Fresh meat from the sea: a food source

Surah An-Nahl Verse 14 2026-09-03 23:00:56

Quranic verses

وَهُوَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ الْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُوا مِنْهُ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا وَتَرَى الْفُلْكَ مَوَاخِرَ فِيهِ وَلِتَبْتَغُوا مِن فَضْلِهِ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ

And it is He who subjected the sea for you to eat from it tender meat and to extract from it ornaments which you wear. And you see the ships plowing through it, and [He subjected it] that you may seek of His bounty; and perhaps you will be grateful.

Surah An-Nahl (16:14)

وَمِن كُلٍّ تَأْكُلُونَ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا وَتَسْتَخْرِجُونَ حِلْيَةً تَلْبَسُونَهَا

And from each you eat tender meat and extract ornaments which you wear.

Surah Fatir (35:12)

In Surah An-Nahl (16:14), the Quran declares: "And it is He who subjected the sea, that you may eat from it tender meat" (وَهُوَ الَّذِي سَخَّرَ الْبَحْرَ لِتَأْكُلُوا مِنْهُ لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا).

This verse highlights the fresh meat (لَحْمًا طَرِيًّا) taken from the sea as food for humanity. Modern science has confirmed the exceptional value of marine resources.

The richness of fisheries resources

The oceans cover about 71% of the Earth's surface and host considerable biodiversity. Global fisheries are estimated to provide about 170 million tons of fish per year, feeding billions of people.

Fish is a major source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), vitamins (D, B12) and minerals (iodine, selenium).

Freshness: an emphasized quality

The Quran insists on the freshness of marine meat (طَرِيًّا). This freshness is essential: fish degrades rapidly after capture. Modern preservation techniques (refrigeration, freezing) help preserve this freshness.

The mention of "fresh" meat distinguishes fish from other foods that often require special preparation or preservation.

A sustainable food source

Modern science emphasizes the importance of sustainable management of marine resources. Responsible fishing and aquaculture are essential to preserve this food source for future generations.

The Quran, by mentioning the sea as a source of food, invites gratitude towards the Creator for this abundant resource.

Scientific findings

The oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface
Fisheries provide ~170 million tons of fish per year
Fish is rich in protein, omega-3, vitamins and minerals
Fish freshness is essential (rapid degradation)
Sustainable management and aquaculture to preserve resources

Scientific references

State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture — FAO (fao.org, 2020)
Nutritional value of fish — WHO (who.int, 2019)
Fish and omega-3 fatty acids — Harvard School of Public Health (hsph.harvard.edu, 2020)