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Fasting
of Salmon
The
aquatic environment introduces to us various patterns of fish
species that fast. Here we present the fasting of the red salmon
whose natural fasting is considered one of Allah’s signs and an
image of the wondrous biological diversity.
In
the early stages of life, these species inhabit fresh water. Before
long they migrate to salt water in the seas and oceans.
Characteristically,
red salmon spend one part of their life, extending from about four
to seven years, in the high seas. When they are about to mature
sexually and prepare to reproduce, they gather together in the ocean
via an arduous journey of from four to five thousand kilometers.
Afterwards, each species heads for its native land, and they
continue their journey to reach the mouth of the river in which they
were hatched.
Wonderfully,
these fish start their fasting as soon as they leave salt water
swimming to fresh water. This journey lasts for several months.
Obviously, they make use of the sensitive feeling generated by the
long period of fasting to recognize the proper location. Each fish
swims upstream in the river in which it was hatched to reproduce in
the same place from which it originated. When they are guided to the
fitting place, the salmon start to dig holes for eggs. Generally
speaking, both parents share in this work. The females lay eggs,
then the males cover them with their sperm to fertilize them
externally, as is the case with most great fish.
Following
this process, the females are motivated by instinct to cover the
eggs with an appropriate layer of soil from the riverbed. They stay
behind the eggs until they incubate and the young red salmon come
out of their holes and shake off their dust. Both parents cast a
final look on the young and realize that they have successfully
concluded their mission. Then they pass away in a state of fasting
in the same location, leaving behind a new generation of the young
that prepare themselves for another cycle of suffering that is
experienced by all creatures. When those young grow up and become
sexually mature, they will start their fasting and then pass away in
a state of fasting in their and their fathers’ birthplace.
[Verily in this is a Message for any that has a heart and
understanding or who gives ear and earnestly witnesses (the truth).]
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