Why Metaphors and Parables are used in Al Qur'an

In any work of literature, metaphors and parables are used to awaken thought, deepen understanding, and strengthen faith. People naturally like metaphors and parables because these help the human mind understand complex truths through familiar images and stories. This is why they are widely used in literature, philosophy, and especially in sacred texts like the Qur'an. 

Through this post, we would apprise our readers of the use of metaphors and parables that assist them in better and easy understanding of Al Qur'an and the Divine Revelations.

Let us first understand what is a metaphor before we explain the usage of metaphors and parables used in Al Qur'an:

What is a Metaphor? A metaphor is a figure of speech in which one thing is described in terms of another to convey a deeper meaning, similarity, or lesson. Instead of explaining an idea directly, it uses imagery or comparison to make the meaning clearer and more powerful. For example, saying “the heart is hard like stone” does not mean the heart is literally stone. It means the person has become spiritually insensitive or unresponsive.

On the contrary, a parable is essentially a metaphor that has been extended to form a story. While a metaphor makes a direct, often irrational comparison to create new meaning, a parable uses a realistic scenario (often everyday human life) to illustrate a deeper truth. 

In Arabic rhetoric, metaphors and parables are called amthāl (أمثال), and they are widely used in classical Arabic speech and literature.

Why the Qur'an Uses Metaphors and Parables

The Qur’an contains many profound metaphors (amthāl) that convey spiritual, moral, and psychological truths through vivid imagery. These metaphors are powerful because they connect abstract ideas—like faith, hypocrisy, and the fleeting nature of life—to everyday experiences people can easily imagine. 

Allah Himself explains this purpose in the Qur'an:

“And We present these parables (amthāl) to people so that they may reflect.” — Qur'an 59:21, and

“Indeed, Allah does not hesitate to present a parable of a mosquito or what is smaller than it…” — Qur'an 2:26

These verses show that metaphors are a deliberate teaching method of the Qur'an.

Main Purposes of Metaphors and Parables in the Qur'an

Metaphors and Parables in the Qur'an are a divine teaching method that transforms deep spiritual realities into powerful images, helping people reflect, understand, and remember the message of guidance.  Let us reflect more on it:

• Metaphors Make Abstract Ideas Concrete / Easy to understand
• Many Qur'anic teachings involve spiritual realities (faith, hypocrisy, guidance, the Hereafter). These can be difficult to grasp. Metaphors turn abstract concepts into visible images.
• Metaphors connect abstract ideas / concepts to things we can see and imagine.
• For example, the Qur'an compares worldly life to rain and vegetation that grows and then dries out (10:24). This helps people visualize how temporary life is.
• Instead of a philosophical lecture, a simple image makes the meaning clear and memorable.
• Metaphors Engage the Imagination
• Human beings think naturally in images and stories. When we hear a metaphor, our mind immediately forms a picture.
• For example, in Surah Al-Hashr (59:21) the Qur'an says a mountain would split from the weight of revelation.
• This vivid image makes the message emotionally powerful. A person can almost see the mountain breaking, which leaves a deeper impression than plain explanation.
• Parables Make Lessons Easier to Remember
• Stories and parables stay in memory much longer than abstract statements.
• This is why teachers, prophets, and philosophers use them. The teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ often used simple comparisons from everyday life.
• For example, he compared the guidance he brought to rain that falls on different types of soil—some soil benefits from it and some does not. This parable clearly explains how people respond differently to guidance.
• Metaphors / Parables Encourage Reflection
• Metaphors do not always explain everything directly. Instead, they invite people to think deeply. This stimulates the intellect and makes the reader participate in discovering the meaning.
• The Qur'an frequently says after giving a parable: “Perhaps they will reflect.”
• This means the purpose is not just information but contemplation.
• Metaphors Reach Both the Mind and the Heart
• Logical arguments mainly appeal to the mind, but metaphors also touch the heart and emotions.
• For example: Describing faith as light, and disbelief as darkness
• These images resonate emotionally with people because light and darkness are experiences everyone understands.
• Metaphors Communicate Universal Truths
• Metaphors are powerful because they work across cultures and time.
• A simple image like: A seed growing, a tree with roots, rain reviving dead land
• These can be understood by people in different societies and eras.
• This is one reason the Qur'an uses natural imagery so often.
• Metaphors and Parables Reveal Truth Gradually
• Some truths are too profound to grasp immediately. Metaphors allow people to approach deep meanings step by step.
• A person might read a parable many times and discover deeper insights each time.
• This layered meaning is one reason sacred texts remain meaningful across centuries.

