Al-Qur'an Surah Ar-Ra'd Verse 17

Mufti Taqi Usmani

He sent down water from the heavens, so the canals flowed according to their capacity, and the flood carried bulging scum. And a similar scum comes up from what they melt in the fire to obtain ornaments or other objects. This is how Allah depicts the truth and the untruth. As for the scum, it goes to be thrown away, while that which benefits people remains on the earth. This is how Allah brings out the parables.

Dr. Mustafa Khattab, the Clear Quran

He sends down rain from the sky, causing the valleys to flow, each according to its capacity. The currents then carry along rising foam, similar to the slag produced from metal that people melt in the fire for ornaments or tools. This is how Allah compares truth to falsehood. The ˹worthless˺ residue is then cast away, but what benefits people remains on the earth. This is how Allah sets forth parables.

Ruwwad Translation Center

He sends down rain from the sky, causing the valleys to flow, each according to its capacity, and the torrent carries along rising foam, similar to the slag produced from metal that people melt in the fire to make ornaments or tools. This is how Allah compares truth to falsehood: as for the residue, it is then cast away, but that which benefits people remains on the earth. This is how Allah sets forth comparisons.

A. J. Arberry

He sends down out of heaven water, and the wadis flow each in its measure, and the torrent carries a swelling scum; and out of that over which they kindle fire, being desirous of ornament or ware, out of that rises a scum the like of it. So God strikes both the true and the false. As for the scum, it vanishes as jetsam, and what profits men abides in the earth. Even so God strikes His similitudes.

Abdul Haleem

He sends water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The stream carries on its surface a growing layer of froth, like the froth that appears when people melt metals in the fire to make ornaments and tools: in this way God illustrates truth and falsehood- the froth disappears, but what is of benefit to man stays behind- this is how God makes illustrations.

Abdul Majid Daryabadi

He sendeth down water from the heaven, so that the valleys flow according to their measure; then the torrent beareth the scum on top, and from that over which they kindle a fire seeking ornament or goods- ariseth a scum like thereto: Thus doth Allah propound the truth and falsity. Then as for the scum, it departeth as rubbish, and as for that which benefiteth the mankind, it lasteth on the earth: Thus doth Allah propound the similitudes.

Abdullah Yusuf Ali

He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure; But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like forth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables.

Abul Ala Maududi

Allah sends down water from the heavens and the river-beds flow, each according to its measure, and the torrent carries along a swelling scum. In like manner, from that metal which they smelt in the fire to make ornaments and utensils, there arises scum like it. Thus does Allah depict truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it passes away as dross; but that which benefits mankind abides on the earth. Thus does Allah explain (the truth) through examples.

Ahmed Ali

He sends down water from the skies, which flows in channels according to their capacity, with the scum borne on the surface of the torrent, as rises the scum when metals are heated on the fire for making ornaments and household utensils. This is how God determines truth and falsehood. The scum disappears like the foam on the bank, and that which is useful to man remains on the earth. That is how God sets forth precepts of wisdom.

Ahmed Raza Khan

He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed according to their measure, therefore the water flow brought forth the froth swollen upon it; and upon which they ignite the fire, to make ornaments and tools, from that too rises a similar froth; Allah illustrates that this is the example of the truth and the falsehood; the froth then bursts and disappears; and that which is of use to people, remains in the earth; this is how Allah illustrates the examples.

Ali Quli Qarai

He sends down water from the sky whereat the valleys are flooded to [the extent of] their capacity, and the flood carries along a swelling scum. And from what they smelt in the fire for the purpose of [making] ornaments or wares, [there arises] a similar scum. That is how Allah compares truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it leaves as dross, and that which profits the people stays in the earth. That is how Allah draws comparisons.

Ali Ünal

He sends down water from the sky and the valleys flow (in abundance) each according to its measure, and the flood carries a swelling foam (on its surface). And out of what they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, there rises a scum like it. Thus does God strike a parable to illustrate truth and falsehood. For, as for the scum, it vanishes as does all dross, but that which is of use to people abides on earth. In this way does God strike parables.

Amatul Rahman Omar

He sends down some water from the clouds so that the water courses flow up to their capacity, and the torrent carries (on its surface) swelling foam. And out of that (metal) which the people heat in the fire seeking to make ornaments and other articles a similar foam rises to (the surface of) it. In this way does Allâh illustrate truth and falsehood. As for the foam it goes away as (does all) dross, but as to that which does good to mankind it stays in the earth. That is how Allâh sets forth excellent description of things.

