#FridayReminders 58: A Spider's Web (29:41)
#QuranReflections by Talha Ghannam
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مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ ٱتَّخَذَتْ بَيْتًۭا ۖ وَإِنَّ أَوْهَنَ ٱلْبُيُوتِ لَبَيْتُ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ ۖ لَوْ كَانُوا۟ يَعْلَمُونَ ٤١
The parable of those who take protectors other than Allah is that of a spider spinning a shelter. And the flimsiest of all shelters is certainly that of a spider, if only they knew.
[29:41]
The parable is a fascinating one. Like the spiders web it describes, there are has many facets to explore to the analogy, giving interesting insights to the nature of disbelief. Here are just some of the comparisons for you to ponder:
1) The Illusion of Strength
Pound for pound, a spider's web is stronger than steel. In their world, a disbeliever believes they have constructed an indestructible sanctuary shielded from any imminent danger. They take pride in possessing the epitome of technological advancement, often deluded or corrupted by its power, leading them to believe they are independent of God. Yet, the truth remains that a web remains susceptible to numerous lurking threats despite its strength. A single swipe of a hand can shatter it entirely! Similarly, those who doubt their complete reliance on Allah ﷻ for protection find themselves as secure as a spider in its web. They may possess the most formidable structures created by humans, clinging to a false sense of security within their homes, beliefs and system s, but this only deludes them to the delicate balance they live in, failing to recognize that death or impending calamity looms just moments away.
2) Fragile Complexity
A web symbolizes intricate complexity, often associated with elaborate conspiracies or structures that are resilient and imperceptible to the unaware. Overcoming this web of technology and strength may seem insurmountable to its prey. The overwhelming influence of disbelief in the modern era, encompassing various aspects of life, can make us feel helpless amidst its intricacies. How do we begin to approach the complex worlds of Artificial Intelligence, geo-politics, finance and other such fields which feel so out of reach? However, we must remember that this intricate web is as fragile as a spider's web. Its power is illusory and can be easily destroyed. Don't let the complexities of the world overwhelm you, as its significance is no greater than that of a mere spider's web.
3) Deception
A web, in its essence, lacks substance; its modus operandi is to stretch across a path, utilizing the allure of what lies behind it to ensnare those who pass through. It cunningly captures its prey by presenting an image of paradise, knowing that it has nothing to offer itself. The trapped prey wriggle and strain, hoping to reach their desired destination, unaware that unless they break free from the web, they not only fail to reach their goal but also fall prey to the captor that traps them. This is precisely why, as believers, we are instructed to maintain Taqwa – a state of God consciousness – in this worldly realm. In Arabic, Taqwa is used to describe a person carefully navigating through a thorn garden, ensuring their garments do not catch on the thorns. As we traverse this world, our Taqwa towards Allah ﷻ keeps us vigilant, enabling us to recognize the webs that lie in our path towards God.