A wonderful creature

An Amazing Creature

Tuesday, 14 August 2018

Nasreen Shaheen

The ant is one of Allah’s most amazing creations. Although it appears tiny and insignificant, it possesses extraordinary abilities. It is a harmless and simple insect, fond of sweet things. Have you ever thought about how these tiny ants live their lives? You will be surprised to know that ants live with remarkable discipline and organization.

They are extremely hardworking and patient creatures. Let us take a closer look at their lifestyle and see how this small creation of nature spends its days and nights.

There is a system of monarchy in the world of ants as well. Among them is a Queen Ant, who sits peacefully inside a palace-like chamber beneath the ground. Her sole responsibility is to lay eggs.

Along with her, there is a king who rules over all the ants. Each ant has a specific role to perform. There are defensive ants, scout ants, worker ants, and soldier ants, all performing their duties with dedication and sincerity. The ants we often see carrying things from one place to another are worker ants.

Alongside them are scout ants and defensive ants. All these ants strictly follow the commands given to them. They act exactly as instructed. If ants were allowed complete freedom to roam everywhere, they could make human life extremely difficult. Allah has restricted them to a specific boundary, and this is a great blessing for humankind.

We often observe worker ants moving in long lines, displaying excellent discipline. These ants store food for winter and rainy seasons. That is why ants are seen in very small numbers during winter, as they survive on stored food inside their nests.

If we place something sweet or fragrant in one spot, we soon see many ants gathering there. They carry tiny particles of food one by one back to their homes. These are worker ants. It is said that an ant can lift three times its own weight.

If you wish to witness love and cooperation among ants, place turmeric instead of something sweet. You will see some ants scattering in different directions and bumping into worker ants to signal them to turn back. These are defensive ants. As a result, you will notice ants quickly returning to their holes in neat lines.

These defensive ants guard the entrances of the nests. If another insect tries to enter, they immediately call the soldier ants. Soldier ants are larger in size and dark in color. They quickly emerge from the nest, stand alert, raise their front legs, and carefully observe their surroundings.

If they spot a fly or mosquito, they act swiftly and capture it. Two or three soldier ants together overpower the prey. Once captured, they inform the worker ants to carry it away. Before returning inside, soldier ants instruct the scout ants to spread out in all directions and immediately inform them if any dangerous prey is detected.

Following these instructions, scout ants disperse and begin searching.

Alongside hardworking ants, there are also a few lazy and work-avoiding ants. Nature has set a punishment for them. Due to their laziness, wings begin to grow on them while they remain idle. They develop a desire to fly.

Alongside hardworking ants, there are also a few lazy and work-avoiding ants. Nature has set a punishment for them. Due to their laziness, wings begin to grow on them while they remain idle. They develop a desire to fly.

At a certain time, they come out of their nests and start flying. However, their wings are weak, and they cannot fly very high. Even if an ant manages to fly higher, it quickly becomes prey to a bird or another predator. Thus, the consequence of laziness becomes death.

Lazy ants are very few in number. Most ants are hardworking and dedicated.

Lazy ants are very few in number. Most ants are hardworking and dedicated.

Living together in harmony and working collectively benefits everyone. Unity protects us from internal and external enemies. Discipline is essential in every matter of life. If ants can demonstrate such discipline, why can’t we? This tiny creature teaches us that completing tasks on time—or even before time—is always beneficial.