In summary, People love metaphors and parables because these (1) make complex ideas easy to understand, (2) create vivid mental images, (3) stay longer in memory, stimulate reflection and (4) connect with both intellect and emotion. That is why the Qur'an frequently uses powerful parables to guide humanity—not just to inform, but to transform the heart and mind.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Photo | references: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

For more Q&A about Understanding Islam, please refer to our reference page: Understanding Islam - Frequently asked Q&A. You may also refer to our refference page: Scholars' Viewpoint on important issue related to Islam to know more about Islam.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

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Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on Social Media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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Why there are so many verses in Al Qur’an that refer to rain as parable for life and death

Life and death is the unavoidable combination of life for every living thing or being which is born is bound to decay or die in a stipulated timeframe as Divinely scheduled. Since this an undeniable truth, man is cautioned time and again to ponder over one's life and its ultimate end so that one keeps himself aligned to the Divine commandment of accountability and stern Divine justice on the Day of Judgement after their resurrection.

Since man is more attracted to imageries to understand any concept or idea, there are many a parable mentioned in Qur'an to attract exclusive human attention for these parables induce more interest in man to pay attention to rather than cold and dry facts of life.

Imagery is the use of descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures or sensory experiences (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) in a reader's mind, making writing more immersive and engaging by appealing to the senses to evoke feelings and deeper understanding. It's a literary device that goes beyond just seeing, helping readers feel, hear, smell, or taste what's happening in a story or poem, drawing them into the atmosphere.

It is for this reason that there a re a number of parables wherein life and death is equated to the falling rain so that man understand his entire life cycle and remains cognizant of his actions, good or bad, that will be part of his dossier on the Day of Judgement as deciders for his eternal life.

In one of our recent posts "A deeply reflective verse of Al Qur’an that teaches man the entire cycle of human life  (39:21)" we mentioned rain which has been used as a parable for life and death of every living thing and being. But as we pondered more over this verse, we came across many more verses in Al Qur'an where the same parable has been used to warn man of his short span of life that will one day ultimately end up in his death. This post, thus, mentions all such verses and the lesson each carry.

Why the Qur’an Repeats This Parable in Different Places

Before we share other verses that have similar theme of rain as parable for life and death, let us understands why the same parable is repeated, though in different words, throughout Al Qur'an as understood by classical scholars like Ibn Kathīr, Rāzī, and Qurṭubī. These scholars are of the opinion that the repetitions are made for the reason that:

• Humans forget easily and they are to be reminded time and again to keep their sights set on the right path.
• Worldly success is misleading and often blinds insight which is delusional and satanic.
• Visual metaphors penetrate hearts more than abstract ideas -as mentioned in the end of 39:21: “Indeed, in that are signs for people who reflect.” (39:21)

Let us now turn to the similarity of verses that present to same parable of rain with life cycle of mankind.

The Core Parable: Surah az-Zumar 39:21

First, let us recall 39:21, then compare it with its closest parallels:

“Do you not see that Allah sends down water from the sky and channels it into springs in the earth? Then He brings forth crops of varying colors; then they dry up and you see them turning yellow; then He makes them debris. Indeed in that is a reminder for people of understanding.”

Although we have explained in detail the parable mentioned in the 21st verse of Surah Az Zumar, here is just in point form the key themes of the verse: (1) Divine control, that is Life → growth → beauty → decay, (2) Worldly success is temporary, and (3) Reflection (تذكير) for people of intellect.

Now let us see several Qur’anic verses that are directly comparable to the parable in 39:21, both in imagery and message. Together they form a coherent Qur’anic pattern about the temporary nature of worldly life and Divine control over growth and decay.

Closest Comparable Verses in the Qur’an

• Surah al-Kahf (18:45) — The Most Direct Parallel
• The verse: “And present to them the example of the life of this world: it is like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, but then it becomes dry stalks, scattered by the winds.”
• Why it matches 39:21:(1) Same rain, its affect on vegetation and on going destruction sequence, as related to man throughout his life span, (2) Explicitly called a parable (مثل), and (3) Same conclusion: worldly life is fleeting
• The difference between 39:21 and 18:45 is that: (1) 18:45 emphasizes illusion and sudden loss, while (2) 39:21 emphasizes reflection and Divine wisdom
• In nutshell, 18:45 means Worldly life looks attractive but does not last, Material success is fleeting, like plants after rain, Attachment to dunya leads to loss and True permanence belongs to Allah alone.
• Surah Yūnus (10:24) — Worldly Deception
• The Verse: “The example of worldly life is like rain We send down from the sky, and the plants of the earth absorb it… until the earth has taken on its adornment and is beautified… then Our command comes to it by night or day, and We make it as if it had not flourished yesterday.”
• Link to 39:21: (1) Same natural cycle, (2) Highlights human arrogance at the peak of success, (3) Sudden reversal by Divine command
• The Focus is on Human self-delusion and False sense of permanence.
• Surah al-Ḥadīd (57:20) — The Most Comprehensive Summary
• The Verse: “Know that the life of this world is play, amusement, adornment, boasting, and competition in wealth and children — like rain whose growth pleases the farmers, then it dries and turns yellow, then becomes debris.” - Same yellowing - the debris imagery as 39:21
• Why this is powerful: (1) Combines psychology and nature, (2) Explains why people are deceived
• This verse also adds (1) Moral diagnosis of human behavior, and (2) Clear contrast with the Hereafter
• Surah al-A‘lā (87:16–17) — Conclusion of the Parable
• This verse gives the verdict that 39:21 invites the reader to reach through reflection.
• “But you prefer the worldly life, while the Hereafter is better and more lasting.”

