Parables of the QuranA parable of the Quran · Al-Kahf 18:45

This world as plants the wind scatters

مثل الحياة الدنيا كماء من السماء

The world flourishes like plants after rain, then turns to dry stalks the wind blows away.

Quran

What it means

The Prophet ﷺ is told to strike for people the parable of the life of this world: like rain sent down from the sky that mixes with the earth's plants, which then become dry stalks scattered by the wind (18:45).

As-Sa'di explains that it is struck so that people picture the world truly and weigh it against the lasting home: its bloom delights the onlookers and takes the eyes of the heedless, then suddenly it is dust. So is the one proud of his youth, wealth and pleasures, who thinks they will last, until they leave him or he leaves them.

Evidence

QuranAl-Kahf (The Cave)Quran 18:45

وَٱضْرِبْ لَهُم مَّثَلَ ٱلْحَيَوٰةِ ٱلدُّنْيَا كَمَآءٍ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ فَٱخْتَلَطَ بِهِۦ نَبَاتُ ٱلْأَرْضِ فَأَصْبَحَ هَشِيمًا تَذْرُوهُ ٱلرِّيَـٰحُ ۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّقْتَدِرًا ٤٥

And present to them the example of the life of this world, [its being] like rain which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it[791] and [then] it becomes dry remnants, scattered by the winds. And Allāh is ever, over all things, Perfect in Ability.

Translator's notes

[791] Absorbs it, growing lush and thick.

Saheeh International · QuranEnc v1.1.2

Another translation: Al-Hilali & Muhsin Khan · QuranEnc v1.1.2

45. And put forward to them the example of the life of this world: it is like the water (rain) which We send down from the sky, and the vegetation of the earth mingles with it, and becomes fresh and green. But (later) it becomes dry and broken pieces, which the winds scatter. And Allâh is Able to do everything.

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