Page 207 - Allah's Gentle Artistry

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stand guard to ensure the safety of the others, and watch for

hours under the blazing sun without eating or drinking any-
thing. If the guard sees some danger, he gives the alarm to warn
his friends. Hearing this alarm, the other meerkats run to take
refuge in the burrow.
The group's most important task is to rear and protect
their young, and the young females are chiefly responsible for
looking after the babies. Every day, one of them stays in the

burrow to tend the young. The cooperation and mutual assis-
tance in the group ensures that the babies will remain safe. 34
It is Allah Who has taught meerkats the supportive and
self-denying behavior they show towards one another.