From an early age, I was immersed in the Muslim tradition that taught me to learn from every facet of the natural world—from the majesty of mountains to the quiet diligence of ants. This philosophy is meant to cultivate a sense of humility within us and expand our understanding of our role within a much larger universe, reminding us that humans are not at its epicenter. Among the diverse beings that captured my admiration, the elephant stands out distinctly. In fact, as a child, I was affectionately nicknamed Pheelo, meaning “little elephant.”
