BITS ‘N’ PIECES
Narrated Abdullah bin Umar (R.A):
The Prophet (S.A.W) said Allah will not look, on the Day of Resurrection at the person who drags his garment (behind him) out of conceit. On that Abu Bakr said, “O Allah’s Apostle! One side of my Izar hangs low if I do not take care of it.” The Prophet said, ‘You are not one of those who do that out of conceit.”
Sahih Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 675
A volcano is an opening in the Earth’s surface, usually found in a mountain. The opening allows gas, hot magma and ash to escape from beneath the Earth’s crust. The word ‘volcano’ comes from the Roman god of fire, Vulcan. Volcanoes are often found at meeting points of tectonic plates. Volcanoes shape landscapes through eruptions that release molten rock, gases, and ash from deep within the Earth. Found both on land and beneath the sea, they form when pressure from molten magma builds beneath the crust, eventually forcing its way to the surface. About 1,900 volcanoes on Earth are considered active, likely to explode again. Most of the world’s active volcanoes are found on the ‘Ring of Fire’, a 40,000 km horseshoe shaped area of the Pacific Ocean. The world’s largest active volcano is Mauna Loa in Hawaii. Standing a whopping 4,169m tall, this geological giant last erupted in 2022.
Volcanoes are classified as active, dormant or extinct, according to the amount of volcanic activity. ‘Active’ means there’s regular activity, ‘dormant’ means there’s been recent activity but the volcano is currently quiet, and ‘extinct’ means it’s unlikely to ever erupt again.
While their explosive power can be destructive, volcanoes also create conditions that benefit both humans and wildlife in remarkable ways. One of the most significant contributions of volcanoes is the formation of fertile soils. When volcanic ash and lava break down over time, they release minerals such as potassium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are essential for plant growth. This mineral-rich soil is often dark, porous, and able to retain moisture, making it ideal for agriculture. Regions such as the slopes of Mount Etna in Italy or Java in Indonesia are prime examples, where farmers cultivate crops like grapes, coffee, rice, and maize in abundance. Although these areas remain at risk from future eruptions, the consistent productivity of the land makes it highly valued for farming.
Volcanoes also influence ecosystems in ways that benefit birds. Fresh volcanic landscapes, once cooled and stabilised, often develop into unique habitats with a mix of open areas, scrubland, and nutrient-rich vegetation. These conditions attract insects and small animals, which in turn provide food for various bird species. Volcanic craters and calderas can collect rainwater over time, forming lakes that become vital water sources for birds and other wildlife. These volcanic lakes often attract migratory species, offering refuge and feeding grounds during seasonal journeys.
Thus, while volcanoes are often associated with destruction, their long-term legacy is one of renewal and life. By turning fire into fertility, volcanoes remind us that even the most formidable forces of nature can also be among the most generous.