أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحْتَمَلَ ٱلسَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا ۚ وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ ٱبْتِغَآءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَـٰعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَٱلْبَـٰطِلَ ۚ فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَآءً ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَ 17
Translations
He sends down from the sky, rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allāh presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allāh present examples.
Transliteration
Anzala mina as-sama'i ma'an fasalat awdiyatun biqadarihā fāḥtamala as-sayl zabadan rābiyān. Wa mimma yūqidūn 'alayhi fi an-nāri ibtighā'a ḥilyatin aw mata'in zabadun mishluh. Kadhālika yaḍribu Allāhu al-ḥaqqa wa al-bāṭil. Fa-ammā az-zabād fa-yadhhabu jufā'an wa-ammā mā yanfa'u an-nās fa-yamkuthu fi al-arḍ. Kadhālika yaḍribu Allāhu al-amthāl.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah presents two parables of truth and falsehood: water descending from the sky causing valleys to flow with foam (zabād) that floats away, and metals refined in fire producing scum like the foam. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, these parables illustrate how truth (al-ḥaqq) remains beneficial and enduring while falsehood (al-bāṭil) is ephemeral and worthless, much like foam that dissipates. The ayah emphasizes that through Allah's wisdom, beneficial knowledge and righteous deeds persist in the earth while empty falsehoods vanish, demonstrating the ultimate triumph of divine truth.
Revelation Context
Revealed in Madinah within Surah Ar-Ra'd, which addresses the skepticism of disbelievers toward the Qur'an and the signs of Allah. This ayah comes in a broader context (13:12-18) discussing Allah's power over creation and natural phenomena as evidence of His existence, refuting the polytheists' denial of resurrection and divine accountability.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who learn the Qur'an and teach it' (Sahih Bukhari 5027), relating to the concept of beneficial knowledge that 'remains in the earth.' Additionally, the hadith 'Falsehood will vanish' (from Surah Al-Isra 17:81: 'Indeed, falsehood, by its nature, is bound to vanish') is thematically aligned with this ayah's message.
Themes
Key Lesson
Just as natural foam disperses while beneficial water remains, believers should distinguish between hollow worldly pursuits and enduring spiritual truths, placing their efforts in what benefits themselves and humanity eternally. This ayah encourages trust in Allah's ultimate plan, knowing that evil and falsehood cannot prevail against truth regardless of their temporary appearance of strength.