Analogies Regarding Unbelievers

Their example is like one who kindles a fire, and as it illuminates their surroundings, Allah takes away their light, leaving them in darkness, unable to see.

The deeds of those who reject their Lord are like ashes scattered by the wind on a stormy day, no power to reclaim what was lost. That is the farthest straying.

Or like a storm from the sky, filled with darkness, thunder, and lightning. They thrust their fingers into their ears against the thunderclaps, fearing death.

The lightning nearly snatches away their sight; whenever it flashes, they walk in its glow, but when darkness falls, they stand still. If Allah willed, He could take away their hearing and sight.

It is like rain that delights the farmer, then dries and withers, turning to dust. In the Hereafter, there is severe punishment or forgiveness and pleasure from Allah. This life is nothing but a fleeting illusion.

Allah does not hesitate to set forth an example, even of a mosquito or something smaller. The believers recognize it as truth from their Lord, while the disbelievers question its meaning. Through such examples, Allah guides many

Is one who builds on the foundation of mindfulness of Allah and His pleasure better, or one who builds on the brink of a crumbling cliff, which collapses into the Fire of Hell?

The structure they built will remain a source of doubt in their hearts until their hearts are torn apart.

But those who disbelieve, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. The thirsty one thinks it is water, but when he reaches it, he finds nothing. Instead, he finds Allah there, who settles his account.

Or like darkness in a deep sea, covered by waves upon waves, topped by clouds, layers of darkness, one above another. If one stretches out his hand, he can barely see it. For whomever Allah does not grant light, there is no light.

The example of those who reject faith is like one who calls out to cattle; they hear nothing but sounds and cries. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they do not comprehend.

Allah sets forth an example: A man enslaved by many masters, each pulling him in a different direction, and another man devoted to one master. Are they equal? Praise be to Allah, but most people do not understand.

You will die, and they will die.

Present to them the parable of two men: We gave one two gardens of grapevines, surrounded by date palms, with crops growing between them.

Both gardens yielded their produce without fail, and We caused a river to flow between them.

He had abundant wealth and said to his companion while conversing, “I am wealthier than you and have a greater following.”

He entered his garden, wronging himself, and said, “I do not think this will ever perish.”

“Nor do I think the Hour will come. But even if I am returned to my Lord, I will surely find something better than this.”

His companion replied, “Do you disbelieve in the One who created you from dust, then from a drop, then fashioned you into a man?”

“If only, when you entered your garden, you had said, ‘This is what Allah has willed; there is no power except with Allah.’ Though you see me with less wealth and children than you,”

“Perhaps my Lord will grant me something better than your garden, and send upon yours a calamity from the sky, leaving it barren.”

“Or its water may sink deep into the earth, and you will never be able to retrieve it.”

His wealth was destroyed, and he wrung his hands over what he had spent on it, as it lay in ruins. He said, “If only I had not associated anyone with my Lord!”

He had no supporters to help him against Allah, nor could he save himself.

There, authority belongs only to Allah, the True. He is best in reward and best in outcome.

Give them the parable of the town, when messengers came to it.

We sent two, but they rejected them, so We reinforced them with a third. They said, “We are messengers to you.”

They replied, “You’re just humans like us. The Merciful hasn’t sent anything; you’re only lying.”

The messengers said, “Our Lord knows we’ve truly been sent to you.

Our duty is only to deliver the message clearly.”

They said, “We see a bad omen in you. If you don’t stop, we’ll stone you, and a painful punishment will touch you from us.”

They replied, “Your omen is with yourselves. Is it because you were reminded? No, you are a people who go too far.”

Then a man came running from the farthest part of the city. He said, “My people, follow the messengers!

Follow those who ask for no payment and are rightly guided.

Why shouldn’t I worship the One who created me, and to whom you’ll all return?

I believe in your Lord, so listen to me!”

It was said, “Enter Paradise.” He said, “If only my people knew

How my Lord has forgiven me and made me one of the honoured.”

After him, We didn’t send down any army from heaven to his people, nor would We ever do so.

It was just one blast, and suddenly, they were extinguished.

Oh, what a loss for humanity! No messenger ever came to them without being mocked.

Have they not seen how many generations We destroyed before them, who never returned?

Yet all of them will be brought before Us.

Do not be like the woman who unravels her thread after spinning it tightly, using your oaths deceitfully to gain advantage over others. Allah only tests you through this, and He will clarify for you on the Day of Judgment what you used to dispute.