Thus He likened them to someone who kindled a fire: whenever it gave light, Allah extinguished it. The water-based likeness concerns what descends from the sky, accompanied by darkness, thunder, and visible lightning. A fuller discussion of these likenesses belongs elsewhere. The purpose here is simply to discuss the life and illumination of hearts. A transmitted supplication says:

“Make the Quran the life-giving rain of our hearts and the light of our breasts.”

The word rabīʿ refers to rain that descends from the sky and causes vegetation to grow. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Among the plants brought forth by the rain are those that cause fatal bloating, or nearly so.”

The Arabs call the season in which the first rains fall rabīʿ, because that is when the rain falls that brings forth vegetation. Others use rabīʿ for the season following winter, since it is then that blossoms appear from which fruits develop, and leaves grow on trees.

Through the light within it, the living, illuminated heart hears, sees, and understands. The dead heart, however, neither hears nor sees. Allah Most High says:

“The likeness of those who disbelieve is that of someone calling to creatures that hear nothing but cries and calls. Deaf, dumb, and blind, they do not understand.”

Allah Most High also says:

“Among them are those who listen to you. But can you make the deaf hear, even though they do not understand?”

“And among them are those who look at you. But can you guide the blind, even though they do not see?”

And Allah Most High says:

“Among them are those who listen to you