Introduction to Manna: The Heavenly Sustenance
Manna, known as “mann” (من) in Arabic, derives from the biblical Hebrew term “מָן” (mān) and the Greek “μάννα.” This celestial food has been mentioned thrice in the Qur’an, emphasizing the miraculous sustenance provided to the Children of Israel during their exodus from Egypt.
Definitions and Etymology
- Arabic: من (mann)
- Hebrew: מָן (mān)
- Greek: μάννα
The term “manna” has etymological roots tracing back to ancient scripture, emphasizing its repeated mention across different religious texts.
Scriptural References in the Qur’an
Surah II, Al-Baqarah, 2:54
“And We overshadowed you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails.”
Surah XX, Taha, 20:82
“We descended upon you manna and quails.”
Surah VII, Al-A’raf, 7:160
“We caused clouds to overshadow them, and sent down upon them the manna and the quails.”
These verses collectively highlight the divine intervention and the miraculous provision bestowed upon the Children of Israel.
Theological Context
Manna is often interpreted by Islamic scholars as a symbol of divine grace and sustenance. According to ʿAbdu ʾl-ʿAzīz’s commentary, it was described as resembling white sugar, underlining its purity and heavenly origin.
Cultural Similarities and Differences
- Islam: In Islam, manna symbolizes divine providence, where it is considered a miraculous nourishment sent by Allah to the Israelites in the wilderness.
- Judaism: In Jewish tradition, manna is a central part of the Exodus narrative, seen as a transformative gift from God encompassing both physical and spiritual sustenance.
- Christianity: Echoed in the New Testament, manna serves as a prefiguration of the Eucharist, reflecting God’s continuous provision and care.
Synonyms and Antonyms
- Synonyms: Divine sustenance, heavenly food, celestial nourishment
- Antonyms: Earthly food, common sustenance
Related Terms
- Quail: Another divine provision frequently mentioned alongside manna.
- Exodus: The departure of the Israelites from Egypt, a context in which manna was provided.
Exciting Facts
- Universality of Concept: Despite different religious interpretations, manna uniformly signifies miraculous food from heaven, showing the universality of divine care across faiths.
- Symbolism in Rituals: Manna’s representation carries over into various religious rituals, such as Christian Communion, symbolizing God’s continuous grace.
Quotations
- Rumi: “Manna descends where hearts yearn, for divine sustenance fills the soul’s void.”
- Al-Ghazali: “Manna is a glimpse of divine mercy, a testament to unwavering providence.”
Suggested Literature
For further studies, consider the following sources:
- “The Quranic Arabic Corpus - Analysis & Translation” by Dr. Abdel Haleem.
- “Stories of the Prophets” by Ibn Kathir.
- “The Bible and the Qur’an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Holy Text” by John Kaltner.
Quizzes
“The sustenance of the body and soul, through divine miracles, teaches us about the infinite care and compassion from the heavens.” – Farid El-Mustafa, 2023
Go forth with knowledge and light, inspired by the wisdom profound in our faiths.
