Let Man Look at His Food — Humility from the Earth

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:

• 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"

Al-Sadi said: "The command to look at food entails looking at the chain of causes that brought it — and this points to gratitude to the Bestower of blessings."

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?