Surah Raad ayat 17 Tafsir Quran 13:17

﴿أَنزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَاءِ مَاءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌ بِقَدَرِهَا فَاحْتَمَلَ السَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا ۚ وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِي النَّارِ ابْتِغَاءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَاعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَاطِلَ ۚ فَأَمَّا الزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَاءً ۖ وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِي الْأَرْضِ ۚ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْأَمْثَالَ﴾
[ الرعد: 17]

13:17 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 Allah 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 Allah present examples.

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 tūqidūn ‘you smelt’ or yūqidūn ‘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.

He sends the rain-water from the floor of the vault of heaven and there it is conveyed along channels of various capacities in due measure. Where the torrent flows, it drives before it unworthy matter and impurities floating on the surface gathering into a heap of froth resembling aptly the foamy admixture and impurities mounting to the surface of the heated ores for the separation of precious metals used for ornaments and other uses. Thus does Allah give examples with allegorical representations of truth and falsehood. As to the froth and the scum, they are rejected and disappear, whereas what is profitable to the people remains behind on earth. Thus does Allah describe a subject under the guise of some other subject of aptly suggestive resemblance

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 الْسَّمَآءِ مَآءً ( 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 فِى النَّارِ ابْتِغَآءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَـعٍ ( 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, كَذَلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَـطِلَ ( 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 جُفَآءً ( 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 فِى الاٌّرْضِ كَذلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الاٌّمْثَالَ ( 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 يَعْقِلُهَآ 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 يَعْقِلُهَآ 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, أَنَزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً 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 جُفَآءً وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِى الاٌّرْضِ ( 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 Surat Al-Baqarah ( chapter 2 ) about the hypocrites, one using fire and another using water.
Allah said, مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِى اسْتَوْقَدَ نَاراً فَلَمَّآ 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 السَّمَآءِ 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 Surat An-Nur ( chapter 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 ﷺ 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 Surat 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 ﷺ said,
«إِنَّ مَثَلَ مَا بَعَثَنِي اللهُ بِهِ مِنَ الْهُدَى وَالْعِلْمِ، كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَصَابَ أَرْضًا، فَكَانَ مِنْهَا طَائِفَةٌ قَبِلَتِ الْمَاءَ فَأَنْبَتَتِ الْكَلَأَ وَالْعُشْبَ الْكَثِيرَ، وَكَانَتْ مِنْهَا أَجَادِبُ أَمْسَكَتِ الْمَاءَ، فَنَفَعَ اللهُ بِهَا النَّاسَ، فَشَرِبُوا، وَرَعَوْا، وَسَقُوا، وَزَرَعُوا، وَأَصَابَتْ طَائِفَةً مِنْهَا أُخْرَى، إِنَّمَااِهيَ قِيعَانٌ لَا تُمْسِكُ مَاءً وَلَا تُنْبِتُ كَلَأً، فَذَلِكَ مَثَلُ مَنْ فَقُهَ فِي دِينِ اللهِ وَنَفَعَهُ اللهُ بِمَا بَعَثَنِي وَنَفَعَ بِهِ، فَعَلِمَ وَعَلَّمَ، وَمَثَلُ مَنْ لَمْ يَرْفَعْ بِذَلِكَ رَأْسًا وَلَمْ يَقْبَلْ هُدَى اللهِ الَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِه»
( The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance.
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.
And another portion of it fell on barren land, which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation.
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.
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 ﷺ 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 آخِذٌ 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.

(13:17) Allah sent down water from the sky and every system carried it along according to its capacity: then there was flood and a swelling foam *31 came to the surface. Likewise there arises a scum out of the metals which are melted in the furnace for making ornaments and utensils. *32 By such similitudes, Allah makes the truth distinct from falsehood. That which is the foam vanishes and that which is beneficial for the people remains on the earth. In this way Allah cites similes to make His Message clear.

He sends down from the sky, rain, meaning

*31) In this simile the Knowledge which had been sent down.
by Allah to the Holy Prophet has been likened to the rain from the sky, and the Believers to the streams, rivulets and rivers.
Just as the streams etc.
, fill themselves with rain-water, each according to its capacity, so his followers gained knowledge from him, each according to his ability.
On the other hand, the hue and cry that was raised by the opponents of the Islamic Movement has been likened to the swelling foam etc.
, that begins to dance about on the surface of flood water, but soon vanishes away.

