requirements and the available food in itself is an ocean of God-
realization for the thinking person.
In ancient times food had only one kind of significance – it
was something with which to fill one’s stomach in order to satisfy
one’s hunger. This was, no doubt, a great reason for thanksgiving,
but the discoveries made in modern times have greatly expanded
the point of reference regarding thanksgiving. According to
modern research, food is not just something with which to fill
the belly; it is rather a means of fulfilling the varied requirements
of the body. That is why food is now considered in terms of a
balanced diet. That is, a diet with the right amount, proportion
and variety of the foods needed for health. According to modern
research, a balanced diet is one which contains carbohydrates,
proteins, fat, vitamins, mineral salts, and fibre in the correct
proportions.
This scientifically formulated balanced diet has provided us
with a major point of reference for our feeling of boundless
gratitude. If, according to previous information, man knew the
importance of food only on an animal level, now with the benefit
of modern research, he understands the importance of food and
diet on a much higher level. He can now, therefore, greatly
intensify his expression of gratitude to his Lord. It is only in
this day and age that this addition to the point of reference has
been possible. As compared with the findings of the previous
centuries, modern science has achieved a great feat. It has for
the first time unearthed those hidden realities in nature, which
are referred to in the Quran as divine signs. These scientific
discoveries have greatly added to the point of reference for man
regarding the blessings of God.
Similarly, for the first time it has become possible for man
to experience divine blessings of an extremely high degree in
many different spheres, causing man’s heart and mind to be filled
with highly elevated feelings of gratitude to God. Thus it has
become possible for modern man to experience the realization
of God on a superior plane.
22
The alarm of Doomsday
