Page 61 - Beauties for Life in the Qur'an

THE BENEFITS OF ANIMALS MENTIONED IN THE QUR'AN 59

mains in the stomach for a prolonged time, delays hunger, and
increases one's strength to resist hunger. In addition, as its in-
gredients activate the salivary glands, it whets one's appetite
and facilitates digestion. 6
Apart from these scientific facts, meat is very tasty. If such an
essential nutrient was not that tasty, we would be forced to eat
it, regardless of its taste, in order to satisfy our need for it.
However, as a blessing from Allah, it is delicious. Meanwhile,
Allah again stresses its worth by mentioning it as one of the
foods in Paradise. (Surat al-Waqi'a: 21)

Miraculous Animal Product: Milk
There is instruction for you in cattle. From the contents of their
bellies, between that which is to be eliminated (from the ani-
mal's body) and (its) blood, We give you pure milk to drink, easy
for drinkers to swallow. (Surat an-Nahl: 66)
The formation of milk is a miracle. It is thought-provoking
that a pure and delicious drink is produced between an animal's
blood and that which is to be eliminated from its body.
With respect to its benefits for children's and adults' health,
milk's content is worth analyzing. Casein, a protein, gives milk
its white color. Observing a drop of milk under a microscope,
one sees tiny fat particles floating. Apart from casein and fats,
milk consists of lactose (dissolved milk sugar) and several vita-
mins essential for health and minerals (e.g., phosphorus and
calcium). Calcium is an essential constituent of bones and
teeth. 7
As the foregoing clarifies, milk is a very beneficial nourish-
ment that is rich in many essential nutrients. Allah creates milk
for humanity as a blessing so that people can ponder upon it
and appreciate His Might. It is also a blessing that will be, by