Intermediate Linguistic Subtleties Surah: Al-Ankabut (43)

Definition:
A Quranic parable (Mathal) is the illustration of an abstract meaning through a tangible image to bring it closer to the mind and fix it in the soul — Quranic parables are not ornamental but argumentative and conclusive.

Categories:

1. Explicit (Sarih): Those that use the word "mathal" — "The likeness of those who were entrusted with the Torah then did not uphold it is like a donkey..."
2. Implicit (Kamin): Those that carry the meaning of a parable without the explicit word.
3. Proverbial (Mursala): Quranic phrases that became common proverbs.

Significance: Allah said: "And these parables We set forth for the people, but none understands them except the learned" — a parable is not simplification but depth.

Source: Ibn al-Qayyim, Amthal al-Quran; Al-Zarkashi, Al-Burhan (1/487); Al-Suyuti, Al-Itqan (2/297)

Tags: الأمثال القرآنيةالبلاغةالتصويرعلوم القرآن