Sūrah Al-ʿAnkabūt The Spider
العنكبوت
69 verses, Makkī (with some early Madanī verses). The surah of trial "Do people think they will be left alone upon saying 'we believe' and not be tested?" The spider's web as a metaphor for false supports. The stories of Nūḥ, Ibrāhīm, Lūṭ, Shuʿayb, Hūd, Ṣāliḥ, Qārūn, Pharaoh, and Hāmān ﷺ.
Surah Overview
Key Themes from Ibn Kathīr
"Do people think they will be left upon saying 'we believe' and not be tested?" (29:2): Ibn Kathīr records this as one of the most frequently cited verses by Companions when suffering persecution. We tested those before you Allah will distinguish the truthful from the liars.
The spider's house (29:41): "The example of those who take allies other than Allah is like the spider who takes a home and indeed the weakest of homes is the home of the spider." Ibn Kathīr: the spider's web looks intricate but cannot protect its builder from the slightest force. Reliance on other than Allah is similarly fragile.
"Those who strive for Our sake, We will guide them to Our ways" (29:69): The closing verse of the surah the reward for striving is guidance. The trial of 29:2 meets its resolution in 29:69. Ibn Kathīr: striving (mujāhadah) includes striving against the soul, the enemy, and the desire.
- Obey parents but not in sin (29:8): "And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents but if they endeavour to make you associate with Me what you have no knowledge of do not obey them." Parental authority is absolute in matters of the world but faith is the exception.
- The recitation of the Book (29:45): "Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing and the remembrance of Allah is greater." Ibn Kathīr: ṣalāh that does not prevent evil is a ṣalāh in which the heart is absent.
- "Do not argue with the People of the Book except in a way that is better" (29:46): Unless it be with those who have done wrong among them. And say: "We believe in what was revealed to us and revealed to you. Our God and your God is one and we are Muslims to Him." The ethics of interfaith dialogue.
- Ibrāhīm's proof (29:16–27): He challenged his people: "You have taken idols instead of Allah you can only create falsehood." When they said: "Kill him! Or burn him!" Allah saved him from the fire. Ibn Kathīr: the fire of Nimrod was made cool and safe for Ibrāhīm ﷺ.
- Every soul will taste death (29:57): "Every soul will taste death then to Us you will be returned." Travel to the ends of the earth you will not escape it. The earth of Allah is wide so travel in it and make it a means of righteousness.