And thy Lord inspired the bee, saying: Choose thou habitations in the hills and in the trees and in that which they thatch; (68) Then eat of all fruits, and follow the ways of thy Lord, made smooth (for thee). There cometh forth from their bellies a drink divers of hues, wherein is healing for mankind. Lo! herein is indeed a portent for people who reflect. (69)
Volumes have been written about the nutritional and medicinal values of honey. These tiny insects are able to extract nectar from flowers and plants everywhere. They group together in intricate and well ordered kingdoms or colonies to produce this unique and fascinating substance which has provided man with nutrition, remedy, and enjoyment throughout ages.
The surah goes on to cite a number of other favors of God to man spanning the length and breadth of his life: "And Allah createth you, then causeth you to die, and among you is he who is brought back to the most abject stage of life, so that he knoweth nothing after (having had) knowledge. Lo! Allah is Knower, Powerful "(70).
Life itself is a gift bestowed on man to enable him to fulfill his intended mission in this world. In return, man is obliged and expected to show gratitude and appreciation to God Almighty. God has allotted to people varying degree of prosperity and fortune in their lives as a means of testing them, both in time of prosperity and in times of adversity. Will the wealthy be able to conquer their greed and selfishness and look with mercy and compassion towards the deprived, and care for them ?
Shaykh Muhammad al-Ghazali
[ 1917 - 1996 ]
Excerpt from " A Thematic Commentary On The Qur'an "
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