How These Verses Work Together

The above explanation and correlation with 39:21 correlates other verses and give out  lessons for us as given below:

• 39:21 Reflection & Divine wisdom
• 18:45 Sudden loss
• 10:24 Human arrogance
• 57:20 Psychological trap
• 87:16–17 Final judgment

Together, they form a complete worldview.

Relevance Today

These parables speak powerfully to warn an of his short life span and the little time at his disposal to adopt a life which will be beneficial to him in the life of the hereafter. The lure and glare of amusement, sin and merry making will be left here, but the impact they had had on man's life will follow him on the Day of Judgement.

The Qur’an is saying: What you see in nature is what will happen to power, wealth, and life itself.

Final Reflection

The 21st verse of Surah Az Zumar is part of a family of Qur’anic parables. But it is unique in ending with: “a reminder for people of understanding.” Which means that not everyone benefits from Divine cautions and warnings - rather only reflective hearts awaken. Remember, what rain does to crops, time does to worldly life, and only the mindful prepare for what comes after.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: 

• When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.
• The above comparison is a personal reflection for academic purpose. Readers are free to agree or disagree with what has been written. However, it is requested that in case of disagreement, please leave your point of view in the comment box at the end of the post.
• The comparison is given in point form which easily explain our viewpoint. However, those want a deeper reflection, may ponder over information available on the social media.

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | Prosomal reflections | ChatGPT | Google |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

A deeply reflective verse of Al Qur’an that teaches man the entire cycle of human life

Al Qur'an is book of Divine Wisdom which uses many a approach to show to the man what life really is and how men of wisdom can interpret verses of Qur'an through deep reflection. While many verses are straight and easy to understand, some verses use natural imagery to deliver a single, powerful worldview about life (dunyā). One such verse is 21st verse of Surah 39 Az-Zumar which is a deeply reflective verse that combines observable nature, divine control, and moral guidance. Its wisdom lies not merely in describing a natural process, but in teaching how to think about life, time, power, and the Hereafter.

اَلَمۡ تَرَ اَنَّ اللّٰهَ اَنۡزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَلَـكَهٗ يَنَابِيۡعَ فِى الۡاَرۡضِ ثُمَّ يُخۡرِجُ بِهٖ زَرۡعًا مُّخۡتَلِفًا اَ لۡوَانُهٗ ثُمَّ يَهِيۡجُ فَتَـرٰٮهُ مُصۡفَرًّا ثُمَّ يَجۡعَلُهٗ حُطَامًا​ ؕ اِنَّ فِىۡ ذٰ لِكَ لَذِكۡرٰى لِاُولِى الۡاَلۡبَابِ

(39:21) Do you not see that Allah sent down water from the sky, then made it flow on earth as springs and streams and rivers and then with it He brings forth vegetation of various hues; then this vegetation ripens and dries up, turning yellow, where after He reduces it to broken straw? Surely there is a lesson in this for those endowed with understanding.

Understanding of the verse by the Ordinaries

For most of the readers of AL Qur'an, this verse just describes a natural phenomenon. Allah in ths verses describes a natural process wherein the rain descends from the clouds, Water flows and settles in the earth, vegetation grows in different colors and the plants mature. Then a time comes when there is no rain and the vegetation dries up and turns yellow and finally crumbles into straw.

Then Allah concludes: “Surely in this is a reminder for those endowed with understanding.”

Understanding of the verse by those endowed with wisdom and understanding

The men of wisdom correlate this verse with various phases plant life with that of man's life cycle: (1) Rain means birth of a child, the growth of plants to the developing youth and turning into a man's prime age when he is contributing and reflecting. Then slowly and gradually man enters into his old age just like yellowing of the plants and then like lifeless straw, a man too dies and the life cycle ends.

Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi, One of the eminent scholars and exegetes of Al Qur'an explains the core idea behind this verse as under:

"A man of understanding learns this lesson from it that the life of this world and its adornments are all transitory: the end of every spring is autumn; the fate of every youth is weakness and death; and every rise has a fall. Therefore, this world is not something of which one should be charmed and enamored so as to forget God and the Hereafter and should conduct himself here in a manner as to nun his Hereafter, only for the sake of enjoying the short lived pleasures of this world. Then a man of understanding also learns this lesson from these phenomena that the spring and autumn of this world are only under Allah's control: Allah allows to grow and prosper whomever He wills and ruins and lays waste whomever He wills. Neither it is in anybody's power to stop the growth of someone whom Allah wills to grow, nor has anyone the power to save him from destruction whom Allah wills to destroy.

The 14th century Muslim scholar Ibn Kathir explains that:

• The natural phenomenon described is not random but a deliberate sign from Allah, designed to lead people to recognize their Creator and the ultimate reality beyond the physical world. 
• The verse serves as a parable for the life of this world, which begins with life and ends in decay, urging people to heed the divine message.  