*32) As it is but natural that scum should appear on the surface when are melted in the furnace for purification, likewise bad people would come surface and take prominent part in persecuting the good people who are passed through the furnace of persecution for their purification.

 

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 الْسَّمَآءِ مَآءً ( 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 فِى النَّارِ ابْتِغَآءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَـعٍ ( 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, كَذَلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الْحَقَّ وَالْبَـطِلَ ( 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 جُفَآءً ( 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 فِى الاٌّرْضِ كَذلِكَ يَضْرِبُ اللَّهُ الاٌّمْثَالَ ( 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 يَعْقِلُهَآ 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 يَعْقِلُهَآ 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, أَنَزَلَ مِنَ السَّمَآءِ مَآءً 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 جُفَآءً وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ النَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِى الاٌّرْضِ ( 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 Surat Al-Baqarah ( chapter 2 ) about the hypocrites, one using fire and another using water.
Allah said, مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِى اسْتَوْقَدَ نَاراً فَلَمَّآ 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 السَّمَآءِ 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 Surat An-Nur ( chapter 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 ﷺ 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 Surat 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 ﷺ said, «إِنَّ مَثَلَ مَا بَعَثَنِي اللهُ بِهِ مِنَ الْهُدَى وَالْعِلْمِ، كَمَثَلِ غَيْثٍ أَصَابَ أَرْضًا، فَكَانَ مِنْهَا طَائِفَةٌ قَبِلَتِ الْمَاءَ فَأَنْبَتَتِ الْكَلَأَ وَالْعُشْبَ الْكَثِيرَ، وَكَانَتْ مِنْهَا أَجَادِبُ أَمْسَكَتِ الْمَاءَ، فَنَفَعَ اللهُ بِهَا النَّاسَ، فَشَرِبُوا، وَرَعَوْا، وَسَقُوا، وَزَرَعُوا، وَأَصَابَتْ طَائِفَةً مِنْهَا أُخْرَى، إِنَّمَااِهيَ قِيعَانٌ لَا تُمْسِكُ مَاءً وَلَا تُنْبِتُ كَلَأً، فَذَلِكَ مَثَلُ مَنْ فَقُهَ فِي دِينِ اللهِ وَنَفَعَهُ اللهُ بِمَا بَعَثَنِي وَنَفَعَ بِهِ، فَعَلِمَ وَعَلَّمَ، وَمَثَلُ مَنْ لَمْ يَرْفَعْ بِذَلِكَ رَأْسًا وَلَمْ يَقْبَلْ هُدَى اللهِ الَّذِي أُرْسِلْتُ بِه» ( The example of guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me is like abundant rain falling on the earth, some of which was fertile soil that absorbed the rain water and brought forth vegetation and grass in abundance.
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.
And another portion of it fell on barren land, which could neither hold the water nor bring forth vegetation.
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.
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 ﷺ 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 آخِذٌ 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.

Allah then gave a simile of the Truth and falsehood, saying: ( He sendeth down water from the sky ) He says: He sent Gabriel with the Qur’an and explained therein the Truth and falsehood, ( so that valleys flow according to their measure ) so the illumined hearts bore the Truth in proportion of their size and light, ( and the flood beareth ) the darkened hearts bore ( (on its surface ) swelling foam) much falsehood due to their whims ( from that which they felt in the Fire ) this is another simile. He says: and of that which you cast in the fire of gold and silver contains adulteration just as the foam of the sea does have salt ( in order to make ornaments ) which you were. Allah says here: the Truth is like gold and silver which benefit people, and falsehood is like the impurities which are derived from the casting of gold and silver, which are of no benefit. Likewise falsehood benefits no one ( and tools ) ore and copper ( riseth a foam like unto it ) He says: these also have impurities, i.e. just as the foam of the sea. This is another simile. He says: the Truth is like ore and copper from which people benefit, just as people benefit from the Truth. And falsehood is like the impurities resulting from the casting of ore and copper, which are of no benefit, just as falsehood is of no benefit to anyone, ( thus Allah coineth (the similitude of )) thus Allah explains ( the true and the false. Then, as for the foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks ) it goes just as it comes: it is of no benefit to its owner, ( while, as for that which is of use to mankind ) pure water, gold, silver, ore and copper, ( it remaineth in the earth ) it is useful just as the Truth is. ( Thus Allah coineth the similitudes ) Allah explains the similes of the Truth and falsehood.

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).

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