Page 190 - Tafsir of surat at tawba repentance

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“He sends down water from the skies which flows in valleys according
to their capacities, and the flood carries swelling froth on its surface;
there is a similar froth in the (ore) which they heat in the fire in order
to make ornaments or implements. In this way, Allaah makes a
comparison between truth and falsehood. For the froth is thrown
away and disappears, while that which is beneficial to man remains on
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earth. In this way, Allaah makes parables.”

Once again, revelation, which is sent down to bring hearts to life, is likened to
water coming down to bring the earth to life with plants. Human hearts are the
metaphorical valleys of varying sizes in which the flood of revelation flows
accordingly. As the physical flood carries the froth and scum of the earth in its
currents, so guidance and knowledge flow upon the hearts to wash away base
desires. Hearts are then likened to different types of ore, such as gold, silver, iron,
copper, etc., which are purified by the heat of the fire. Impurities rise to the
surface in the form of froth and scum which are discarded, leaving the pure metal
behind. Likewise, when the hearts of believers are exposed to the heat and light of
revelation, evil desires are cast off and the hearts are purified.
In both of the examples given above, the comparison between both fire and
revelation and water and revelation is obvious. The comparative preposition
“like” and the words “comparison, parable, simile” are all mentioned, leaving no
doubt as to the intent of the passages.

2. The Mathal Kaamin (Hidden)

In this form, the terms of comparison are not used. 15 However, this type of
mathal conveys Islaamic ideals readily acceptable to natural human instincts due
to the deep and impressive meanings which they imply. For example, the concept
of the middle road between the two extremes is beautifully expressed in many
verses of the Qur’aan. In the case of spending, Allaah praises those

14
Soorah ar-Ra‘d (13):17.
15
Al-Itqaan, vol.4, p. 41.

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