Surah Jonah

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Especially Merciful.

[Surah Jonah (10): verse 23]
“But when He saves them, they immediately transgress in the land without right. O mankind, your transgression is only against yourselves; it is but the enjoyment of worldly life. Then to Us is your return, and We will inform you of what you used to do.” (23)

He—glorified is He—presents a likeness of worldly life: it adorns itself in the beholder’s eyes, captivating and delighting him with its beauty. Deceived by it, he inclines toward it and grows attached to it. Then, just when he thinks he possesses it and has power over it, he is suddenly deprived of it when he needs it most, and separated from it. He likens it to land upon which rain falls, making it lush with beautiful vegetation and pleasing to the beholder. Deceived by it, he thinks he has power over it and possesses it. Then Allah’s command comes upon it, and blight suddenly overtakes its vegetation, leaving it as though it had never been anything at all. His hopes are dashed, and he is left empty-handed.

Precisely the same is true of this world and the one who places his trust in it.

This is among the most eloquent examples of simile and analogy.

[Surah Jonah (10): verse 25]
“Allah invites to the Home of Peace and guides whom He wills to a straight path.” (25)

Since this world is exposed to these afflictions, while Paradise in the Hereafter is free from them, He said: