A plate of grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots, broccoli and sauce. At first glance, we simply see a delicious meal. But how many blessings had to come together before that food reached our table?
There is soil in which plants grow, water that nourishes them, people who cultivate and prepare the ingredients, and the ability to enjoy a meal at all. These everyday gifts can become so familiar that we stop noticing them.
Surah 'Abasa 80:24: Look at Your Food
فَلْيَنظُرِ الْإِنسَانُ إِلَىٰ طَعَامِهِ
“Then let man look at his food.” (Surah 'Abasa, 80:24)
The following verses speak of water poured down, the earth split open, and crops, fruits and other vegetation brought forth. Ibn Kathir explains that this passage is both a reminder of Allah's favour and a sign of His power to bring life again after death, just as vegetation emerges from the earth.
The lesson is not that a particular dish has a secret spiritual meaning. Rather, Allah invites us to reflect on food itself as one of His signs.
Lawful, Good and Received with Gratitude
In Surah An-Nahl 16:114, Allah instructs people to eat from what He has provided, lawful and good, and to be grateful for His blessings. Al-Nasafi's commentary places this command in the context of obeying Allah's guidance about what is permissible to eat.
Beyond the appearance and flavour of a meal, this invites us to consider what we consume, how we earn our living and whether our enjoyment leads us towards thankfulness.
Enjoy Your Food Without Excess
Surah Al-A'raf 7:31 says to eat and drink without excess. In Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Ibn Abbas is reported to have explained the permissibility of eating and drinking so long as it does not involve extravagance or arrogance.
Enjoying good food is not the problem. Wastefulness is. Taking what we need and appreciating what we have can turn an ordinary meal into a moment of conscious gratitude.
Provision Is More Than Money
Having the means to buy food is a blessing. So are appetite, time, companionship and the opportunity to eat in peace. Surah Ibrahim 14:7 promises an increase to those who show gratitude. In al-Durr al-Manthur, al-Suyuti transmits Sufyan al-Thawri's reflection that such increase may include greater obedience to Allah, not merely additional worldly wealth.
We do not need to possess everything before learning to say Alhamdulillah for what is already in front of us.
The Prophet's Manners at the Table
Abu Hurayrah reported that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never criticised food. If he liked it, he ate it, and if not, he left it. This hadith is recorded by al-Bukhari and Muslim and discussed in Mirqat al-Mafatih.
There is an important difference between politely sharing feedback and carelessly insulting a meal. The Prophet's example teaches us to value the effort of those who prepare and serve our food.
From a Simple Meal to Quranic Reflection
Perhaps we spend so much time looking at what is on our plates that we forget the One who provided it. Before your next meal, pause to remember one blessing you often overlook. Say Alhamdulillah, and try to use what Allah has given you responsibly.
Understanding Quranic words helps us reflect more deeply on verses that speak to everyday experiences. Visit ThinkQuran.ai to explore a gradual approach to Quranic vocabulary. Learning tools can support daily study, while qualified teachers and classical tafsir remain essential for sound interpretation.
O Allah, make us grateful for Your provision and help us appreciate every blessing You have entrusted to us. Ameen.
References
- Al-Quran, Surah 'Abasa 80:24–32
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 7/483
- Tafsir al-Nasafi, 2/238
- Tafsir Ibn Kathir, 6/288
- Al-Durr al-Manthur, 5/7
- Mirqat al-Mafatih, 7/2697 (hadis al-Bukhari 5409 dan Muslim)
The practical reflections in this article are personal applications, not literal explanations or direct quotations from the commentators.
