Intermediate
Allegory
Surah: Al-Ankabut (41)
The Spider's Example — The Flimsiest of Houses
وَإِنَّ أَوۡهَنَ ٱلۡبُيُوتِ لَبَيۡتُ ٱلۡعَنكَبُوتِ
— العنكبوت الآية 41
Verse: "The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like the spider who makes a home — indeed the flimsiest of homes is the spider's home." (29:41)
Precision of the example: The spider's web appears to be a network and protection — but doesn't protect from rain, wind, or enemy. Similarly, false allies: they appear protective but are useless on the day of hardship.
Concluding judgment: The simile is followed by an explicit verdict — "the flimsiest of homes is the spider's home." The Quran closes parables with its own interpretation.
Precision of the example: The spider's web appears to be a network and protection — but doesn't protect from rain, wind, or enemy. Similarly, false allies: they appear protective but are useless on the day of hardship.
Concluding judgment: The simile is followed by an explicit verdict — "the flimsiest of homes is the spider's home." The Quran closes parables with its own interpretation.
Source: Ibn Kathir (6/255); Al-Zarkashi (3/400)
Test Yourself
What is the point of resemblance between false allies and the spider's home?
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