of corruption in society? Please do not stay silent. Be one who warns; be the sound of truth; be a voice that stirs, as the ant was. Today, those of us who are indifferent to our own kind, who are content in indulgence, who are wrapped up in ourselves, come, let us cast off our indifference. For now we are even lowlier than the ant.
Hasan al-Basri said: “Whoever sees a wrong and approves of it by staying silent has made his own family party to it.”
O Allah, make us warners for our community, make us seekers of good for our families, let no harm come to Islam through us, and let us not neglect our duty. O Allah, send peace upon Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family and all his Companions.
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