Two Parables

Allah sets forth the Parables {of two men: one a slave under the dominion of another: He has no power of any sort; and (the other) a man on whom We have bestowed  goodly favours from ourselves, and he spends thereof (freely), privately and publicly: are the equal? (By no means)}: Praise be to Allah, But most of them understand not.

Allah sets forth (another) Parables of two men: one of them dumb, with no power of any sort; a wearisome burden is he to his master; whichever way he directs him, he bring no good: is such a man equal with one who commands justice, and is on a Straight Way?

To Allah belongeth the Mystery of the heavens and the earth. And the decision of the Hour  (Of Judgment) is as the twinkling of an eye, or even quicker: for Allah hath power over all things.

It is He Who brought you forth from the wombs of your mothers when ye knew nothing; and He gave you hearing and sight and intelligent and affections: that ye may give thanks (to Allah).

Do they not look at the birds, held poised in the midst of (the air and) the sky? Nothing holds them up but (the power of) Allah. Verily in this are signs for those who believe.

It is Allah Who made your habitations homes of rest and quiet for you; and made for you, out of the skins of animals, (tents for) dwellings, which ye find so light (and handy) when ye travel and when ye stop (in your travels); and out of their wool, and their sot fibres (between wool and hair), and their hair, rich stuff and articles of convenience (to serve you) for a time.

It is Allah Who made, out of the things He created, some things to give you shade of the hills He made some for your shelter; He made you garments to protect you from heat, and coats of mail to protect you from your (mutual) violence. Thus does He complete His favours on you, that ye may bow to His Will (In Islam).

But if they turn away, thy duty is only to preach the Clear Message.

They recognise the favours of Allah; then they deny them; and most of them are (creatures) ungrateful.


Surah Nahl, or The Bee, 16:75-83