Title: Regarding the Metaphor in Surah 48 Verse 29 Question: Could you please explain the meaning of the metaphor presented in Surah Al Fath , verse 29. I am referring to the following section: "... This is their similitude in the Tawrat; and their similitude in the Gospel is like a seed which sends forth its blade, them makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the sowers with wonder and delight. As a result, it fills the Rejecters with rage at them. God has promised those among them who believe and do righteous deeds forgiveness and a mighty reward." Thank you. