He sendeth down water from the sky, so that
valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood
beareth (on its surface) swelling foam from that which
they felt in the fire in order to make ornaments and
tools riseth a foam like unto it thus Allah coineth (the
similitude of) the true and: the false. Then, as for the
foam, it passeth away as scum upon the banks, while, as
for that which is of use to mankind, it remaineth in the
earth. Thus Allah coineth the similitudes.
[Quran 13:17 – Translation by M. Pickthall]
Commentary:
This parables is another beautiful example of how
natural phenomenon is used by the Quran to explain
complex moral principles; in this case the difference
between good and evil and how the truth endures.
Good things done for the benefit of humankind
continue like the beneficial rivers, streams and metal
and bad things are temporary and eventually fade away
like the froth or dross. This is the moral principle
presented in this parable, with an objective to promote
a healthy social spirit.
This principle is universal and we can observe it in
different spheres of human endeavor. It explains why
some efforts are sustainable while others are
obliterated, for example, political expediency,
speculation, manipulation, cheating and usurious
exploitation are transient. On the other hand,
constitutions based on consensus and general welfare,
honest business practices and endeavors which promote
equity and justice flourish.
Dr. Fazlur Rahman in his book Major Themes of the
Quran writes on page 59:
On the one hand, the history of civilizations is
cumulative and evolutionary because while the "foam on
top of a torrent disappears, that which is beneficial to
mankind [alluvium] settles down upon the earth". This
means that while the negative side of men's conduct
departs, the constructive side does leave a positive
legacy for mankind.
The Quran has presented this principle in many other
verses. In the parable of goodly word is like a goodly
tree, the Quran tells us that if we believe in goodly
words and do good deeds in its guidance, our deeds will
endure and give benefits to everyone like the fruits of
a firmly established tree.
In the parable of Blighted Garden we saw that deeds
guided by narrow and selfish interests never prosper.
The Quran also tells us that a good deed brings
rewards which is many times over.
