مِن أَيِّ شَيءٍ خَلَقَهُ

From what has He created him?

EXPOSITION

The question of the verse is a rhetorical one. It could just as well have begun with the answer He has created him in verse 19. The purpose of a rhetorical question is for the addressee to admit what is obviously known. Man is perfectly aware of his own humble origins. Why then does he insist on pride? Why does he insist on kufr and denial? How can he think himself needless, when for such a large portion of his life he is in need of help from others?