The Parable of the Disbeliever and Believer (Surah Al-An’am 6: 122)

As Salamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu




The Parable of the Disbeliever and the Believer

This is an example that Allah has given of the believer who was dead, meaning, wandering in confusion and misguidance. Then, Allah brought life to him, by bringing life to his heart with faith, guiding him to it and guiding him to obeying His Messengers,

And set for him a light whereby he can walk amongst men, for he became guided to where he should go and how to remain on the correct path. The light mentioned here is the Qur'an, according to Ibn `Abbas, as Al-`Awfi and Ibn Abi Talhah reported from him. As-Suddi said that the light mentioned here is Islam. Both meanings are correct.


Like him who is in the darkness of ignorance, desires and various types of deviation,

From which he can never come out for he is unable to find a way out from what he is in. In Musnad Ahmad, it is recorded that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam) said;

“Allah created creation in darkness, then He showered His Light upon them. Whoever was struck by that light is guided, whoever it missed is astray.”

Reference: Tafsir ibn Kathir (abridged) English version.