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Quran 2:26 - Why Allah Uses Small Examples: A Lesson in Divine Pedagogy

Quran 2:26 - Why Allah Uses Small Examples: A Lesson in Divine Pedagogy

Here is a full explanation of Quran 2:26, which directly addresses a potential objection to the previous verses, designed to be clear and relevant for a contemporary audience.

The Arabic Text

إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَا يَسْتَحْيِي أَن يَضْرِبَ مَثَلًا مَّا بَعُوضَةً فَمَا فَوْقَهَا ۚ فَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا فَيَعْلَمُونَ أَنَّهُ الْحَقُّ مِن رَّبِّهِمْ ۖ وَأَمَّا الَّذِينَ كَفَرُوا فَيَقُولُونَ مَاذَا أَرَادَ اللَّهُ بِهَٰذَا مَثَلًا ۘ يُضِلُّ بِهِ كَثِيرًا وَيَهْدِي بِهِ كَثِيرًا ۚ وَمَا يُضِلُّ بِهِ إِلَّا الْفَاسِقِينَ

Transliteration (How it sounds)

Innallāha lā yastahyee an yadriba mathalam mā ba’oodatan famā fawqahā, fa ammal lazeena aamanoo fa ya'lamoona annahul haqqu min rabbihim, wa ammal lazeena kafaroo fa yaqooloona maazaaa araadallāhu bihaazaa masalaa; yudillu bihee kaseeran wa yahdee bihee kaseeraa; wa maa yudillu biheee illal faasiqeen.

Word-for-Word Meaning

  • Inna Allāha = Indeed, ALLAH

  • lā yastahyee = does not hesitate

  • an yadriba mathalam = to set forth a parable

  • mā = of (even)

  • ba’oodatan = a mosquito

  • fa-mā fawqahā = or anything above it (smaller or larger)

  • fa-ammā allazeena āmanoo = So as for those who believe

  • fa-ya`lamoona = they know

  • annahu al-haqqu = that it is the truth

  • min rabbihim = from their Lord

  • wa-ammā allazeena kafaroo = and as for those who disbelieve

  • fa-yaqooloona = they say

  • mādhā arāda Allāhu bi-hāthā mathalan = "What does ALLAH mean by this parable?"

  • yudillu bihi = He misleads by it

  • katheeren = many

  • wa yahdee bihi = and He guides by it

  • katheeren = many

  • wa mā yudillu bihi = and He does not mislead by it

  • illā al-fāsiqeen = except the defiantly disobedient

Direct Translation

"Indeed, ALLAH is not hesitant to present a parable - that of a mosquito or what is smaller or larger. As for those who believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord. But as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What does ALLAH mean by this parable?' He misleads many by it and guides many by it. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient."

Full Explanation in Easy English

This verse is a divine response to a critical question. In the upcoming verses, ALLAH will use a parable of a mosquito or a fly to describe the worthlessness of false gods. Here, ALLAH preemptively addresses those who might mock this idea, asking, "Why would the Creator of the heavens and the earth use such a lowly example?"

  1. "Indeed, ALLAH is not hesitant to present a parable - that of a mosquito or what is smaller or larger..."

    • This is a powerful statement. ALLAH, the Almighty, is above all pride. He does not consider any example "beneath" Him if it serves the purpose of guidance. The "mosquito" is mentioned because it is seen as one of the smallest and most insignificant creatures. "What is above it" means anything larger. The point is: no creation is too small or too big for ALLAH to use as an example. His wisdom is perfect.

  2. "As for those who believe, they know it is the truth from their Lord..."

    • A true believer has a trusting heart. They accept ALLAH's wisdom even if they don't immediately understand it. Their faith (Iman) tells them that everything from their Lord, Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise), has a profound purpose. They listen to learn and benefit.

  3. "But as for those who disbelieve, they say, 'What does ALLAH mean by this parable?'..."

    • In contrast, the disbelievers approach with arrogance. Instead of reflecting, they mock and question the wisdom of ALLAH. This is a sign of a closed heart. Their question is not to seek understanding but to ridicule.

  4. "He misleads many by it and guides many by it. And He misleads not except the defiantly disobedient."

    • This is the core lesson. The same Quran, the same parable, has two different effects on people:

      • It is a source of guidance for the sincere.

      • It becomes a cause of misguidance for the arrogant.

    • ALLAH does not misguide innocent people. He only lets those who are already Fasiqoon (defiantly disobedient, who have chosen to transgress and reject truth) to be misled by their own arrogance. It is their own attitude that becomes a veil between them and the truth.

Relevance in the Past, Present, and Future

1. Relevance in the PAST (7th Century Arabia):

  • This verse directly responded to the pagan Arabs who took pride in their language and status. When ALLAH used the example of a mosquito to show the worthlessness of their idols, they mocked it. This verse exposed their arrogance and showed that the problem was not the example, but their own hearts.

2. Relevance in the PRESENT (For Us Today):

  • A Test of Our Humility: We face this test all the time. When we hear an Islamic ruling or a teaching that goes against our desires or modern trends, how do we react? Do we humbly accept it, trusting ALLAH's wisdom (like the believers), or do we mock it, question it arrogantly, and say, "Why would ALLAH care about this?" (like the disbelievers)? This could be about hijab, halal food, prohibitions on interest (Riba), or marriage rules.

  • The "Mosquitoes" of Modern Science: Today, science reveals the incredible complexity of a mosquito—its wings, its sensors, its life cycle. This verse reminds us that ALLAH's "small" creations are masterpieces of design. Mocking a mosquito is, in fact, mocking the genius of its Creator.

  • The Media & Mockery Test: In an age where Islamic teachings are often mocked in media and online, this verse gives believers strength. It tells us that mockery is an old tactic and it only exposes the arrogance of the mocker, not any flaw in the religion.

3. Relevance in the FUTURE:

  • The Eternal Criterion: The Quran will always be the "Furqan" (the Criterion that distinguishes between truth and falsehood). Until the Last Day, it will continue to guide the sincere and expose the arrogance of the transgressors. The same verse will guide seekers of truth and harden the hearts of those who reject it.

  • A Reminder on Judgment Day: This verse will stand as a witness against those who were too arrogant to accept the truth, no matter how simply it was presented to them.

Key Takeaways for a Contemporary Believer:

  • Check Your Heart: Always approach ALLAH's teachings with humility and a desire to learn, not with arrogance and a desire to criticize.

  • Allah's Wisdom is Perfect: Trust that every ruling and every story in the Quran has profound wisdom, even if you don't see it immediately.

  • Don't Be Deterred by Mockers: When people mock Islamic teachings, understand that this is a sign of their own spiritual sickness (Fisq), not a weakness in Islam. Your role is to be among those who are guided by it.

  • Every Creation has Value: Since ALLAH uses a mosquito as an example, it teaches us to see the signs of ALLAH (Ayat) in all creation, big and small.

May ALLAH (SWT) make our hearts humble, accept our faith, and protect us from being among the arrogant who are misled by His Ayat. Ameen.