Active travel, my faith and experiences

I love my reservoir walks, which I can get to easily from my home in the inner city of

Birmingham. And while I am walking, as a Muslim of deep faith, I always reflect on the

beauty of Nature.

My favourite reservoir to walk around is Edgbaston Reservoir. And, as I walk, my feet are

grounded on the very Earth which I am a part of.

It’s a place of tranquil peace, Edgbaston Reservoir, a little heaven.

I love to hear the birds sing, as I walk along the path around the reservoir. Sometimes I sit

down for a while on a bench. If I am lucky, a robin, with its orange belly, will come and sit

with me, looking for food. They are shy creatures, with an appreciation for God’s Creation.

As I walk, I see cyclists, and come across runners. The walking feeds my well-being. Allah has

given us responsibility for our health and well-being.

I feel a sense of peace and purpose. And I want to take an active role in supporting Nature.

Sometimes, I stop at the ‘Red Shed’, an eco-friendly hub run by Birmingham Settlement.

Here’s a link to their website: https://www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk/

There are all sorts of community activities going on here, like Tai Chi, walking, and food

growing. I stop by for a while for some tea and biscuits. And I meet with friends and

regulars. I love to share… Everyone can benefit.

When you live in the inner city, you can be really aware of the inequality of Nature and trees

for residents there. But coming to Edgbaston Reservoir, you can see so many different trees.

You become aware of how important trees are during hot weather.

Trees need planting and maintaining. Here are a couple of organisations who work with

trees in Birmingham: Birmingham Tree People, and Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife

Trust. If you live in Birmingham, these organisations can give you lots of opportunities to get

involved in tree work.

https://birminghamtreepeople.org.uk/

https://www.bbcwildlife.org.uk/

Sometimes I am inspired by a Hadith which states that for every step taken to walk to Masjid, there is reward, it it seen as a act of worship.

Birmingham, with lots of cars and pollution, this Hadith becomes even more relevant. There

are so many premature deaths every year because of air pollution. So, please, take up

walking! Habits start with just one step. Then one step leads to the next step. And gradually

you build up the benefits.

Living in the inner city, you can feel lonely sometimes. But when you are alone in nature,

walking around Edgbaston Reservoir, the peace and quiet can make you more aware of your

heart, and your heart’s connection with Allah. Then you don’t feel so alone. And you can feel

a powerful sense of Allah guidance.

There is a yerning inside your heart. The heart is a self-regulating system. The heart longs for

Allah. Everyone has a deep heart-connection with Allah.

Sometimes, as I am walking around the reservoir, I practice Zikr. I remember Allah

through speaking sacred words. And when I am in nature, there is less distraction. And I am

more able to connect through my heart to Allah.

In conclusion, I find beauty in walking, for my wellbeing and health and my faith, it is never too late to start, there are so many groups one can join, have a look at Birmingham Settlement, a charity which has a green community space by the reservoir, i normally get to it from the reservoir entrance, there are activities such as tai chi as well as arts groups too, there is something for everyone.

https://www.birminghamsettlement.org.uk/