Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, says:
Tell them, too, what the life of this world is like: We send water down from the skies and the Earth’s vegetation absorbs it, but soon the plants turn to dry stubble scattered about by the wind: God has power over everything.” [Sūrah al-Kahf 18:45]
Commentary:
Imām Al-Qurṭubī says that Allah, the Mighty and Majestic, compares the world to water for five reasons:
- Water does not settle in any location, similarly this world does not remain with one person for life.
- Water does not remain in a single state, similarly this world is constantly changing.
- Water does not last, it disappears after some time, similarly this world disappears sooner or later.
- No one can enter water without getting wet; similarly anyone who enters this world will not be safe from its trials and tribulations.
- In certain limited amounts water is beneficial and causes plants to grow. But if it surpasses the beneficial amount it becomes harmful and destructive. Similarly, taking what is sufficient from this world is beneficial, while taking excess can be harmful.