Wisdom behind the verse - Layer by Layer

• 1️⃣ Allah as the Absolute Controller
• “Allah sent down water from the sky…” That is the verse begins by attributing the entire process directly to Allah, not to chance or nature acting independently.
• Wisdom: Man learns that the rain is beyond human control - which means that human planning is useless without divine permission. This cultivates humility, not arrogance 
• ➡️ Lesson: Human power is limited; divine power is absolute.
• 2️⃣ Hidden Provision and Divine Planning
• “…then made it flow on earth as springs…” - That is water does not just fall and disappear as it penetrates the ground and stored invisibly. Then it re-emerges as springs, streams, and rivers
• Wisdom: Allah provides sustenance in unseen ways - What disappears from sight is not lost and that delay does not mean denial
• ➡️ Lesson: Trust Allah even when provision is unseen.
• 3️⃣ Diversity within Unity
• “…vegetation of various hues…” That is rain is alike all over where it falls, yet it produces multicoloured hues, different taste and benefits.
• Wisdom: Unity of source, diversity of outcomes - describing the Evidence of divine design, not randomness
• ➡️ Lesson: Differences among people and creations are intentional and meaningful.
• 4️⃣ Peak Does Not Mean Permanence
• “…then it ripens…” that is the vegetation reaches: Full beauty and maximum usefulness , yet the stage is brief and temporary.
• Wisdom: Every worldly success has a peak -but youth, power, wealth are temporary and do not last forever.
• ➡️ Lesson: Do not be deceived by temporary perfection.
• 5️⃣ Inevitable Decline
• “…then you see it turn yellow…” Which means no force stops aging and plants weaken, the once vibrant and fresh hues start to fade and lose strength.
• Wisdom: Decline is part of divine law for nothing created is permanent and has to decay and die ultimately.
• ➡️ Lesson: This world is not a place of eternity.
• 6️⃣ Complete Dissolution
• “…then He makes it broken straw…” That is what once was nourished, beautified and sustained life, becomes worthless debris.
• Wisdom: Material value is temporary and that pride in worldly status is foolish
• ➡️ Lesson: Attachment to dunya leads to loss. Those who live for this world alone with disregard to the life of the Hereafter will be the ultimate losers.

The Central Message

This verse is a parable of human life: Just as plants do not remain, neither do humans.

• Why Allah Ends with “People of Understanding” because everyone sees plants grow and die - yet not everyone reflects. 
• True intelligence in the Qur’an is not IQ, Knowledge or Science. It is reflection that leads to humility and obedience.

Practical Lessons for Today

Since this life is temporary and is a testing ground for man to reflect upon purpose of one's creation. Therefore one should:

• Never be arrogant in success or boast about it for nothing is permanent.
• Never despair in decline for it is a natural phenomena and no matter how much a man may try, the decline is bound to happen.
• Use prosperity before it fades
• Prepare for the Hereafter while time remains
• Read nature as a sign, not just a resource

Surah 39:21 teaches that just as vegetation rises, flourishes, and fades by Allah’s will, so too does human life — and only those who reflect prepare for what comes after the harvest.

You may refer to more Selected Verses from Sürah 39. Az-Zumar (The Throngs) already published.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Reference: | 1 | 2 | 3 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

Al Qur'an: The parable of the beautiful yet fragile cobweb and those who make fragile foundation of their faith based on shirk

Al Qur'an, though revealed in the Arabic language, is much easy to understand for its ayat / verses are straight forward and spelt out clearly for everyone to understand the Divine message. Yet at places stories of the past nations are presented as co-reference and correlation. At places parables are mentioned for man likes fiction more than Divine language.

The 41st verse of Al-‘Ankabūt (The Spider) is one of the parables mentioned in Al Qur'an equating the beautiful and intricate spider web, which though seems beautiful, yet is so fragile that it can fragment with little touch of the blowing air, with those who lay the foundation of their faith on shirk - a building so fragile that can crumble with a whisper of the Lord of the universe.

Let us examine the 41st verse of Surah Al-‘Ankabūt with reference to the context and its relevance and correlation to our life today.

The Verse:

مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتْ بَيْتًۭا ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوْهَنَ ٱلْبُيُوتِ لَبَيْتُ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ ۖ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ

"The example of those who take allies besides Allah is like that of the spider who builds a house; and indeed, the frailest of houses is the house of the spider — if only they knew."

Context & Link to Preceding Verses

In the previous verses, that is verses 39-40, mention of the past nations (Qārūn, Pharaoh, Hāmān, and others) is made which were destroyed for their arrogance and rejection of Allah’s message. They considered their deities to be stronger than the soul Lord of the world and hinged their faith on them for their protection against any disaster. These verses show that no amount of worldly power or false support can protect a person from Allah’s punishment.

Herein under are the verses 36-40 for correlation to verse 41:

(29:36) And We sent to Midian their brother Shuayb. He said: “My people, serve Allah and look forward to the Last Day and do not go about the earth committing mischief.” (29:37) But they denounced him as a liar. So a mighty earthquake overtook them, and by the morning they lay overturned in their houses.

