and the torrent carries swelling foam. A similar foam arises from what they heat in the fire to make ornaments or utensils. Thus Allah illustrates truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it is cast away, while what benefits people remains on the earth. Thus Allah sets forth parables.”

This is a parable Allah, Glorified is He, has set forth for the knowledge and faith He has sent down and the hearts that receive them. He likens faith to falling water and hearts to valleys, some large and others small. He explains that just as water mixes with what is in the earth, so hearts contain doubts and desires that beset a person. He states that the foam is swept away, while what benefits people remains on the earth. Likewise, hearts cast out doubts, while what is beneficial remains within them.

In the two Sahīh collections, Abū Mūsā reports that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“The guidance and knowledge with which Allah has sent me are like rain that falls upon some land. One part absorbs the water and produces abundant herbage and grass. Another part retains the water, so people drink from it, water their livestock, and graze their flocks. Another part is merely barren, level ground that neither retains water nor produces herbage. This is the example of one who gains understanding of