Introduction

As a proud Muslim, living on a smallholding has always connected me deeply with nature and reinforced my understanding of Allah’s magnificent creation. Recently, an unexpected creature has further enhanced my appreciation for the beauty of Islam and the evidence of Allah’s design—the black soldier fly (BSF). Utilizing these insects to supplement my chicken feed and manage waste has not only improved my farming practices but also exemplified the purposeful design of the world by our Creator, Allah.

A Revelation on the Smallholding

In my pursuit of sustainable methods to improve my smallholding, I embraced the incredible benefits of the black soldier fly. These unassuming insects have larvae that efficiently consume organic waste, converting it into nutrient-rich biomass. This biomass serves as an excellent, high-protein supplement for my chickens, enhancing their health and productivity.

Witnessing this efficient cycle firsthand brings to mind the Quranic verses and Hadith that speak of the wisdom and purpose behind every creation. Allah says:

• “And there is no creature on earth or bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you.”
  — Quran 6:38

This verse reminds me that even creatures as small as insects play significant roles in the ecosystem, serving purposes we might overlook.

The Perfect Cycle of Life

The black soldier fly exemplifies a perfect cycle that showcases the intricate balance Allah has established in nature. The larvae consume waste to survive, effectively reducing the amount of organic waste on my smallholding. In turn, these larvae become a nutritious food source for my chickens and other animals. This seamless cycle not only sustains the insects but also supports the life of other creatures on my farm.

Observing this harmony and efficiency reinforces my belief in the deliberate design by our Creator. Allah mentions in the Quran:

• “Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided it.”
  — Quran 20:50

The perfection observed in nature, like the lifecycle of the BSF, is a clear sign of Allah’s intentionality behind creation. It reaffirms that nothing is coincidental, and everything is part of Allah’s divine plan.

Affirming the Creator’s Wisdom

The precise mechanisms by which the black soldier fly contributes to waste management and animal nutrition highlight the wisdom of Allah’s creation. As Muslims, we recognize that such complex systems are not the result of random events but are signs pointing to Allah’s existence and greatness.

The Quran invites us to ponder:

• “Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?”
  — Quran 52:35

This verse encourages us to reflect critically on the origins of life and the universe, leading us to affirm our belief in Allah as the ultimate Creator.

The Interconnectedness of Life

The black soldier fly’s role in waste decomposition and as a food source aligns perfectly with sustainable farming practices—a concept deeply embedded in Islamic teachings. Allah instructs us:

• “Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.”
  — Quran 7:31

By incorporating the BSF into my farming, I reduce waste and provide natural feed for my chickens, aligning my actions with this divine guidance.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized moderation and responsible use of resources:

• “The Prophet forbade the wasting of wealth.”
  — Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2408

Enhancing Sustainability

Using BSF larvae for waste management has significantly decreased the organic waste on my smallholding. The larvae consume waste rapidly, breaking it down into compost that enriches the soil. This process not only minimizes waste but also enhances soil fertility, leading to better crop yields.

This sustainable loop reflects the Islamic principle of moderation and responsible use of resources:

• “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”
  — Quran 2:60

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

• “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”
  — Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2320

This Hadith highlights the rewards of contributing positively to the environment and providing for other creatures.

A Deeper Appreciation for Creation

This experience deepens my appreciation for the signs of Allah present all around us. The Quran encourages such reflection:

• “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”
  — Quran 3:190

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) advised us to contemplate Allah’s creation:

• “Reflect upon the signs of Allah.”
  — Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2830

Observing the lifecycle of the black soldier fly and its benefits reinforces my understanding of the wisdom embedded in Allah’s creations. It affirms that nothing in this world is without purpose.

Embracing Stewardship

Islam teaches us that humans are stewards of the Earth, responsible for caring for the environment:

• “And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth…”
  — Quran 6:165

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

• “The world is sweet and green (alluring), and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerents in it in order to see how you act.”
  — Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2742

By adopting these sustainable practices on my smallholding, I fulfill this role of stewardship. The black soldier fly becomes a means for me to contribute positively to the environment, reflecting the principles of responsibility and care emphasized in Islam.

Conclusion

My journey with the black soldier fly is more than just an agricultural practice; it’s a spiritual experience that highlights the beauty and wisdom of Islam. The perfect cycle observed in the BSF’s lifecycle—where they consume waste to survive and then become a food source for other animals—reinforces my belief that such intricacy is a sign of deliberate creation by Allah.

As a proud Muslim, utilizing BSF to supplement my chicken feed and manage waste serves as a powerful reminder that Allah’s signs are all around us, evident in even the smallest creatures. Embracing this understanding enriches my faith and strengthens my commitment to live in harmony with the world Allah has entrusted to us.

References

1. Quran 6:38
   “And there is no creature on earth or bird that flies with its wings except that they are communities like you.”
2. Quran 20:50
   “Our Lord is He who gave each thing its form and then guided it.”
3. Quran 52:35
   “Or were they created by nothing, or were they the creators [of themselves]?”
4. Quran 7:31
   “Eat and drink, but waste not by excess; indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.”
5. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2408
   “The Prophet forbade the wasting of wealth.”
6. Quran 2:60
   “And do not commit abuse on the earth, spreading corruption.”
7. Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2320
   “If a Muslim plants a tree or sows seeds, and then a bird, or a person, or an animal eats from it, it is regarded as a charitable gift for him.”
8. Quran 3:190
   “Indeed, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and the alternation of the night and the day are signs for those of understanding.”
9. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2830
   “Reflect upon the signs of Allah.”
10. Quran 6:165
    “And it is He who has made you successors upon the earth…”
11. Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2742
    “The world is sweet and green (alluring), and verily Allah is going to install you as vicegerents in it in order to see how you act.”