Further in Chapter 55 of the Quran, Surah Ar-Rahman (The Merciful), there is a mention of exotic fruits and flavors that Allah (swt) has gifted to Man.
We just gobble them up when we find them without sparing a thought about what miracles they hold in their existence. Give this a thought... how is it that each season has its own fruits? How are these changes helping? How do these correlate?
We get watermelons in the summer when we are in most need of water. Watermelons are largely made of water. As winter arrives, trees bear oranges that are rich in Vitamin C and elements that boost our immunity against cold and flu. Some fruits and vegetables are evergreen, that is, they grow in every season and provide great nutritional value!
How can we deny the Wisdom of our Lord behind this?
(Therein are fruits,) of various colors, taste and scent,[وَالنَّخْلُ ذَاتُ الاٌّكْمَامِ]
(and date palms producing Akmam.) Allah mentioned the date tree here specifically because of its benefit, both fresh and dry.
[وَالْحَبُّ ذُو الْعَصْفِ وَالرَّيْحَانُ ]
(And also corn, with (its) `Asf (straw), and Rayhan (green leaves))
Mesmerizing isn't it? The Favors of Allah (swt). It's unfortunate that our eyes do not appreciate looking at such beauty and we're caught up in the glitz and glam of the silver screen and the media. It's a pity that our hearts do not appreciate these gifts that have hidden gifts within them! We are unfortunate to deny them when they're all around us! From the minute we awaken and we smell the fresh coffee brewing in our homes, to the very end when we sip the hot chocolate and go off to sleep, there are Signs and Favors that make life worth living.
Allah said,
(Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny) meaning, "O mankind and Jinn, which of the favors that Allah has given to you do you deny''
[فَبِأَىِّ ءَالاءِ رَبِّكُمَا تُكَذِّبَانِ ]
(Then which of the blessings of your Lord will you both deny) meaning, "O mankind and Jinn, which of the favors that Allah has given to you do you deny''
The only way we will treasure these priceless gifts of fruits and flavors is to become empathetic and feel the pain and angst of those who do not have them.
Allah (swt) may be testing these unfortunate people for their patience or punishing them for a wrong, He knows best. But whatever is the case, if we are of the 5% people who enjoy 3 meals a day and clean water, we should be thankful to Him and should beg for His mercy so He may not test us with hardship.
Another way to seek Allah (swt)'s mercy in our lives is to please Him by easing the suffering of His people. Who are the people? All humankind, without the labels of religion, cast, creed, race, or ethnicity.
When you fast, do not only do it to enjoy the Seher and Iftaar goodies. Do it to show your love for your Lord, and to feel the misery of those who suffer the hunger throughout their lives until death takes it away. Then... seek mercy.
Be grateful and shed tears of gratitude and of seeking mercy that you are not standing in one of those lines waiting to get a bowl of bland tasting supplement food to keep your stomach acid from eating up your body from the inside.
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