LessonsThe Point of Resemblance: Single, Multiple and Composite FormsQuiz

﴿مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا التَّوْرَاةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ الْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًا﴾
The likeness of those entrusted with the Torah who then did not carry out its responsibility is that of a donkey bearing large books. (Qur’an 62:5)

The comparison does not equate human bodies or voices with those of an animal. It describes an intellectual and ethical situation: having texts entrusted to one, bearing or possessing them, and failing to benefit from their knowledge and guidance.

The donkey physically carries the books without receiving the understanding they contain. The verse applies that contrast to people given responsibility for revelation who did not fulfil its requirements.

Opening interactive controls...

Quranic analogy: books carried without benefit

The Point of Resemblance: Single, Multiple and Composite Forms

﴿مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ حُمِّلُوا التَّوْرَاةَ ثُمَّ لَمْ يَحْمِلُوهَا كَمَثَلِ الْحِمَارِ يَحْمِلُ أَسْفَارًا﴾
The likeness of those entrusted with the Torah who then did not carry out its responsibility is that of a donkey bearing large books. (Qur’an 62:5)

The comparison does not equate human bodies or voices with those of an animal. It describes an intellectual and ethical situation: having texts entrusted to one, bearing or possessing them, and failing to benefit from their knowledge and guidance.

The donkey physically carries the books without receiving the understanding they contain. The verse applies that contrast to people given responsibility for revelation who did not fulfil its requirements.