The Prophetic Parables

The word (Mathal) in Arabic, "parable" or "similitude" in English, implies a characteristic, likeness, or equivalence that one thing shares with something else. Because of the similarity between the two, citing one of them, in the form of a parable, is especially useful in explaining and making relevant points regarding the other. Parables provide approximate visual or metaphorical images and are thus uniquely capable of facilitating in-depth understanding.

Allah (Azawajal), the Exalted, has coined many parables for His servants in the Noble Qur'ân so that they take lessons therefrom and conduct their affairs accordingly: {Allah coins parables for mankind so that they may remember}. (Quran 14:25) {And We coin (many) parables for you.} (Quran 14:45) {And for each (of them) We coined similitudes (as proofs and lessons). (Quran 25:3 4)

Allah does not require parables for Himself; He is Well-Acquainted with all things. Rather, it is from His wisdom that He makes vivid analogies that help mankind understand important concepts more clearly. Therefore, He coins parables from all sorts of things, trees, insects, and so on.

Similarly, the Prophet of Allah coined many parables to help his followers better understand Allah's commandments and prohibitions. The Prophet (S) utilized parables for different purposes: reminding, admonishing motivating, condemning, amplifying, etc. The following is an example of a parable used by the Prophet to illustrate to his listeners the importance of prayer:

Narrated Sa'd bin Abi Waggâs (R): "There were two brothers, one of whom died forty nights before the other. The merit of the first was being mentioned in the presence of the Messenger of Allah and he said, Wasn't the other one a Muslim? They said, 'He certainly was, O Messenger of Allah, and he was of 'decent' standing. The Messenger of Allah (S) said, "What will make you realize what his prayer has brought him? The prayer is like a deep river of sweet water running by your door into which you plunge five times a day. How much uncleanliness will be left behind (with all of this bathing) You do not realize what his prayer has brought him." [Malik]

As you can see, the Prophet made sure that his parables were derived from things that people found familiar and could relate to. This book is a humble attempt by the author to acquaint the reader with some of these prophetic parables.