Restorative Environments In Quran
đQuran 27:60
Or Ëčask them,Ëș âWho created the heavens and the earth, and sends down rain for you from the sky, by which We cause delightful gardens to grow? You could never cause their trees to grow. Was it another god besides Allah?â Absolutely not! But they are a people who set up equals Ëčto AllahËș!
- Modern research also highlights the benefits of gardens for human well-being. A 2016 meta-analysis found that exposure to gardens increases life satisfaction, reduces fatigue, and helps manage symptoms of anxiety and depression. While the Quran mentions âdelightful gardensâ primarily as a sign of Allahâs provision and sustenance, these studies show that such natural spaces also have a profound positive impact on mental and emotional health, reflecting another layer of wisdom in creation.
Reference: Gardening is beneficial for health: A meta-analysis
The word âdelightfulâ in the Quran conveys joy, pleasure, and enjoyment. People 1400 years ago could observe that gardens were enjoyable, but they did not understand the deeper connection to mental and emotional well-being. Modern science now shows that being around gardens or green spaces promotes happiness, reduces stress, and improves mental health. The Quranâs mention of âdelightful gardensâ highlights this benefit indirectly – pointing to a form of joy and psychological restoration long before it was scientifically explained.
Additional Information
The Quran is not a science or medical textbook; it does not aim to provide detailed instructions about health or psychology. Instead, it mentions things that are good, beneficial, or significant and leaves signs for humans to reflect upon. Its purpose is guidance and moral instruction, but in doing so, it sometimes highlights natural phenomena and environments that promote well-being. The mention of âdelightful gardensâ serves as an example: the Quran points to these spaces as blessings, leaving their restorative effects on the mind and spirit as a sign for those who observe and ponder.