(29:38) And We destroyed Ad and Thamud, whose dwellings you have observed. Satan had embellished their deeds for them and had turned them away from the Right Path although they were a people of clear perception. (29:39) And We destroyed Qarun (Korah) and Pharaoh and Haman. Moses came to them with Clear Signs but they waxed arrogant in the land although they could not have outstripped (Us).

(29:40) So We seized each for their sin. We let loose upon some a violent tornado with showers of stones; some were overtaken by a mighty Cry;69 some were caused to be swallowed up by the earth,70 and some We drowned. Allah would not wrong them, but it is they who wronged themselves.

Verse 41, thus, comes as a parable: those who seek protection, blessings, or salvation from anyone other than Allah — be it idols, spirits, saints, or any creation — are like someone seeking shelter in a spider’s web: appearing like a home, but fragile and useless in real danger.

Meaning of the Spider Parable

• A spider’s web may look intricate and beautiful but is weak and cannot shield its resident from harm.
• Similarly, false gods, saints, spirits, or “allies” besides Allah may appear to offer help, but in reality:
• They cannot create, sustain, or protect (cf. 22:73 — even a fly they cannot produce).
• On the Day of Judgment, they will disclaim their worshippers (cf. 10:28–29).
• Ibn Kathir explains the wisdom behind the parable of the spider's web:
• "This is how Allah described the idolaters in their reverence of gods besides Him, hoping that they would help them and provide for them, and turning to them in times of difficulties. In this regard, they were like the house of a spider, which is so weak and frail, because by clinging to these gods they were like a person who holds on to a spider's web, who does not gain any benefit from that. If they knew this, they would not take any protectors besides Allah. 
• This is unlike the Muslim believer, whose heart is devoted to Allah, yet he still does righteous deeds and follows the Laws of Allah, for he has grasped the most trustworthy handle that will never break because it is so strong and firm."

Relevance Today — Including Muslims Who Fall into Shirk

This verse has two audiences, the Non Muslims and even many Muslims. Let us see how:

• Non Muslims: 
• As for Non Muslims, their basic foundation of faith hinges mainly on their worldly deities, though some have some semblance of a distant deity. Some even acknowledge the presence of a Supreme Being up in the heavens, yet they associate worldly deities to be partners with the Lord of the world, who they claim share the powers of the one true God. Some even go to the extent of calling their deities at par with the God and refer to them more rather than the true God. 
• This has always been the bone of contention between the prophets Divinely sent and those worshiping their worldly deities. And when many nations did not cede to the Divine Commandments and even hurt and killed the prophets, they were subjected to the divine wrath and their strong stone house built in mountains caved in destroying all the idolaters.
• Muslims: Although most of the Muslims accept the presence of one true God, called Allah, there are yet some who still cling to the culture and traditions of the past and still engage in practices that contradict pure Tawḥīd, like:
• Bowing, prostrating, or making du‘ā’ at graves of saints.
• Believing the dead can independently fulfill needs or protect from harm.
• Using charms, amulets, or spiritual intermediaries believing they have power without Allah’s will.
• Such acts resemble the spider’s web — they provide no real help and may lead to major shirk, the gravest sin in Islam (4:48).

Thus while this ayat points towards the non Muslims, it also warn those Muslims with weak faith and inclinations.

Qur’anic & Prophetic Reinforcement

• Qur’an:
• "Do not call upon anyone besides Allah — such will neither benefit you nor harm you. If you do so, you will surely be of the wrongdoers." (10:106)
• "And the mosques are for Allah, so do not invoke anyone with Allah." (72:18)
• Hadith:
• Prophet ﷺ said: “When you ask, ask Allah; and when you seek help, seek help from Allah.” (Tirmidhī, 2516)
• He forbade taking graves as places of worship: “Do not sit on graves nor pray towards them.” (Muslim, 972)

Lessons for today

• Tawḥīd is the strongest shelter — like a solid fortress (Surah Tauba 9:51 — “Nothing will happen to us except what Allah has decreed”).
• Shirk makes your spiritual foundation fragile, like a spider’s web.
• Even cultural or inherited acts of reverence that contradict Tawḥīd must be abandoned.
• True help, protection, and provision come only from Allah.

We need to get out of the world of illusions, false hopes, false deities who themselves are unaware of their fate on the Judgement Day. Let our faith be the faith of Allah conveyed to us by chosen prophets. Let us follow the unadulterated Divine scriptures which have been changed in substance to trick and mislead the true devotees. 

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from Sürah 29. Al-‘Ankabūt (The Spider) for verses from this Surah

You may also refer to our exclusive reference page: Selected verses from selected Surahs of Al-Qurʾān for compiled verses from other surahs.

