The miracle of a Mosquito

By Manal Aboobakar( Dubai)

ِ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْىِۦٓ أَن يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًۭا مَّا بَعُوضَةًۭ فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ ٱلْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا ٱلَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا۟ فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَآ أَرَادَ ٱللَّهُ بِهَـٰذَا مَثَلًۭا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِۦ كَثِيرًۭا وَيَهْدِى بِهِۦ كَثِيرًۭا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِۦٓ إِلَّا ٱلْفَـٰسِقِينَ

Surely Allah does not shy away from using the parable of a mosquito or what is even smaller. As for the believers, they know that it is the truth from their Lord. And as for the disbelievers, they argue, “What does Allah mean by such a parable?” Through this ˹test˺, He leaves many to stray, and guides many. And He leaves none to stray except the rebellious

[Al Baqarah: 26]

Size and agility: Despite their small size, mosquitoes are incredibly agile insects. They measure only 3 to 6 millimeters in length, allowing them to easily maneuver through even the tiniest openings to find their next meal.

Sensitive to movement: Mosquitoes possess specialized sensors called halteres that allow them to detect even the slightest movements around them. This incredible sensitivity helps them locate potential hosts from a distance, making them formidable hunters.

Blood-feeding females: Only female mosquitoes feed on blood, using the proteins and nutrients to develop and nourish their eggs. The males, on the other hand, primarily feed on nectar and other plant-based substances.

Diverse species: There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, each with unique adaptations and preferences. Different species have specific habitats, feeding patterns, and behaviors, contributing to the biodiversity of the insect world.

Surprising pollinators: While female mosquitoes are infamous for their blood-sucking tendencies, they also play a role in pollination. Some mosquito species feed on flower nectar, inadvertently aiding in the pollination of various plants as they move from one flower to another in search of sustenance.

By Bint Shehu

At first glance, the mosquito could be dismissed and does get dismissed as an insignificant creature that is mostly a nuisance. On close examination and reflection, as we should regarding everything created by Allah, we realize the significance of something so tiny. If you were to consider the anatomy and capabilities of this creature of Allah, then you will be filled with gratitude that Allah in His wisdom, made the mosquito tiny. It will be the stuff of horror movies come true if it was any bigger. SubhanAllah!

Below are five facts I chose to share from what I learned about the mosquito on the internet.

1. The mosquito is a pollinator, meaning it feeds on flower nectars just like bees do. They are the primary pollinators of certain types of orchids. Thus, serving an important role in our ecosystem.

2. Only the female mosquito sucks blood when she is laying eggs because it serves her protein needs. So next time a mosquito bites you, try not to get so upset, you end up eliminating an entire generation of them! While on the matter, it is noteworthy that the mosquito can drink up to 3 times its body weight, and even more interesting is the fact that these bloodsuckers have shown a preference for the blood of beer drinkers. Alcohol is truly not good for you; little wonder Allah prohibited its consumption.

3. As for their position in the food chain, they serve as food to dragonflies, bats, hummingbirds, and some aquatic species. Go figure!

4. Did you know? Mosquitoes are considered the world’s deadliest creatures and are said to be responsible for more human deaths than sharks, snakes, lions, and bears combined! Swat away, please.

5. Though tiny, it is host to a microscopic insect that lives on it, as discovered by scientists in recent years. The Quran already referred to it 1400 years ago. Allah is, no doubt, the greatest.

See below the microscopic images of the female mosquito. Scary, amazing, praiseworthy, and humbling all at the same time.

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  Photo by Skyler Ewing on Pexels.com

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It can only be Al-Khaaliq (the Creator), who is also Al-Musawwir (the Fashioner), Al-Qadeer (the Most Able), Al-Hamid (the Praiseworthy), and Al-Hakeem (the Most Wise).

By Safia Mahdi( Saudi)

The verse uses the example of a mosquito or something even smaller to emphasize a broader point about the truth of Allah’s message and the reactions of believers and disbelievers to it. Allah (SWT) used the example to highlight a spiritual lesson, Allahu-Akbar.

Pollination: Female mosquitoes feed on nectar from plants and in the process, they inadvertently aid in pollination.

Food source: Mosquito larvae serve as a food source for many aquatic organisms like fish, amphibians, and other insects.

Ecological balance: Mosquitoes, despite their nuisance to humans, are part of the ecosystem and play a role in maintaining ecological balance.

Ecological Balance: Mosquitoes, despite their nuisance to humans, are part of the ecosystem and play a role in maintaining ecological balance. They serve as a food source for many organisms, contributing to the ecological balance. Complete eradication of mosquitoes could have unforeseen consequences on the broader ecosystem.

Mosquito larvae, commonly known as “wigglers” or “wrigglers,” serve as a food source for various aquatic organisms. Here’s how they contribute to the diet of these creatures:

Fish: Many species of fish, both freshwater and marine, feed on mosquito larvae. These larvae provide a nutrient-rich meal for fish, especially small and juvenile fish. Fish like guppies, mollies, and minnows are known to consume mosquito larvae.

Amphibians: Tadpoles, which are the larval stage of amphibians such as frogs and toads, often feed on mosquito larvae. Tadpoles are herbivorous or omnivorous, and mosquito larvae serve as a readily available source of protein in their diet.

Other Insects: Insects like dragonfly larvae and diving beetles also prey on mosquito larvae. These insect predators are well adapted to life in the water and actively hunt mosquito larvae as part of their diet. They play an essential role in controlling mosquito populations by keeping their numbers in check.

By consuming mosquito larvae, these aquatic organisms help control mosquito populations naturally, preventing their overabundance and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. It demonstrates the intricate interconnectedness of different species within ecosystems and the roles they play in maintaining the ecosystem.