The universe does not contain just thousands or millions of galaxies, but billions, and each galaxy holds billions of stars. No one can know how many planets circle those stars. Trying to count all the planets in the universe is almost impossible.
One of those planets is ours—your Earth. According to all scientific knowledge so far, it is the only planet where life has been confirmed, because we have not yet found life on any other world. Think about how precious life and Earth are. We live on a planet that is full of life, yet we often take this blessing for granted.
Our Earth is covered with people, animals, trees, rivers, seas, mountains and deserts. It is the third planet from the Sun, about 150 million kilometres away on average.
Everyone knows that Earth makes one spin on its own axis in about 24 hours, and it takes about 365 days to go once around the Sun. That period is called a year. The spin creates day and night, while the orbit around the Sun brings the seasons. Sometimes it is cold, sometimes it is hot.
One important reason Earth can support life is that its axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees from the line perpendicular to its orbit around the Sun. Because of this tilt, different parts of Earth receive sunlight at different angles at different times of the year, and the length of day and night changes. That is why the seasons change.
If the axis were not tilted, the seasons would not be as we know them. Temperatures and daylight hours would vary differently across the world, and the conditions for life would be affected. This shows how the tilt of Earth’s axis plays a key role in its climate system.
Earth teaches us that people, too, need humility and a gentle bend in their hearts to live well. Those who always hold their heads high and think they are better than others are not liked. In contrast, humble people find a place in others’ hearts.
The Qur’an also warns against arrogance. In Surah Al‑Isra (also called Surah Bani Isra’il), verse 37 says:
“Do not walk arrogantly upon the earth; you cannot tear it apart, nor can you reach the heights of the mountains.”
So, O human being, learn from the earth. Adopt humility in your life, treat others with love and respect, and avoid pride. Remember, just as Earth’s tilt is essential for its seasons, a person’s humility shapes a beautiful character and creates room in the hearts of others.
