Manna, a divine food descended on Israelites. What was it and what it tasted like ?

 

A biblical depiction of Manna (Source: Wikipedia)

Manna is a word that holds great significance in both the Bible and the Quran. It is mentioned numerous times in the Old Testament and is believed to be a divine food that descended on the Israelites during their forty-year journey through the wilderness. In the Quran, it is mentioned as a blessing from Allah to the Children of Israel. But what exactly was manna? And what did it taste like?

According to the Quran, manna was a type of food that Allah provided to the Children of Israel during their journey through the wilderness. It was described as a white, sweet, and delicious substance that appeared on the ground each morning. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says:

"And We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you manna and quails, saying, ‘Eat of the good things We have provided for you.’" (2:57)

The story of manna in the Quran is similar to that in the Bible. The Children of Israel were traveling through the wilderness and complained to Moses about the lack of food and water. Allah responded by providing them with manna and quails to eat. He commanded them to gather only what they needed for each day, as any manna left over would spoil and become infested with worms.

For the next forty years, the Children of Israel continued to rely on manna as their main source of sustenance, until they finally reached the Promised Land and the manna ceased to appear. The story of manna is one of the most miraculous and enduring in both the Bible and the Quran, and it continues to hold a special place in the hearts of believers around the world.

Despite its miraculous origins, the taste and texture of manna have been a topic of much speculation and debate over the years. Some have suggested that it may have tasted like a type of sweet cake or pastry, while others have likened it to a type of grain or seed. There are even some who believe that manna may have been a type of fungus or lichen, which could explain its rapid growth and appearance on the ground each morning.

Whatever its true nature, manna remains a powerful symbol of Allah's love and provision for His people. It represents the idea that even in the midst of hardship and adversity, we can trust in Allah's goodness and grace to provide for our needs. So the next time you hear the word "manna," remember the incredible story behind this divine food and the message of hope and faith that it embodies.

In conclusion, manna is a divine food that descended on the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. It was a sweet, honey-like substance that was sent down as a symbol of divine providence and a reminder of the blessings that Allah bestows upon his servants. Muslims are encouraged to reflect on the story of manna and to be grateful for the sustenance and provisions that Allah provides for them.