LessonsExceptional Qur’anic Passages, the Five Sciences, and Outward–Inward UnderstandingQuiz

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي اسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا
Their likeness is that of one who kindled a fire. (Qur’an 2:17)

The parable communicates the contrast between outward appearance and inward outcome. A picture of briefly available illumination followed by the loss of its benefit makes an abstract spiritual condition perceptible and memorable.

Context matters: Qur’an 2:17 belongs to the passage about hypocrites. The book also discusses arguments against idolatry, but that is a separate argumentative theme; the parable should not be reidentified as a literal description of idol worship.

Opening interactive controls...

The parable of the one who kindled a fire

Exceptional Qur’anic Passages, the Five Sciences, and Outward–Inward Understanding

مَثَلُهُمْ كَمَثَلِ الَّذِي اسْتَوْقَدَ نَارًا
Their likeness is that of one who kindled a fire. (Qur’an 2:17)

The parable communicates the contrast between outward appearance and inward outcome. A picture of briefly available illumination followed by the loss of its benefit makes an abstract spiritual condition perceptible and memorable.

Context matters: Qur’an 2:17 belongs to the passage about hypocrites. The book also discusses arguments against idolatry, but that is a separate argumentative theme; the parable should not be reidentified as a literal description of idol worship.