People will go to great lengths to get rid of weeds from their lawn, from poisons to buying specialized equipment to remove them. However, have they stopped to think that one of the most unwanted weeds- dandelions- was brought here from Europe on purpose; that’s right, settlers brought dandelions to the US specifically for their medicinal properties. High in fiber and different micronutrients, these wildflowers used to be one of the ways early Americans kept themselves healthy. You might be wondering, “Why do you care?” The reason is simple: there are many lessons one can learn by reflecting on these little flowers.

Your Worth isn’t Defined by Society

Today’s society repeatedly tries to kill off dandelions despite their nutrient value and potential medicinal properties; if everyone can be wrong about something so simple, what else are they wrong about? Perhaps the classes of people the media writes off incessantly. We have regressed to the point where anyone who doesn’t fit our preconceived ideals perfectly is degraded and spoken about as if all their accomplishments and opinions don’t matter.

These discriminatory practices are something Islam heavily condemns. The Prophet (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) treated everyone equally, regarding them by their name, not their race, gender, or disability. For example, there’s a well-known hadith about a woman who came to the Prophet with help for her disability, which caused her to lose control and knock her hijab loose. In his response, he addresses her not by her condition but by her name; he treats her with respect and makes dua to keep her hijab firm during these episodes while reminding her that her patience with her disability will lead to reward on the day of judgement.

Your Circumstances don’t Define your Worth

Something fascinating about dandelions is that they can grow under any condition; too much sunlight? No problem, not enough rain? Still there, concrete? Popping right back up. These little wildflowers are a reminder of the value of resiliency; no matter where you came from, Allah loves you regardless. This principle is written all across the Seerah. The Prophet (SAW) grew up as an orphan, eventually becoming a humble shepherd before Allah called him to spread the message of Islam. These beginnings were planned precisely so that Muhammad would be able to fulfill all of the requirements to make the Ummah strong. His circumstances weren’t unfortunate; instead, they were exactly what humanity needed to be able to find Islam and live by its message. The same applies to you, much like the dandelion, Allah put you in a tough spot so you can eventually find Him.

So, How is your Worth Defined?

To answer this question, we should examine the Farewell Hajj, the final pilgrimage during the Prophet’s life. At the end, Muhammad (Peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave a very poignant khutbah (sermon) stating:
“All mankind is from Adam and Eve, an Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab nor a non-Arab has any superiority over an Arab; also a White has no superiority over a Black nor a Black has any superiority over a White except by piety and good action. Learn that every Muslim is a brother to every Muslim and that the Muslims constitute one brotherhood. Nothing shall be legitimate to a Muslim which belongs to a fellow Muslim unless it was given freely and willingly.”
The wording of this sermon is clear: our worth is based upon our iman, our belief, and how our actions showcase our devotion to Al-Musawwir (The Fashioner). He designs people to be unique, to come from different races and ethnicities out of Rahma (mercy), what makes us unique doesn’t affect how much Allah loves us. Next time you’re out, take a second and reflect on one of God’s creations we don’t think about often, maybe there’s something you can learn from it, just like these wildflowers.