وَتِلۡكَ ٱلۡأَمۡثَٰلُ نَضۡرِبُهَا لِلنَّاسِ وَمَا يَعۡقِلُهَآ إِلَّا ٱلۡعَٰلِمُونَ
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:
- 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..."
- Implicit (Kamin): Those that carry the meaning of a parable without the explicit word.
- 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.
Question: What are the three categories of Quranic parables?
Answer: Explicit (Sarih), Implicit (Kamin), and Proverbial (Mursala) parables.