(24) “The likeness of the life of this world is that of rain We send down from the sky, causing the earth’s vegetation—from which people and livestock eat—to grow thick and intertwined. Then, when the earth has donned its splendor and become adorned, and its inhabitants think they have full power over it, Our command comes upon it by night or day, and We reduce it to stubble, as though it had not existed the day before. Thus do We explain the signs in detail for people who reflect.”
This is one of the finest parables, and it corresponds precisely to the condition of this world. Its pleasures, objects of desire, prestige, and the like—whatever splendor they may display to their possessor—last only a short while. Once they reach their height and become complete, they fade away and either leave their possessor or their possessor leaves them. He is then left empty-handed, his heart filled with worry, sorrow, and regret over them.
That is like “rain We send down from the sky, causing the earth’s vegetation to grow thick and intertwined”; that is, every variety and every delightful kind grows from it: “from which people eat,” such as grains and fruits, “and” from which “livestock” eat, such as various grasses and diverse pasture plants.
“Then, when the earth has donned its splendor and become adorned”—that is, it becomes resplendent in appearance and clothes itself in finery, becoming a delight to behold, a pleasant spectacle for onlookers, and a sign ⦗362⦘ for those of insight. You would then see a wondrous display of green, yellow, white, and other colors.
“And its inhabitants think they have full power over it”—that is, they begin to hope that this will continue and endure, for their desires stop at it and all their aspirations culminate in it.
While they are in that state, “Our command comes upon it by night or day, and We reduce it to stubble, as though it had not existed the day before”; that is, as though it had never existed. Such is the condition of this world in every respect.
“Thus do We explain the signs in detail”—that is, We make them plain and clear by bringing their meanings within reach of the mind and setting forth parables—“for people who reflect,” meaning those who apply their minds to what benefits them.
As for the heedless person who turns away, the signs do not benefit him, nor does clarification dispel his doubt.
Having mentioned the condition of this world and what its pleasures ultimately amount to, Allah stirred longing for the everlasting abode, saying: