Stem أَمْثَالَ - Quranic Morphology

English - Hazrat Molavi Sher Ali ^ra

He sends down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. And from that which they heat in the fire, seeking to make ornaments or utensils, comes out a foam similar to it. Thus does Allah illustrate truth and falsehood. Now, as to the foam, it goes away as rubbish, but as to that which benefits men, it stays on the earth. Thus does Allah set forth parables.

اردو ترجمہ مرزا طاہر احمد خلیفة المسیح الرابعؒ

اس نے آسمان سے پانی اُتارا تو وادیاں اپنے ظرف کے مطابق بہہ پڑیں اور سیلاب نے اوپر آجانے والی جھاگ کو اٹھا لیا۔ اور وہ جس چیز کو آگ میں ڈال کر دہکاتے ہیں تا کہ زیور یا دوسرے سامان بنائیں اس سے بھی اسی طرح کی جھاگ اٹھتی ہے اسی طرح اللہ سچ اور جھوٹ کی تمثیل بیان کرتا ہے۔ پس جو جھاگ ہے وہ تو بے کار چلی جاتی ہے اور جو انسانوں کو فائدہ پہنچاتا ہے تو وہ زمین میں ٹھہر جاتاہے۔ اسی طرح اللہ مثالیں بیان کرتا ہے۔

French

Il fait descendre l’eau du ciel, de sorte que les vallées coulent selon leur capacité, et que le flot porte à sa surface de l’écume flottante. Et de ce qu’ils chauffent au feu, cherchant à en faire des ornements ou des ustensiles, sort une écume semblable. C’est ainsi qu’Allāh illustre la vérité et le mensonge. Et quant à l’écume, elle s’en va comme rebut ; mais quant à ce qui profite aux gens, il reste sur la terre. C’est ainsi qu’Allāh énonce des paraboles.

German

Er sendet Wasser herab vom Himmel, auf dass die Täler durchströmt werden nach ihrem Maß, und die Flut trägt gischtend aufsteigenden Schaum. Und ein ähnlicher Schaum ist in dem, was sie im Feuer erhitzen im Verlangen nach Schmuck und Gerät. So verdeutlicht Allah Wahr und Falsch. Der Schaum aber, der vergeht wie Blasen; das aber, was den Menschen nützt, es bleibt auf der Erde zurück. Also prägt Allah die Gleichnisse.

Chinese

[a]安拉从天空降下了 (雨) 水, 山谷间汪洋恣肆, 洪水载负着隆起的泡沫。他们为制作装饰物和器皿而在火上所溶化的 (金属) 也有类似的浮渣。安拉就是这样地说明真伪。关于浮渣, 它被弃掷 (而毁灭) , 至于那有益于人的东西, 则留存地上。安拉就是这样讲述比喻。

Italian

Egli fa discendere l'acqua dal cielo, sì che le valli si riempiono secondo la loro capienza, e la corrente trasporta in superficie ribollente schiuma. E una simile schiuma si forma su quanto loro mettono a fondere nel fuoco, per fare ornamenti e utensili. Così Allah illustra il vero e il falso. E riguardo alla schiuma, questa se ne va come robaccia da scarto, ma riguardo a ciò che avvantaggia gli uomini, questo rimane sulla terra. Così Allah propone parabole.

Spanish

Él hace descender el agua del cielo, para que los ríos recorran los valles según la medida, y la corriente lleve en su superficie una spuma flotante. Y de lo que calientan al fuego, con la intención de fabricar adornos o utensilios, emana una espuma similar a ella. Así ilustra Al-lah la verdad y la falsedad. Ahora bien, en cuanto a la espuma, se desvanece como basura, mas aquello que beneficia a los hombres, permanece en la tierra. Así Al-lah explica las parábolas.

اردو تفسیرِ صغیر

اس نے آسمان سے کچھ پانی اتارا‘ پھر (اس سے) کئی وادیاں اپنی (اپنی) گنجائش کے مطابق بہ نکلیں‘ اور اس سیلاب نے اوپر آجانے والی جھاگ کو اٹھالیا اور جس (دھات) کو وہ کسی زیور یا اور کسی گھریلو استعمال کے سامان بنانے کے لئے آگ میں تپاتے ہیں اس میں (بھی) اس (سیلاب) جیسا ایک جھاگ (ہوتا)ہے اسی طرح اللہ حق اور باطل (کے فرق) کو بیان کرتا ہے۔ پھر جھاگ تو پھینکا جاکر تباہ ہو جاتا ہے‘ اور جو چیز لوگوں کو نفع دینے والی ہوتی ہے۔ وہ[1] زمین میں ٹھہری رہتی ہے۔ اللہ تمام باتوں کو اسی طرح (کھول کر) بیان کرتا[2] ہے۔

