Al-Ankabut (العنكبوت)

29. Al-Ankabut (العنكبوت)

Meaning: The Spider

Total Ayahs: 69

Place of Revelation: Mecca

Summary

Revealed in Mecca, with the exception of verses 1-11 which are Madani. Surah Al-Ankabut addresses the tests and trials that believers face, using examples from the stories of previous prophets like Noah, Abraham, Lot, and Shu'ayb to illustrate how faith is refined through adversity. The Surah takes its name from the parable of the spider's fragile web (verse 41), symbolizing the weakness of false gods and worldly reliance compared to trust in Allah. It emphasizes that true faith requires perseverance through challenges.

Core Message

Faith is tested through trials; patience and trust in Allah lead to victory. Worldly attachments are as fragile as a spider's web, while divine support is unshakable.

Benefits

The Prophet (PBUH) would recite this Surah for its powerful lessons on patience during hardship. Scholars note its effectiveness in strengthening faith during times of trial and persecution.

Famous Verses

29:2 "أَحَسِبَ ٱلنَّاسُ أَن يُتْرَكُوٓا۟ أَن يَقُولُوٓا۟ ءَامَنَّا وَهُمْ لَا يُفْتَنُونَ" - 'Do people think they will be left alone because they say, "We believe," without being tested?'
29:41 "مَثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ ٱتَّخَذُوا۟ مِن دُونِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْلِيَآءَ كَمَثَلِ ٱلْعَنكَبُوتِ..." - 'The example of those who take protectors other than Allah is like that of the spider...'
29:57 "كُلُّ نَفْسٍۢ ذَآئِقَةُ ٱلْمَوْتِ ثُمَّ إِلَيْنَا تُرْجَعُونَ" - 'Every soul will taste death. Then to Us you will be returned.'

Moral Lesson

Trials purify true believers. Reliance on anything besides Allah is ultimately futile. The hereafter is the true destination.

Divine Attributes

Al-Aziz (The Almighty), Al-Hakeem (The All-Wise), As-Sami (The All-Hearing), Al-Baseer (The All-Seeing)

Keywords

Trials of Faith Spider's Web Prophets' Patience Hereafter True Reliance