Ep. 01: Introduction | Examples from the Quran

The Qur’an is a book of complete guidance and aside from the information contained in it, it also conveys a very powerful message by using various styles and methods. One of the very important features of the Qur’anic explanation, the bayaan of the Qur’an, we would say, is the use of examples, parables, similes and metaphors. These truly bring out not just the information, but the tone and context, and give it a sense of coming to life. It makes the picture very vivid and clear in the minds of those who hears it or reads it, and the Qur’an uses a vast array of examples, not just a few. In fact, the Qur’an says, “We have given all types of examples needed for the guidance of mankind.” Of course, it would not more examples than necessary, but it would also not use less than required. Allah (SWT) says, “I explain for people. The purpose of these examples is to get people thinking and start using their intellectual abilities of reflection and contemplation.” One of the things an example does is it takes an abstract concept and brings it to life by comparing it to a tangible and concrete event, person, circumstance, place, image, or picture, so the imagination of the person kicks in, and you can picture it happening with your own eyes. The purpose of this series is to draw out the meanings of the examples held in the Qur’an, especially those examples that are speaking to us today, to our lives, and to our realities, because all of it is a part of Qur’anic guidance, and this aspect of the Qur’an has been given great importance in the Qur’an. The Qur’an talks about not just the examples, but it explains the importance of the examples, so we feel it is necessary to bring this message to the masses. What we can do is: A.) Understand the examples; B.) Reflect on the lessons that are derived from the examples, and C.) We can see how these fit into everyday life and how it can change our lives for the better. We will proceed with this, and may Allah (SWT) make this a source of guidance for ourselves and all our listeners and viewers.