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Resource References:| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of Al-Qurʾān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, other sources which have been explored and views of other scholars have been incorporated while explaining meaning of a verse. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

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A powerful metaphor in Al Qur’an describes the false hopes and delusions of disbelievers

AL Qur'an, the last of the four Divine Scriptures is nothing but a book of Divine guidance. Thus it has to be read, understood and acted upon for whatever is written in the Qur'an is straight from the Lord of the entire universe with no human insertions. It is very easy to read the text specially for the Arabic speaking people. But the beauty of it is that even the non Arabic speaking people have also mastered the art of reading it. It is written in very straight language for easy reading. However, where some stress is required, the use of metaphors and parables is taken to make it easier to understand, for many a man love ready fiction and find metaphors and parables interesting and learn better.

Talking of parables, we recently published a verse from Qur'an based on a parable by giving an example of a fly. You may read our post: A parable in the Qur’an which teaches absurdity of idolatry and worshiping beings other than Allah if so desired.

As for the metaphor, Verse 39 of Surah An-Nur (Surah 24, Ayah 39) is a is powerful metaphor about the false hopes and delusions of disbelievers. Here's the verse in Arabic and its English translation, followed by an explanation:

وَالَّذِيۡنَ كَفَرُوۡۤا اَعۡمَالُهُمۡ كَسَرَابٍۢ بِقِيۡعَةٍ يَّحۡسَبُهُ الظَّمۡاٰنُ مَآءً ؕ حَتّٰۤى اِذَا جَآءَهٗ لَمۡ يَجِدۡهُ شَيۡـئًـا وَّ وَجَدَ اللّٰهَ عِنۡدَهٗ فَوَفّٰٮهُ حِسَابَهٗ​ ؕ وَاللّٰهُ سَرِيۡعُ الۡحِسَابِ ۙ‏ 

(24:39) But for those who deny the Truth, their deeds are like a mirage in the desert, which the thirsty supposes to be water until he comes to it only to find that it was nothing; he found instead that Allah was with Him and He paid his account in full. Allah is swift in settling the account.

Explanation:

That is, they refused to accept sincerely the divine message which was brought by the Prophets, and which at that time was being given by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The veerse clearly show that the truthful and righteous believers only can benefit from Allah’s Light. In contrast to them, the state of those people is being described here, who refused to believe and obey the Prophet (peace be upon him), who was the real and sole means of attaining the Light of Allah.

This verse uses the metaphor of a mirage in a desert to describe the false hope and self-deception of disbelievers regarding their good deeds.

• "Their deeds are like a mirage in the desert..."
• The mirage appears on a vast, flat, dry plain (“qīʿah”) and looks like water from a distance. The thirsty traveler runs toward it only to find nothing upon reaching it.
• This refers to seemingly good actions done by disbelievers (e.g. charity, kindness) that are not grounded in faith in Allah.
• Just as a mirage looks like water to a thirsty traveler, these deeds appear valuable and meaningful to the disbelievers.
• "...which a thirsty one thinks is water..."
• A person dying of thirst in the desert may desperately hope that a shimmer on the horizon is water.
• Similarly, disbelievers hope that their good deeds will save them, but their perception is deceptive.
• "...until, when he comes to it, he finds it is nothing...": Upon death or on the Day of Judgment, they realize that their deeds carry no spiritual weight, because they were not done with faith or sincerity toward God. 
• "...and finds Allah before him, who will settle the account..."
• Instead of finding a reward, the disbeliever finds Allah and His judgment.
• Allah gives them the exact recompense for their actions — and since their actions were not for His sake, they get no lasting reward.
• "And Allah is swift in taking account." Allah's judgment is not delayed or unjust — it is immediate, precise, and fair.

Takeaway:

This verse thus describes the condition of those people who, in spite of disbelief and hypocrisy, practice some good deeds and also believe, among other things, in the life after death in the hope that their good deeds will be of some help to them in the Hereafter even if they did not believe and follow the Prophet and lacked the qualities of true believers. In this parable they are being told that their expectations of reaping benefits of their ostentatious deeds of virtue in the Hereafter are no more than a mirage. Just as a traveler in the desert takes the glittering sands for a surging pool of water and runs towards it for quenching his thirst, so are these people traveling on the road to death cherishing false hopes on account of their good deeds. But just as the one running towards a mirage does not find anything there to quench his thirst, so will these people find nothing to avail them when they enter the state of death. On the contrary, they will find Allah there, Who will require them to account for their disbelief, hypocrisy and misdeeds, which they committed along with their ostentatious deeds of virtue, and will deal with them in full justice.

It sends out a clear warning that good deeds without belief in God and sincerity may amount to nothing in the Hereafter. It stresses the importance of correct intention (niyyah) and faith (iman) along with action. So let us who believe steer our lives in accordance with dictates of Qur'an, first by reading it, then understanding what has been read, followed by its sincere practical manifestation.

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

Please refer to our reference page: Al-Qurʾān: Selected verses from Surah .24 An Nur (The Light) for more selected verses from this Surah.

Fore more selected verses from Al-Qurʾān Please refer to our Selected verses from Sūrahs of Qur'an to highlight important topics with detailed explanation and Reference Page on Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'an. You may also refer to our Reference Pages for knowing more about Islam and Quran.

