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. .
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.
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