Quran Talks (3 of 9): Surah Al Ankabut

Al Ankabut, or ‘The Spider’, is one of several surahs in the Qur’an which straddles both Meccan and Medinan periods. This surah discloses the themes and dynamics relevant to the nascent Muslim community, which are simultaneously sketches relevant to seekers of all times. Key themes include ● the nature of transformation; commitment and the purpose of human life; ● the meaning of difficulties, suffering, challenges and affliction and how this relates to self-purification; ● awareness and developing the attitudes, qualities and orientation appropriate to completing the purpose of human life; ● struggle and the meaning of migration or turning away from that which is not conducive. In this discourse, Shaykh Fadhlalla focusses on select verses and root words in order to present the key themes of the surah. The central issue is the nature of trust and the progressive ladder of Iman that encompasses human development. We are put through the processes of this life for us to discover, recognize, and depend solely on the Oneness that encompasses all possibilities, known and unknown. As we are able to exercise trust in the face of any trial, we can perfect our adoration of the supreme source beyond space and time.