Allah Fed the Bani Israel for 40 Years — The Divine Provision

 

Allah Fed the Bani Israel for 40 Years — The Miracle of Manna and Salwa

Published on: Trendy Fusion 007

🌿 Introduction

The story of Manna and Salwa is one of the most beautiful and miraculous events in the history of the Bani Israel (Children of Israel). It is a story of divine mercy, provision, and guidance from Allah Almighty. After being freed from the tyranny of Pharaoh by Prophet Musa (Moses) عليه السلام, the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, during which Allah Himself provided them with food and water from Heaven — Manna and Salwa.

This event is mentioned multiple times in the Holy Qur’an, reminding humanity that sustenance comes only from Allah, even in the most impossible conditions.

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📖 Qur’anic Reference

Allah mentions this miracle in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:57):

وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْغَمَامَ وَأَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْكُمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَىٰ ۖ كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ ۖ

“And We shaded you with clouds and sent down to you Manna and Salwa. Eat from the good things We have provided for you.”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:57)

Another verse in Surah Al-A‘raf (7:160) also mentions:

وَظَلَّلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الْغَمَامَ وَأَنْزَلْنَا عَلَيْهِمُ الْمَنَّ وَالسَّلْوَىٰ ۖ كُلُوا مِنْ طَيِّبَاتِ مَا رَزَقْنَاكُمْ ۖ

“And We shaded them with clouds and sent down upon them Manna and Salwa, (saying): Eat of the good things with which We have provided you.”

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🌤️ The Desert Journey of Bani Israel

After Pharaoh and his army drowned in the Red Sea, Prophet Musa (AS) led the Israelites through the desert (believed to be the Sinai Peninsula). They were free but faced a new challenge — no food, no crops, and no water in the scorching wilderness.

In this moment of despair, they turned to Prophet Musa (AS) and cried for help. Out of His Infinite Mercy, Allah provided them with sustenance directly from Heaven — without any farming, hunting, or labor.

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🍯 What Was Manna?

According to Tafsir Ibn Kathir and Tafsir al-Tabari, Manna (المنّ) was a sweet, honey-like substance that appeared every morning on the plants or rocks of the desert, resembling dew drops or thin flakes.

Some descriptions say:

• It tasted like honey or sweet bread.

• It would melt when the sun rose, so they had to collect it early in the morning.

• It can be eaten as is or mixed with flour and baked.

• It symbolized heavenly mercy, a gift directly from Allah.

The Bible (Exodus 16:31) also describes it:

“It was white like coriander seed and tasted like wafers made with honey.”

Thus, Manna was a heavenly food — a divine sweetness sent daily to sustain them.

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🍗 What Was Salwa?

Salwa (السلوى) was a type of bird, similar to quails, that flew close to the ground and were easy to catch.
According to Islamic and Biblical sources, these birds would appear in the evening, covering the camp of Bani Israel, allowing them to collect and cook the meat easily.

• Tafsir Ibn Kathir explains that Salwa was a tender, delicious bird sent to provide protein and nourishment.

• Allah made them abundant, so the Israelites never ran short of meat during those years.

Together, Manna and Salwa formed a balanced diet — sweetness by day and nourishment by night.

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🏕️ The Miracle Lasted for 40 Years

The miracle continued for the entire 40 years that Bani Israel wandered in the wilderness.
Every day:

• Manna descended with the morning dew.

• Salwa arrived in the evening.

• Water flowed from a rock that Allah commanded Prophet Musa (AS) to strike with his staff (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:60).

Allah sustained them without farms, tools, or effort — proving His unlimited power and mercy.

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⚠️ Their Ingratitude

Despite these blessings, many among Bani Israel became ungrateful. They grew tired of heavenly food and demanded earthly vegetables:

وَإِذْ قُلْتُمْ يَا مُوسَىٰ لَن نَّصْبِرَ عَلَىٰ طَعَامٍ وَاحِدٍ
“And [remember] when you said, ‘O Moses, we cannot endure one kind of food…’”
— (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:61)

They asked for lentils, onions, and herbs instead of divine gifts.
This showed their spiritual blindness — preferring material comfort over divine blessing.
Prophet Musa (AS) reminded them that Allah had granted them what no nation had before.

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🌈 The Deeper Meaning — Lesson for Mankind

The story of Manna and Salwa carries deep lessons:

1. Allah is the true Provider (Ar-Razzaq) — He feeds even in the desert.

2. Gratitude brings more blessings; ingratitude brings deprivation.

3. Faith and trust in Allah are stronger than material means.

4. Spiritual sustenance is more important than worldly desires.

5. Allah’s mercy never ceases, even when people forget Him.

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📚 Supporting References

• Qur’an: Surah Al-Baqarah (2:57–61), Surah Al-A‘raf (7:160), Surah Taha (20:80).

• Hadith: Reported by Ibn Abbas (RA) – Allah fed the Israelites with Manna and Salwa during their wandering years (Tafsir Ibn Kathir).

• Biblical Parallel: Exodus 16:4–35, Numbers 11:7–9.

• Tafsir Sources: Ibn Kathir, Al-Tabari, Al-Qurtubi.

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🌾 Conclusion

The story of Manna and Salwa reminds us that Allah’s power transcends human limits. He can provide from sources unseen, even in barren deserts. But it also warns us — never take divine blessings for granted.

As believers, our task is to trust, obey, and thank Allah for His endless mercy, just as Prophet Musa (AS) did — for indeed, He is the Best of Providers.

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✍️ Written by: Trendy Fusion 007
📅 Topic: Miracles of the Prophets — Prophet Musa (AS)
🔖 Tags: #QuranicStories #MannaAndSalwa #DivineProvision #TrendyFusion007