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
وَمَا هَـٰذِهِ ٱلْحَيَوٰةُ ٱلدُّنْيَآ إِلَّا لَهْوٌ وَلَعِبٌ ۚ وَإِنَّ ٱلدَّارَ ٱلْـَٔاخِرَةَ لَهِىَ ٱلْحَيَوَانُ ۚ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ
And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the [eternal] life, if only they knew.
أَمْ حَسِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ ٱلسَّيِّـَٔاتِ أَن يَسْبِقُونَا ۚ سَآءَ مَا يَحْكُمُونَ
Or do those who do evil deeds think they can outrun [i.e., escape] Us? Evil is what they judge.
لِيَكْفُرُوا۟ بِمَآ ءَاتَيْنَـٰهُمْ وَلِيَتَمَتَّعُوا۟ ۖ فَسَوْفَ يَعْلَمُونَ
So that they will deny what We have granted them, and they will enjoy themselves. But they are going to know.
إِنَّمَا تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْثَـٰنًا وَتَخْلُقُونَ إِفْكًا ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ تَعْبُدُونَ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ لَا يَمْلِكُونَ لَكُمْ رِزْقًا فَٱبْتَغُوا۟ عِندَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرِّزْقَ وَٱعْبُدُوهُ وَٱشْكُرُوا۟ لَهُۥٓ ۖ إِلَيْهِ تُرْجَعُونَ
You only worship, besides Allāh, idols, and you produce a falsehood. Indeed, those you worship besides Allāh do not possess for you [the power of] provision. So seek from Allāh provision and worship Him and be grateful to Him. To Him you will be returned."