English Literal

He descended from the sky water, so it dissolved/flowed (in)valleys, with its capability/power ,so the flood/torrent carried/bore , increasing foam and from what they ignite/kindle on in the fire desiring ornament/decoration or enjoyment foam as/like it, as/like that God gives (examples of) the truth , and the falsehood, so but the foam so it goes useless/worthless, and but what benefits the people, so it remains in the earth/Planet Earth, as/like that God gives the examples .

Faridul Haque

He sent down water from the sky, so valleys flowed according to their measure, therefore the water flow brought forth the froth swollen upon it; and upon which they ignite the fire, to make ornaments and tools, from that too rises a similar froth; Allah illustrates that this is the example of the truth and the falsehood; the froth then bursts and disappears; and that which is of use to people, remains in the earth; this is how Allah illustrates the examples.

Hamid S. Aziz

Say, "Who is Lord (and Sustainer) of the heavens and the earth?" Say, "Allah" Say, "Do ye, then, take beside Allah patrons who have no control over benefit or harm to themselves?" Say, "Shall the blind and the seeing be held equal? Or shall the darkness and the light be held equal? Or have they made partners with Allah who can create as He creates, so that the creations seem similar to them?" Say, "Allah is the creator of all things, and He is the One, the Almighty."

Hilali & Khan

He sends down water (rain) from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface, and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables (for the truth and falsehood, i.e. Belief and disbelief).

Maulana Mohammad Ali

Say: Who is the Lord of the heavens and the earth? Say: Allah. Say: Do you then take besides Him guardians who control no benefit or harm even for themselves? Say: Are the blind and the seeing alike? Or, are darkness and light equal? Or, have they set up with Allah associates who have created creation like His, so that what is created became confused to them? Say: Allah is the Creator of all things, and He is the One, the Supreme.

Mohammad Habib Shakir

He sends down water from the cloud, then watercourses flow (with water) according to their measure, and the torrent bears along the swelling foam, and from what they melt in the fire for the sake of making ornaments or apparatus arises a scum like it; thus does Allah compare truth and falsehood; then as for the scum, it passes away as a worthless thing; and as for that which profits the people, it tarries in the earth; thus does Allah set forth parables.

Mohammed Marmaduke William Pickthall

He sendeth down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood beareth (on its surface) swelling foam - from that which they smelt in the fire in order to make ornaments and tools riseth a foam like unto it - thus Allah coineth (the similitude of) the true and the false. Then, as for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as for that which is of use to mankind, it remaineth in the earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes.

Muhammad Sarwar

When God sends down water from the sky and floods run through the valleys, certain quantities of foam rise on the surface of the flood water. This is similar to that foam which rises when you expose something to the heat of a fire to manufacture ornaments or for other reasons. To God Truth and falsehood are like these examples. The foam disappears but what is profitable to the human being stays in the land. Thus, does God coin His parables.

Qaribullah & Darwish

He sends down water from the sky and the valleys (wadis) flow each in their measure, and the torrent carries a swelling scum; and fire from that which they kindle; desiring ornament or ware, from that rises a scum like it. As such, Allah strikes both the truth and the false. As for the scum it is cast away as jetsam, but, that which profits people remains on the earth. As such Allah strikes the parables.

Safi-ur-Rahman al-Mubarakpuri

He sends down water from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure, but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface - and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, rises a foam like unto it, thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood. Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables.

Wahiduddin Khan

He sends down water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The torrent carries along swelling foam, akin to what rises from smelted ore from which man makes ornaments and tools. God thus depicts truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but whatever is of use to man remains behind. God thus speaks in parables.

Talal Itani

He sends down water from the sky, and riverbeds flow according to their capacity. The current carries swelling froth. And from what they heat in fire of ornaments or utensils comes a similar froth. Thus God exemplifies truth and falsehood. As for the froth, it is swept away, but what benefits the people remains in the ground. Thus God presents the analogies.

Tafsir jalalayn

He then strikes a similitude of truth and falsehood, saying; He, exalted be He, sends down water, rain, from the sky, whereat the valleys flow according to their measure, according to their full capacity, and the flood carries a scum that swells, rising above it, and this [scum] is the filth and the like that lies on the surface of the earth, and from that which they smelt (read tqidn, `you smelt', or yqidn, `they smelt') in the fire, of the earth's minerals, such as gold, silver or copper, desiring, seeking [to make], ornaments, adornment, or ware, which is useful, such as utensils, when they [the minerals] are melted; [there rises] a scum the like of it, that is, the like of the scum of the flood, and this [latter scum] consists of the impurities expelled by the bellows. Thus, in the way mentioned, God points out truth and falsehood, that is, [He points out] the similitude thereof. As for the scum, of the flood and of the minerals smelted, it passes away as dross, useless refuse, while that which is of use to mankind, in the way of water and minerals, lingers, remains, in the earth, for a time; likewise, falsehood wanes and is [eventually] effaced, even if it should prevail over the truth at certain times. Truth, on the other hand, is established and enduring. Thus, in the way mentioned, God strikes, He makes clear, similitudes.

