Creation and Sustenance

Allah’s nurturing of humanity can be understood in two profound ways: physically and spiritually. Physically, Allah creates, sustains, and provides for His creation with meticulous precision. Every breath we take, every drop of water we drink, and every bite of food we consume is part of His divine plan of sustenance (Rizq).

1. Allah as the Creator (Al-Khaliq, Al-Bari, Al-Musawwir)

The first stage of our physical nurturing begins with creation. Allah introduces Himself in the Holy Qur’an as the One who creates from nothing, giving form and function to everything in existence:

هُوَ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْخَـٰلِقُ ٱلْبَارِئُ ٱلْمُصَوِّرُ ۖ لَهُ ٱلْأَسْمَآءُ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ ۚ يُسَبِّحُ لَهُۥ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَٱلْأَرْضِ ۖ وَهُوَ ٱلْعَزِيزُ ٱلْحَكِيمُ

“He is Allah, the Creator (Al-Khaliq), the Inventor (Al-Bari’), the Fashioner (Al-Musawwir); to Him belong the best names. Whatever is in the heavens and the earth is exalting Him. And He is the Exalted in Might, the Wise.” (Al Hashr 59: 24)

The human being is a special creation, honoured with intellect, faculties, and a soul. Allah describes our intricate formation:

“We created man from an extract of clay. Then We placed him as a drop of fluid in a firm lodging (womb). Then We made the drop into a clinging clot, and We made the clot into a lump, and We made the lump into bones, and We clothed the bones with flesh; then We developed him into another creation. So blessed is Allah, the best of creators.” (Al Muminun 23: 12-14)

This verse aligns with modern embryology, something that has only been discovered in recent centuries. Dr. Keith Moore, a renowned embryologist, found these descriptions highly accurate despite being revealed over 1400 years ago.

2. Allah as the Sustainer (Ar-Razzaq)

Creation alone is not enough — sustenance is essential for survival. Allah provides for every living thing:

وَمَا مِن دَآبَّةٍ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ إِلَّا عَلَى ٱللَّهِ رِزْقُهَا وَيَعْلَمُ مُسْتَقَرَّهَا وَمُسْتَوْدَعَهَا ۚ كُلٌّ فِى كِتَـٰبٍ مُّبِينٍ

“And there is no creature on earth but that upon Allah is its provision, and He knows its place of dwelling and place of storage. All is in a clear register.” (Hud 11: 6)

Allah ensures that all His creatures receive the sustenance they need. This includes:

• Water – The source of all life
• Food – Provisions from land and sea
• Air and Sunlight – Essential for survival

3. Balance in Sustenance

Allah has designed the ecosystem with a perfect balance so that no creature is neglected. The food chain, the oxygen cycle, and the balance of temperature are all under His wisdom.

“And We have placed within the earth firmly set mountains, lest it should shift with them, and We made therein [spacious] roadways that they might be guided. And We made the sky a protected ceiling, but they, from its signs, are turning away. And it is He who created the night and the day and the sun and the moon; all [heavenly bodies] are swimming in an orbit.” (Al Ambiya 21: 31-33)

The phrase “We made the sky a protected ceiling” refers to the Earth’s atmosphere, which shields us from harmful radiation, maintains temperature, and preserves life.

Allah’s physical nurturing manifests in three ways:

• Creation – Forming us in the best way
• Sustenance – Providing us with all that we need
• Balance – Maintaining harmony in the world

Reflecting on these signs increases our faith and gratitude.