Spirit of Islam, Sept-Oct 2025

I n the chapter Al-Ra‘d (The Thunder), the Quran offers a striking parable about the law of life: only those who prove to be givers—those who contribute something of value to others— can truly endure and establish themselves. The verse says: He sends down water from the sky that fills riverbeds to overflowing, each according to its measure. The torrent carries along swelling foam, akin to what rises from smelted ore from which man makes ornaments and tools. God thus depicts truth and falsehood. The scum is cast away, but whatever is of use to man remains behind. God thus speaks in parables. (13: 17) The imagery is vivid. Rainwater flows into rivers and streams, carrying foam that eventually disappears. Similarly, when silver or other metals are heated, impurities rise as froth and vanish. What remains—the pure water, the refined metal—is what benefits people. This is more than a description of natural events; it is a moral law written into creation itself. The message is clear: in the same way that nature discards what is useless and preserves what is beneficial, society retains and honours those who add value and quietly removes those who do not. This principle applies to individuals, groups, and entire communities. It is not about self-image or how highly one thinks of oneself. In the social sphere, acceptance is earned by proving oneself to be a giver— someone whose presence benefits others. Without that, rejection is inevitable. Think of the workplace. An employee who consistently contributes ideas, supports colleagues, and solves problems will be valued, even if they are not the most outspoken. Another who complains, resists change, or adds little to the team’s progress may find themselves sidelined or eventually removed. ONLY GIVERS REMAIN Unfaltering Divine Law Communities that invested in justice, education, and trade thrived for centuries. Those that became oppressive, exploitative, or insular withered away, often leaving little trace behind except ruins.