What We Learn from Ants About Standing Out to the Almighty

April 2nd, 2025

Though we are small in this vast universe, it is through our sincere actions that we gain significance with Allah. Like ants that seem identical until one acts in a way that captures our attention, we too are distinguished not by our form, but by the intentions and efforts we carry in our hearts. This post explores how even those who seem insignificant in the vastness of creation are seen by the Almighty through the sincerity and weight of their deeds.

Introduction

When we look at the world from a human perspective, ants are tiny, almost indistinguishable creatures. Millions of them scurry beneath our feet every day, and most go unnoticed. Yet, if one ant were to act differently — to carry something unusual, to move against the grain — it would catch our eye.

This simple thought leads us to a profound reflection about our own place in the universe. Compared to the vastness of creation, we are as small as ants. But just as a single ant can stand out by its action, we too can gain distinction — not through our form or status, but through our deeds.


Our Smallness in the Universe

The Quran often reminds us of the scale of creation and our humble place within it. Mountains, stars, galaxies, and the unseen — all are part of Allah’s creation, each fulfilling its purpose with perfect precision.

Allah says:

"The creation of the heavens and the earth is certainly greater than the creation of humankind, but most people do not know."
The Quran
| Chapter 40, Verse 57

This verse reminds us that while we may be the central figures in our own lives, in the grand picture of existence, we are just a tiny part. Still, we matter — not because of our size, wealth, or power, but because of our capacity to choose righteousness.


What Makes Us Stand Out

The angels were created from light, free of sin. The mountains are majestic, unwavering in their obedience. Yet, it is us — small, imperfect, vulnerable human beings — who were given the gift of choice. It is through this choice, and what we do with it, that we rise or fall in the sight of Allah.

Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

"Allah does not look at your appearance or your wealth, but He looks at your hearts and your deeds."
Muslim

Just as one ant stands out by carrying a burden far heavier than its body, we too are recognised when we carry burdens of patience, acts of charity, or moments of sincere prayer — even when no one else sees.


Sincerity in Small Actions

The power of a single, sincere act is immense. A kind word, a short dua, a hidden tear in the night — each of these can elevate us. In the same way an ant doesn’t need to be large to be noticed, we don’t need grand acts to gain Allah’s attention. We just need sincerity.

Allah says:

"So whoever does an atom’s weight of good will see it."
The Quran
| Chapter 99, Verse 7

This verse assures us that no act goes unnoticed, no matter how small — because in Allah’s sight, it’s not about the size of the action, but the heart behind it.


Lessons from the Ant

In the Quran, the ant is not overlooked. It appears in a striking moment when Prophet Sulaiman (peace be upon him) hears an ant speaking to its fellow ants, warning them to seek safety and avoid harm.

"And when they came across a valley of ants, an ant warned, 'O ants! Go quickly into your homes so Solomon and his armies do not crush you, unknowingly.'"
The Quran
| Chapter 27, Verse 18

The ant was heard, recorded in divine scripture, and became a means of reflection for a prophet and for generations to come. What made the ant stand out was not size or strength, but concern, intelligence, and leadership.


Final Thoughts

In the vastness of this world, we may feel small and unseen — like one among countless others. Yet every sincere step we take, every quiet act of goodness, is known and recorded by Allah. Just as one ant draws our attention through a meaningful act, we too are noticed by our Creator when we act with purpose and sincerity.

Let us strive to be like that ant — moving with intention, carrying our burdens with grace, and living in a way that matters beyond what the eyes can see. It is not our size, status, or voice that defines us, but the quiet strength of our deeds and the purity of our hearts in seeking Allah’s pleasure.

"To us, ants are countless and alike, unnoticed in their tiny world until one does something that draws our gaze. So too are we in this vast creation, made distinct in the sight of Allah only by the sincerity of our deeds."