English - Short Commentary Translation

[a]He sends down water from the sky so that valleys flow according to their measure and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. And from that which they heat in the fire, seeking to make ornaments or utensils, comes out a foam similar to it. Thus does Allah illustrate truth and falsehood. Now, as to the foam, it goes away as rubbish and perishes but as to that which benefits men, it stays in the earth. Thus does Allah set forth parables.[1433]

English - Five Volume Translation

[a]He sends down water from the sky, so that valleys flow according to their measure, and the flood bears on its surface swelling foam. And from that which they heat in the fire, seeking to make ornaments or utensils, comes out a foam similar to it. Thus does Allah illustrate truth and falsehood. Now, as to the foam, it goes away as rubbish, but as to that which benefits men, it stays on the earth. Thus does Allah set forth parables.[1629]

39:22.

Important Words:

جفاء (rubbish) is derived from جفأ (jafa’a) which means, it (valley flowing with water) cast forth froth or foam or particles of rubbish or refuse. جفت القدر means, the cooking-pot cast forth its froth or foam in boiling. Hence جفاء means, what is cast forth in the form of froth or foam or scum or rubbish by a torrent or a cooking-pot. Figuratively, the word also means, anything that is worthless or useless (Lane).

Commentary:

The verse has used two very apt illustrations. First, it says that when rain falls and water begins to flow in various directions, then so much foam and froth appears on the surface of the water in places which are quite clean that it seems to cover it altogether.

But soon the foam subsides and the water is seen rushing along. In the second illustration froth is referred to as appearing on the surface of gold or silver or any other metal when the smith melts it to make ornaments or utensils, but the smith removes the scum and then only pure metal remains behind.

In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam which, in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is carried away even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, brings forth a foamy excretion which is cast away, leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.

The parable implies that before the mighty onrush of Islam the foam and froth of false beliefs and practices will disappear. The parable also means that through the Prophets of God a great awakening in the nature of man causes a conflict between his good inclinations and the evil customs and usages to which he has subjected himself. Those whose inner nature is good emerge from this conflict with their wrong ideas and beliefs replaced by right ones.

The words, so that valleys flow according to their measure, mean that different people benefit by the truth according to their respective capacities for assimilation.

اردو ترجمہ مودودی

اللہ نے آسمان سے پانی برسایا اور ہر ندی نالہ اپنے ظرف کے مطابق اسے لے کر چل نکلا پھر جب سیلاب اٹھا تو سطح پر جھاگ بھی آ گئے اور ویسے ہی جھاگ اُن دھاتوں پر بھی اٹھتے ہیں جنہیں زیور اور برتن وغیرہ بنانے کے لیے لوگ پگھلایا کرتے ہیں اِسی مثال سے اللہ حق اور باطل کے معاملے کو واضح کرتا ہے جو جھاگ ہے وہ اڑ جایا کرتا ہے اور جو چیز انسانوں کے لیے نافع ہے وہ زمین میں ٹھیر جاتی ہے اس طرح اللہ مثالوں سے اپنی بات سمجھاتا ہے

English - Sahih

He sends down from the sky, rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allah presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples.

اردو ترجمہ احمد علی

اس نے آسمان سے پانی اتارا پھر اس سے اپنی مقدار میں نالے بہنے لگے پھر وہ سیلاب پھولا ہوا جھاگ اوپر لایا اور جس چیز کو آگ میں زیور یا کسی اور اسباب بنانے کے لیے پگھلاتے ہیں اس پر بھی ویسا ہی جھاگ ہوتا ہے الله حق اور باطل کی مثال بیان فرماتا ہے پھر جو جھاگ ہے وہ یونہی جاتا رہتا ہے اور جو لوگوں کو فائدہ دے وہ زمین میں ٹھیر جاتا ہے اسی طرح الله مثالیں بیان فرماتا ہے

English - Talal Itani

He sends down from the sky water and flows the valleys according to their measure, and carries the torrent a foam rising. And from what they heat [on] it in the fire in order to make ornaments or utensils, a foam like it. Thus sets forth Allah the truth and the falsehood. Then as for the foam it passes away (as) scum, and as for what benefits the mankind, remains in the earth. Thus Allah sets forth the examples.

Chinese Commentary ^*

Cross Refs:

a

39:22.