Tafseer Ibn Kathir

Two Parables proving that Truth remains and Falsehood perishes

This honorable Ayah contains two parables which affirm that truth remains and increases, while falsehood diminishes and perishes.

Allah said,

أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء

He sends down water from the sky,

He sends rain,

فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌ بِقَدَرِهَا

and the valleys flow according to their measure,

each valley taking its share according to its capacity, for some valleys are wider and can retain more water than others which are small and thus retain smaller measures of water.

This Ayah indicates that hearts differ, for some of them can retain substantial knowledge while others cannot entertain knowledge, but rather are bothered by knowledge,

فَاحْتَمَلَ السَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا

but the flood bears away the foam that mounts up to the surface,

of the water that ran down the valleys;

this is the first parable.

Allah said next,

وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِي النَّارِ ابْتِغَاء حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَاعٍ

and (also) from that (ore) which they heat in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils...

This is the second parable, whereas gold and silver ore is heated with fire to make adornments with it, and iron and copper ore are heated to make pots and the like with it. Foam also rises to the surface of these ores, just as in the case with water,

زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُ

rises a foam like unto it,

كَذَلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَاطِلَ

thus does Allah (by parables) show forth truth and falsehood.

when they both exist, falsehood does not remain, just as foam does not remain with the water or the gold and silver ores which are heated in fire. Rather, foam dissipates and vanishes,

فَأَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَاء

Then, as for the foam it passes away as scum upon the banks,

for it carries no benefit and dissipates and scatters on the banks of the valley. The foam also sticks to trees or is dissipated by wind, just as the case with the scum that rises on the surface of gold, silver, iron and copper ores; it all goes away and never returns. However, water, gold and silver remain and are used to man's benefit.

This is why Allah said next,

وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الَارْضِ

كَذَلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللّهُ الَامْثَالَ



while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables.

Allah said in a similar Ayah,

وَتِلْكَ الاٌّمْثَالُ نَضْرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَأ إِلاَّ الْعَـلِمُونَ

And these similitudes We put forward for mankind; but none will understand them except those who have knowledge. (29;43)

Some of the Salaf (rightly guided ancestors) said,

"When I would read a parable in the Qur'an that I could not comprehend, I would cry for myself because Allah the Exalted says,

وَمَا يَعْقِلُهَأ إِلاَّ الْعَـلِمُونَ

But none will understand them except those who have knowledge." (29;43)

Ali bin Abi Talhah reported that Abdullah bin Abbas commented on Allah's statement,
أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاء مَاء فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌ بِقَدَرِهَا
(He sends down water from the sky, and the valleys flow according to their measure),

"This is a parable that Allah has set;

the hearts carry knowledge from Him, and certainty according to the amount of doubt.

As for doubt, working good deeds does not benefit while it exists.

As for certainty, Allah benefits its people by it, hence Allah's statement,
فَأَمَّا الزَّبَدُ
(Then, as for the foam), which refers to doubt,
فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَاء

وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الَارْضِ
(it passes away as scum upon the banks, while that which is for the good of mankind remains in the earth), in reference to certainty.

And just as when jewelry is heated in fire and is rid of its impurity, which remains in the fire, similarly Allah accepts certainty and discards doubt."
The Qur'an and the Sunnah contain Parables that use Water and Fire

Allah has set two examples in the beginning of Surah Al-Baqarah (Surah 24), about the hypocrites, one using fire and another using water.

Allah said,

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِى اسْتَوْقَدَ نَاراً فَلَمَّأ أَضَاءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ

Their likeness is as the likeness of one who kindled a fire; then, when it illuminated all around him. (2;17)

then He said,

أَوْ كَصَيِّبٍ مِّنَ السَّمَأءِ فِيهِ ظُلُمَـتٌ وَرَعْدٌ وَبَرْقٌ

Or like a rainstorm in the sky, bringing darkness, thunder, and lightning. (2;19)

Allah also has set two parables for the disbelievers in Surah An-Nur (Surah 24), one of them is,

وَالَّذِينَ كَفَرُواْ أَعْمَـلُهُمْ كَسَرَابٍ

As for those who disbelieved, their deeds are like a mirage in a desert. (24;39)

The mirage occurs during intense heat.