Photo | References: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Holy Qur'an - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More

A parable in the Qur’an which teaches absurdity of idolatry and worshiping beings other than Allah

Man has always been in competition with his very own Creator and the sole master of the entire universe. Many make hand made idols to represnt their worldly gods as did idolaters did in times of Prophet Ibrahim(Abraha, may peace be upon him) or the people of Israel when the made a cow to represent god and wanted to worship till Prophet Musa (Moses, may peace be upon him) came and destroyed the cow made of gold. 

Many still worship the idols even in present times while others assocate partners with one true God, we Muslims call Allah. Even many a women take human deities as friends of Allah, calling them Wali Allah, and prefer them more than the Allah. Many Muslims worship graves of the dead saints, while many others bow in front of living psudo saints for the redressal of their grievances and woes. It seems not much has changed since the advent of Islam. To caution these misguided, derailed and loose faith people, who commit the great unpardonable sin of shirk (associating / worshipping beings other than Allah, many a ayah / verses in Qur'an talk on the subject of shirk and helplessness of those whom people assocaite with Allah or worship idols.

Today, we share the 73rd verse from Surah Al Hajj, in which Allah explains the sin of shirk and inabaility of those whom people take their deities other than Allah in the shape of a parable as mentioned below.

يٰۤـاَيُّهَا النَّاسُ ضُرِبَ مَثَلٌ فَاسۡتَمِعُوۡا لَهٗ ؕ اِنَّ الَّذِيۡنَ تَدۡعُوۡنَ مِنۡ دُوۡنِ اللّٰهِ لَنۡ يَّخۡلُقُوۡا ذُبَابًا وَّلَوِ اجۡتَمَعُوۡا لَهٗ​ ؕ وَاِنۡ يَّسۡلُبۡهُمُ الذُّبَابُ شَيۡـئًـا لَّا يَسۡتَـنۡـقِذُوۡهُ مِنۡهُ​ ؕ ضَعُفَ الطَّالِبُ وَالۡمَطۡلُوۡبُ‏ 

(22:73) "O people! A parable is presented, so listen to it carefully: Indeed, those you call upon besides Allah can never create [even] a fly, even if they all gathered for that purpose. And if the fly were to snatch away anything from them, they could not retrieve it from it. Weak are the pursuer and the pursued!"

The sūrah makes a powerful, universal declaration that all deities people associate with God, including the ones to which the wrongdoers appeal for help, are weak and powerless. Their weakness is shown in a bustling and captivating scene. The address is universal, it includes everyone anywhere in the world, and the declaration is loud and clear: “Mankind!” When people have been gathered to listen, they are told that they are about to be given a statement of a general principle, not a particular case applicable on a certain occasion. “An aphorism is set forth; hearken, then, to it.” It is a statement of fact that applies in all situations: “Those beings whom you invoke instead of God cannot create a fly, even though they were to join all their forces to that end.” All false deities, whether they be idols and statues, human beings, traditions and values, to whom you appeal for support and with whom you seek to achieve victory and high esteem, are incapable of creating a fly, even if they muster all their forces, utilize all their knowledge and channel all their resources into one supreme effort. Indeed, the creation of a mere fly, that small and abject creature, defies all the harnessed powers of such false gods.

Let us expand the meaning of the verse in detail:

Key Points from the Verse:

• Universal Call to Attention
• "O people! A parable is presented, so listen to it carefully..."
• Allah calls upon all people, not just Muslims, to reflect.
• The use of a parable (مثل) indicates a deep lesson wrapped in a simple example.
• Creating a fly is just as impossible, for anyone or thing other than God, as creating a camel or an elephant, because the fly also demonstrates the great secret of life. Hence, it is placed on the same level as camels and elephants, with regard to its miraculous creation. The Qur’ānic aphorism, however, cites the case of a little, insignificant fly in order to generate a more profound feeling of powerlessness, without compromising the underlying principle.
• Helplessness of False gods: The sūrah adds another dimension in describing their powerlessness: “If a fly robs them of anything, they cannot rescue it from him!” False deities, be they idols or humans, cannot retrieve anything from a fly when it robs them of it. Flies can rob people of that which is precious indeed. At the same time, a fly carries agents of some very serious diseases, such as tuberculosis, typhoid, dysentery and conjunctivitis. It can deprive a person of his eyes or other organs, or indeed deprive him of his life. A weak and contemptible fly can rob a human being of what he can never retrieve. Summarising, we now know:
• "Indeed, those you call upon besides Allah can never create [even] a fly..."
• The idols or false deities people pray to cannot create even the smallest creature.
• The fly, one of the weakest and most insignificant creatures, is used to show how powerless these so-called gods are.
• Even More Powerless When Challenged
• "...even if they all gathered for that purpose..."
• Even if all the false gods and their followers united, they still couldn’t create a fly — not even a copy, let alone bring it to life.
• This is a clear argument for Allah’s exclusive power as the Creator.
• Powerlessness Exposed by a Fly
• "And if the fly were to snatch away anything from them, they could not retrieve it from it..."
• Flies are known to take tiny bits of food, yet even that cannot be taken back by these idols.
• Scientifically, once a fly takes something, it partially digests or absorbs it through its enzymes — even modern humans can’t “take it back” in the same form, let alone idols.
• A Final Blow to Idolatry
• "Weak are the pursuer and the pursued."
• The worshipper (طالب) is weak because they are seeking help from a powerless being.
• The idol (مطلوب) is also weak because it cannot even help itself.
• Both are in a relationship of mutual weakness, and futility.

