Basic
Abasa
Surah: 'Abasa (24)
Let Man Look at His Food — Humility from the Earth
فَلۡيَنظُرِ ٱلۡإِنسَٰنُ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِهِۦٓ
— عبس الآية 24
Verses: "Then let man look at his food (24) how We poured down water in abundance (25) then split the earth in fragments"
Reflection:
After speaking of arrogance and pride at the start of the surah, comes the command to reflect on the simplest thing: food. Look at a loaf of bread — how many cosmic processes lie behind it! Rain from the sky, splitting of the earth, a seed, a plant, a harvest.
The chain of provision as drawn by the verses:
Lesson: In every meal you eat, countless blessings intersect — the sky, earth, sun, seed, and farmer are all in your service. So how can you be arrogant?
Reflection:
After speaking of arrogance and pride at the start of the surah, comes the command to reflect on the simplest thing: food. Look at a loaf of bread — how many cosmic processes lie behind it! Rain from the sky, splitting of the earth, a seed, a plant, a harvest.
The chain of provision as drawn by the verses:
- Pouring of water — rain from the sky
- Splitting of the earth — the earth cracks open to receive the seed
- Growth of grain, grapes, fodder, and olives
- Then: "as provision for you and your livestock"
Lesson: In every meal you eat, countless blessings intersect — the sky, earth, sun, seed, and farmer are all in your service. So how can you be arrogant?
Source: Al-Sadi, Taysir Al-Karim; Ibn Kathir (8/318)
Test Yourself
What lesson does the command to look at one's food in Surah Abasa convey?
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