اردہ تفصیرِ صغیر نوٹس ^*

1

یعنی اللہ تعالیٰ کے ابتلا آنے کے نتیجہ میں جو کارآمد وجود ہوں گے‘ وہ باقی رہ جائیں گے اور جو لوگ ناکارہ اور خبیث ہوں گے‘ اٹھا کر پھینک دئے جائیں گے یعنی تباہ کر دئے جائیں گے۔

2

یعنی اللہ تعالیٰ حق اور باطل میں دلیل کے ساتھ بھی اور عمل کے ساتھ بھی فرق کرکے دکھاتا ہے۔

English - Arberry

He sends down out of heaven water, and the wadis flow each in its measure, and the torrent carries a swelling scum; and out of that over which they kindle fire, being desirous of ornament or ware, out of that rises a scum the like of it. So God strikes both the true and the false. As for the scum, it vanishes as jetsam, and what profits men abides in the earth. Even so God strikes His similitudes.

English - Maududi

Allah sends down water from the heavens and the river-beds flow, each according to its measure, and the torrent carries along a swelling scum. In like manner, from that metal which they smelt in the fire to make ornaments and utensils, there arises scum like it. Thus does Allah depict truth and falsehood. As for the scum, it passes away as dross; but that which benefits mankind abides on the earth. Thus does Allah explain (the truth) through examples.

English - Ahmed Ali

He sends down water from the skies, which flows in channels according to their capacity, with the scum borne on the surface of the torrent, as rises the scum when metals are heated on the fire for making ornaments and household utensils. This is how God determines truth and falsehood. The scum disappears like the foam on the bank, and that which is useful to man remains on the earth. That is how God sets forth precepts of wisdom.

English - Yusuf Ali

He sends down water from the skies, and the channels flow, each according to its measure: But the torrent bears away to foam that mounts up to the surface. Even so, from that (ore) which they heat in the fire, to make ornaments or utensils therewith, there is a scum likewise. Thus doth Allah (by parables) show forth Truth and Vanity. For the scum disappears like forth cast out; while that which is for the good of mankind remains on the earth. Thus doth Allah set forth parables.

English - Five Volume Commentary ^*

Cross Refs:

a

39:22.

1629

Important Words:

جفاء (rubbish) is derived from جفأ (jafa’a) which means, it (valley flowing with water) cast forth froth or foam or particles of rubbish or refuse. جفت القدر means, the cooking-pot cast forth its froth or foam in boiling. Hence جفاء means, what is cast forth in the form of froth or foam or scum or rubbish by a torrent or a cooking-pot. Figuratively, the word also means, anything that is worthless or useless (Lane).

Commentary:

The verse has used two very apt illustrations. First, it says that when rain falls and water begins to flow in various directions, then so much foam and froth appears on the surface of the water in places which are quite clean that it seems to cover it altogether.

But soon the foam subsides and the water is seen rushing along. In the second illustration froth is referred to as appearing on the surface of gold or silver or any other metal when the smith melts it to make ornaments or utensils, but the smith removes the scum and then only pure metal remains behind.

In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam which, in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is carried away even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, brings forth a foamy excretion which is cast away, leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.

The parable implies that before the mighty onrush of Islam the foam and froth of false beliefs and practices will disappear. The parable also means that through the Prophets of God a great awakening in the nature of man causes a conflict between his good inclinations and the evil customs and usages to which he has subjected himself. Those whose inner nature is good emerge from this conflict with their wrong ideas and beliefs replaced by right ones.

The words, so that valleys flow according to their measure, mean that different people benefit by the truth according to their respective capacities for assimilation.

English - Short Commentary Notes ^*

Cross Refs:

a

39:22.

1433

The verse has used two very apt illustrations. In the first illustration, truth is compared to water and falsehood to foam. Falsehood in the beginning seems to prevail over truth, but in the end it is swept away by truth even as rubbish is swept away by a powerful current of water. In the second illustration, truth is likened to gold or silver which, when melted, throws off the dross leaving behind the unmixed metal, pure and bright.

English - Pickthall

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 smelt 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.

English - Muhammad Ali ^ra

He sends down water from the clouds, then watercourses flow according to their measure, and the torrent bears along the swelling foam. And from that which they melt in the fire for the sake of making ornaments or apparatus arises a scum like it. Thus does Allah compare truth and falsehood. Then as for the scum, it passes away as a worthless thing; and as for that which does good to men, it tarries in the earth. Thus does Allah set forth parables.

English - Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan ^ra

He sends down water from the sky so that valleys begin to flow according to their capacity, and the flood carries swelling foam on its surface. In the same way foam comes up from that which they heat up in the fire, for the purpose of mating ornaments or articles of domestic use. Thus does Allah illustrate truth and falsehood. The foam passes off like froth, and that which benefits people stays on in the earth. Thus does Allah expound all things.

أَمْثَالَ

Derived Words (1)

Occurrences in Quran

Explore Topics

Explore Roots