—creating them in their mothers’ wombs, stage after stage, within threefold darkness, and sending their provision to them even there. That is why the fetus grows and enlarges in the womb: sustenance from Allah reaches him and nourishment is conveyed to him.

Then the spirit is breathed into him, and by Allah’s leave he moves and lives. Such is His nurture inside the womb. Once the child is born, Allah, exalted is He, continues to rear him through the blessings of health and well-being, causing his mother’s milk to flow so that he feeds on it until he can eat solid food and no longer needs milk. Thereafter he grows little by little—his intellect, hearing, and sight developing gradually—until he reaches puberty. He keeps on growing until he reaches full maturity and attains the age of forty, the very peak of his strength.

Who, then, nourishes him from the moment he was created in his mother’s womb until the day he dies? Who feeds him? Who makes that food and drink agreeable within his body so that it reaches every cell, every muscle, every corner of him? Who gives him the desire for food and drink? Who directs his bodily processes and expels what is harmful? Who does all this and nurtures this human being? Is it not Allah, exalted is He? He is the Lord—majestic is He—who has nurtured me and all the worlds through His bounty.