وَتِلْكَ ٱلْأَمْثَـٰلُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ ۖ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَآ إِلَّا ٱلْعَـٰلِمُونَ 43
Translations
And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except those of knowledge.
Transliteration
Wa tilka al-amthalu nadribuha li-al-nasi wa ma ya'qiluha illa al-'alimun
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah states that Allah presents these parables (examples) to mankind, yet none truly comprehend them except those who possess knowledge ('ilm). According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Tabari, the parables in the Quran serve as guidance and reminders, but their deeper meanings and spiritual benefits are grasped only by those with sound understanding and reflection. Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that 'knowledge' here refers to both intellectual capacity and spiritual insight paired with faith, suggesting that comprehension of Quranic parables requires more than mere literacy—it demands active engagement with divine wisdom.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in the context of Surah Al-Ankabut, which was revealed in Mecca during a period of intense persecution of Muslims. The surah employs numerous parables to illustrate the weakness of idolatry and the strength of faith. This particular ayah serves as a concluding statement about the parables mentioned throughout the surah, affirming that their wisdom is accessible only to those who reflect and seek understanding.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027). Additionally, 'Whoever Allah wishes good for, He grants understanding of the deen' (Sahih Bukhari 71), emphasizing that comprehension of divine knowledge is a blessing from Allah.
Themes
Key Lesson
Merely hearing or reading the Quran's parables is insufficient; one must actively seek knowledge and understanding through sincere reflection and study. This ayah reminds us that spiritual wisdom is a gift reserved for those who humble themselves before Allah's word and earnestly pursue deeper comprehension of His guidance.
Related Ayahs
وَوَهَبْنَا لَهُۥٓ إِسْحَـٰقَ وَيَعْقُوبَ وَجَعَلْنَا فِى ذُرِّيَّتِهِ ٱلنُّبُوَّةَ وَٱلْكِتَـٰبَ وَءَاتَيْنَـٰهُ أَجْرَهُۥ فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا ۖ وَإِنَّهُۥ فِى ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ لَمِنَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحِينَ
And We gave to him Isaac and Jacob and placed in his descendants prophethood and scripture. And We gave him his reward in this world, and indeed, he is in the Hereafter among the righteous.
يَـٰعِبَادِىَ ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ إِنَّ أَرْضِى وَٰسِعَةٌ فَإِيَّـٰىَ فَٱعْبُدُونِ
O My servants who have believed, indeed My earth is spacious, so worship only Me.
ٱللَّهُ يَبْسُطُ ٱلرِّزْقَ لِمَن يَشَآءُ مِنْ عِبَادِهِۦ وَيَقْدِرُ لَهُۥٓ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ عَلِيمٌ
Allāh extends provision for whom He wills of His servants and restricts for him. Indeed Allāh is, of all things, Knowing.
وَيَسْتَعْجِلُونَكَ بِٱلْعَذَابِ ۚ وَلَوْلَآ أَجَلٌ مُّسَمًّى لَّجَآءَهُمُ ٱلْعَذَابُ وَلَيَأْتِيَنَّهُم بَغْتَةً وَهُمْ لَا يَشْعُرُونَ
And they urge you to hasten the punishment. And if not for [the decree of] a specified term, punishment would have reached them. But it will surely come to them suddenly while they perceive not.