AL-ʿANKABŪT (العنكبوت): The Spider in the Qur’an 🕷️
Definition: Al-ʿAnkabūt (العنكبوت) translates to “The Spider.” It is the title of the 29th Sūrah or chapter in the Qur’an where a metaphor involving a spider’s web is used to depict the fragility of relying on entities other than God.
Etymology: The term “Al-ʿAnkabūt” comes from Arabic, with “ʿAnkabūt” (عنكبوت) meaning “spider.”
Verse of Significance: Verse 29:40 of Surah Al-ʿAnkabūt states:
“The likeness for those who take to themselves guardians besides God is the likeness of the spider who buildeth her a house; but truly the frailest of all houses surely is the house of the spider.”
Background: The Surah was revealed during a period of great trials and tribulations for early Muslims in Mecca. It addresses themes of faith under adversity, divine guidance, and the ultimate frailty of placing trust in anything other than God.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
In Islamic Context: The house of the spider symbolizes the precariousness of worldly supports when compared to the solid anchorage of divine guidance and wisdom. Muslims are reminded to fortify their faith in Allah alone.
Comparative Analysis:
- Christianity: A similar metaphor is found in Matthew 7:26–27 where it speaks of a foolish man building his house on sand.
- Hinduism: In Hindu texts, the world is often depicted as an intricate web of illusion created by Maya.
- Buddhism: The teachings emphasize on the interdependent arising (pratītyasamutpāda), where all existences are intricately connected like in a web.
Synonyms:
- Web analogy
- Fragility symbolism
- Spiritual Dependence
Antonyms:
- Stability of God
- Foundation in faith
Related Terms with Definitions
- Tawakkul (توكُّل): The Islamic concept of reliance on God.
- Dunya (دُنْيا): The temporal world and its temporary aspects.
- Akhirah (آخرة): The hereafter, eternal life after death.
Exciting Facts
- The intricate structure of a spider’s web has fascinated scientists and spiritual scholars alike, symbolizing both delicate beauty and vulnerability.
- The term “spider” only appears once in the Qur’an highlighting its unique metaphorical significance.
Quotations from Notable Writers
- Rumi: “The intellect is good and the mind is good, but I fear the web they weave, for it is very fragile.”
- Muhammad Asad: “Thus, the false deities or material supports which men often rely upon for help and comfort are, by the fleeting nature of things, the most delusory of all safeguards…”
Suggested Literature & Other Sources
Books for Further Study:
- “The Message of the Qur’an” by Muhammad Asad
- “The Qur’an: An Introduction” by Abdullah Saeed
- “Qur’anic Foundations and Structure of Muslim Society” by Asghar Ali Engineer
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell: As you venture deeper into the metaphors and teachings of Al-ʿAnkabūt, may you find the strength to weave your house not with the strands of worldly dependence, but with the silk of resilience and unwavering faith in the divine.