It is recorded in the Two Sahihs that the Messenger of Allah said,

فَيُقَالُ لِلْيَهُودِ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ فَمَا تُرِيدُون

فَيَقُولُونَ أَيْ رَبَّنَا عَطِشْنَا فَاسْقِنَا

فَيُقَالُ أَلَا تَرِدُونَ

فَيَرِدُونَ النَّارَ فَإِذَا هِيَ كَسَرَابٍ يَحْطِمُ بَعْضُهَا بَعْضًا

It will be said to the Jews on the Day of Resurrection, "What do you desire?"

They will reply, "We need to drink, for we have become thirsty, O our Lord!"

It will be said, "Will you then proceed to drink,"

and they will head towards the Fire, which will appear as a mirage, its various parts consuming the other parts."

Allah said in the second parable (in Surah An-Nur);

أَوْ كَظُلُمَـتٍ فِى بَحْرٍ لُّجِّىٍّ

Or is like the darkness in a vast deep sea. (24;40)

In the Two Sahihs it is recorded that Abu Musa Al-Ash`ari said that the Messenger of Allah said,

إِنَّ مَثَلَ مَا بَعَثَنِي اللهُ بِهِ مِنَ الْهُدَى وَالْعِلْمِ كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَصَابَ أَرْضًا

The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth,

فَكَانَ مِنْهَا طَايِفَةٌ قَبِلَتِ الْمَاءَ فَأَنْبَتَتِ الْكَلََ وَالْعُشْبَ الْكَثِيرَ

some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance.

وَكَانَتْ مِنْهَا أَجَادِبُ أَمْسَكَتِ الْمَاءَ فَنَفَعَ اللهُ بِهَا النَّاسَ فَشَرِبُوا وَرَعَوْا وَسَقُوا وَزَرَعُوا

And another portion of it was hard, it held the rain water and Allah benefited the people with it and they utilized it for drinking, grazing, making their animals drink from it and for irrigation purposes.

وَأَصَابَتْ طَايِفَةً مِنْهَا أُخْرَى إِنَّمَااِهيَ قِيعَانٌ لَاأ تُمْسِكُ مَاءً وَلَاأ تُنْبِتُ كَلَأً

And another portion of it fell on barren land, which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation.

فَذَلِكَ مَثَلُ مَنْ فَقُهَ فِي دِينِ اللهِ وَنَفَعَهُ اللهُ بِمَا بَعَثَنِي وَنَفَعَ بِهِ فَعَلِمَ وَعَلَّمَ

The first is the example of the person who comprehends Allah's religion and gets benefit, as well as benefiting others (from the knowledge and guidance) which Allah has revealed through me and learns and then teaches others.

وَمَثَلُ مَنْ لَمْ يَرْفَعْ بِذَلِكَ رَأْسًا وَلَمْ يَقْبَلْ هُدَى اللهِ الَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِه

The last example is that of a person who does not care for it and does not embrace Allah's guidance revealed through me.

This parable uses water in it.

In another Hadith that Imam Ahmad collected, Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said,

مَثَلِي وَمَثَلُكُمْ كَمَثَلِ رَجُلٍ اسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا فَلَمَّا أَضَاءَتْ مَا حَوْلَهُ جَعَلَ الْفَرَاشُ وَهَذِهِ الدَّوَابُّ الَّتِي يَقَعْنَ فِي النَّارِ يَقَعْنَ فِيهَا وَجَعَلَ يَحْجُزُهُنَّ وَيغْلِبْنَهُ فَيَقْتَحِمْنَ فِيهَا

قَالَ فَذَلِكُمْ مَثَلِي وَمَثَلُكُمْ أَنَا اخِذٌ بِحُجَزِكُمْ عَنِ النَّارِ هَلُمَّ عَنِ النَّارِ فَتَغْلِبُونِي فَتَقْتَحِمُونَ فِيهَا

My example and the example of you is like that of a person who lit a fire. When the fire illuminated his surroundings, butterflies and insects started falling into it, as they usually do, and he started swatting at them to prevent them from falling; but they overwhelmed him and kept falling into the fire.

This is the parable of me and you, I am holding you by the waist trying to save you from the Fire, saying, "Go away from the Fire," yet you overwhelm me and fall into it.

The Two Sahihs also collected this Hadith. This is a parable using fire