Surah Ash-Shu'ara — Verse 79

Word Meanings:

• يُطْعِمُنِي (Yut'imuni): He provides me with food and nourishment.
• يَسْقِينِ (Yasqini): He gives me to drink and quenches my thirst.

Tafsir (Explanation):

In this noble verse, Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) continues his profound dialogue with his people, directing their attention to the ultimate source of all blessings. After declaring that he turns away from all that they worship besides Allah, he now beautifully enumerates the favors of his Lord upon him.

Ibrahim says: "And it is He who feeds me and gives me to drink." This is a declaration of complete dependence on Allah alone, and a recognition that all sustenance comes from Him. When Ibrahim is hungry, it is Allah who provides his food; when he is thirsty, it is Allah who quenches his thirst. This encompasses both physical nourishment — the food and drink that sustain his body — and spiritual nourishment, for Allah guides him and sustains his soul with faith and wisdom.

The Prophet Ibrahim mentions food and drink specifically because they are the most fundamental necessities of human survival. By attributing these basic provisions to Allah alone, he establishes that every single blessing in our lives, from the simplest to the greatest, originates from the Creator. The idols his people worshipped could neither feed nor quench anyone's thirst, for they were lifeless stones and statues.

This verse teaches us a profound lesson in gratitude and reliance upon Allah. When we eat our meals or drink water, we should remember that it is Allah who provides for us. He is the One who created the food, the earth from which it grows, the rain that waters it, and the ability in our bodies to digest and benefit from it. Every morsel of food and every sip of water is a gift from our Lord, deserving of our thanks and praise.

Dear reader, reflect upon this beautiful statement of Ibrahim. He did not say "my Lord created me" only, but he continued to mention the ongoing, continuous blessings of provision. This shows us that Allah's care for His servants is not limited to the past — it is a constant, ever-flowing mercy that accompanies us at every moment of our lives. Let us, like Ibrahim, recognize Allah's hand in every blessing we receive, and let this recognition fill our hearts with love, gratitude, and devotion to our Provider.