10: 24 [Yunus, Mecca 51]

Ali The likeness of the life of the present is as the rain which We send down from the skies: by its mingling arises the produce of the earth which provides food for men and animals: (it grows) till the earth is clad with its golden ornaments and is decked out (in beauty): the people to whom it belongs think they have all powers of disposal over it: there reaches it Our command by night or by day and We make it like a harvest clean-mown as if it had not flourished only the day before! Thus do We explain the Signs in detail for those who reflect.

Asad The parable of this life of this world is but that of rain which We send down from the sky, and which is absorbed by the plants of the earth whereof men and animals draw nourishment, until – when the earth has assumed its artful adornment and has been embellished, and they who dwell on it believe that they have gained mastery over it – there comes down upon it Our judgment, by night or by day, and We cause it to become a field mown down, as if there had been no yesterday. Thus clearly do We spell out these messages unto people who think!

Pickthall The similitude of the life of the world is only as water which We send down from the sky, then the earth's growth of that which men and cattle eat mingleth with it till, when the earth hath taken on her ornaments and is embellished, and her people deem that they are masters of her, Our commandment cometh by night or by day and we make it as reaped corn as if it had not flourished yesterday. Thus do We expound the revelations for people who reflect.

Yuksel When Humans Are Intoxicated With Arrogance Because of Their Technological Achievements

10:24 The example of the worldly life is like water which has come down from the sky; it mixed with the plants of the earth from what people and the livestock eat. Then the earth takes its attractions and becomes glamorous, and its inhabitants think that they have mastered it. Then Our judgment comes by night or by day, so We make it a wasteland as if it never prospered yesterday! It is such that We clarify the signs to a people who think.*

Transliteration Innama_ masalul haya_tid dunya_ ka ma_'in anzalna_hu minas sama_'i fa-khtalata bihi naba_tul ardi mimma_ ya'kulun na_su wal an'a_m(u), hatta_ iza_ akhazatil ardu zukhrufaha_ wa-zzayyanat wa zanna ahluha_ annahum qa_diru_na 'alaiha_ ata_ha_ amruna_ lailan au naha_ran fa ja'alna_ha_ hasidan ka allam tagna bil ams(i), kaza_lika nufassilul a_ya_ti li qaumiy yatafakkaru_n(a).

[[Ruby’s note 10:24 – This metaphor of life is conveying a general sequence of emotions and events that often take place for many people in life. When things look good and appear successful in life we often do not reflect on the true cause and purpose of that success and its temporary nature. A true believer should neither be puffed up with the glamorous things in this life when these come by nor he/she should be depressed when these things are absent or less in life. One should remain humble and thankful for all the gifts of life and enjoy these with the right attitude without getting engrossed with these, obsessed with life and forgetful about the true purposes of these exciting things and temporary achievements of life: these could be tests of one’s faith. One’s attitude and responses towards such events and a state decide on the true success and failure of life. Failure or destruction comes when one becomes arrogant and possessive about one’s gifts and endowments in life and become obsessed with this life and thinks these are due to and belongs to him/her. That is when failure comes and these gifts are taken away. On the other hand one’s true success comes when one uses these gifts and endowments not only for fulfilling his/her own life but to share these with others and for others and in the service of God. This truth manifests in various ways in life: one should always remain alert and vigilant about the signs that are being brought before him/her to receive wisdom, guidance and Mercy.]]

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