Deeper Reflection:

• This verse is a rational argument against shirk (associating partners with Allah).
• It invites people to use their reason, not just emotion or tradition, when it comes to matters of worship.
• It also reveals the humiliating contrast between the might of Allah and the powerlessness of false gods.
• We nowe how the Qur’ānic style uses facts in the most effective way. Had the text referred to lions and similar wild animals adding that men cannot rescue anything such animals rob them of, it would have generated an air of strength and force, rather than weakness. Besides, the most powerful animals cannot rob man of anything greater than what a fly can rob him of.
• This powerful image stating a clear aphorism concludes with a simple comment: “Weak indeed is the seeker, and weak the sought!”

Foregoing explanation in view, Surah Al-Hajj (22:73) delivers a powerful, logical, and vivid argument: those who are worshiped besides Allah are so powerless that they can’t even match a fly in creation or defense. The parable ends by highlighting the weakness of both the worshippers and the idols — urging people to return to the worship of the One True God who is All-Powerful and Self-Sufficient.

Let us understand the Qur'an through simple explanation, followed by detailed tafseer to know what Qur'an wants us to know and beleive. With such parables and indications, Allah forbids us to follow beings other than He for the worldy deities cannot even make a fly or even the thin covering on the seed of the date. If that be so, then how can they redress our grievances? Let us not act as blinds when Qur'an shows us the light and the way to none but Allah, the Creator and redressal of grievances and provider of the means of sustenances.

May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى‎)  help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door. 

وَمَا عَلَيۡنَاۤ اِلَّا الۡبَلٰغُ الۡمُبِيۡنُ‏ 

(36:17) and our duty is no more than to clearly convey the Message.”

That is Our duty is only to convey to you the message that Allah has entrusted us with. Then it is for you to accept it or reject it. We have not been made responsible for making you accept it forcibly, and if you do not accept it, we shall not be seized in consequence of your disbelief, you will yourselves be answerable for your actions on Day of Resurrection.

Reading the Qur'ān should be a daily obligation of a Muslim - Reading it with translation will make it meaningful. But reading its Exegesis / Tafsir will make you understand it fully. It will also help the Muslims to have grasp over social issues and their answers discussed in the Qur'an and other matter related to inter faith so that they are able to discuss issues with non-Muslims with authority based on refences from Qur'an.

May Allah forgive me if my posts ever imply a piety far greater than I possess. I am most in need of guidance.

Note: When we mention God in our posts, we mean One True God, we call Allah in Islam, with no associates. Allah is the Sole Creator of all things, and that Allah is all-powerful and all-knowing. Allah has no offspring, no race, no gender, no body, and is unaffected by the characteristics of human life.

You may read more posts on similar theme in our series of posts related to: Understanding Shirk - Grave sin of Associating Partners with Allah (Reference Page)

For more Selected Subjects, please refer to our reference page: Selected Verses from Al Qur'an about a Specific Subject (Reference Page) to know more about what Qur'an says about specific subjects and our reference page: Selected Verses from the Qur'an. .

You may also refer to our Reference Pages  and Understanding Al Qur'an for knowing more about Islam and Qur'ān.

Photo | Tafsir References: | 1 |  2 | 

An effort has been made to gather explanation / exegesis of the surahs and selected verses of the Qur'ān from authentic sources and then present a least possible condensed explanation of the surah. In that the exegesis of the chapters of the Quran is mainly based on the "Tafhim al-Qur'an - The Meaning of the Qur'an" by one of the most enlightened scholars of the Muslim World Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.  

In addition, references of other sources which have been explored have also been given above. Those desirous of detailed explanations and tafsir (exegesis), may refer to these sites. For expansion of meaning and themes / contextual background help from ChatGPT is also taken.

Disclaimer: The material for this post has been collected from the references given above. If anyone differs with the material contained in this post, one may consult the references and their authors.  If someone has more material about the subject, he/she is most welcome to share in the comments box to make the post all encompassing.

If you like Islam: My Ultimate Decision, and to keep yourself updated on all our latest posts to know more about Islam, follow us on Facebook. You may also refer to our Facebook  Group Islam: The Ultimate Truth for more on Islam and Da'wah.

Follow @IslamUltimate

Please share this page to your friends and family members through Facebook, WhatsApp or any means on social media so that they can also be benefited by it and better understand Islam and the Qur'ān - Insha Allah (Allah Willing) you shall be blessed with the best of both worlds.

Read More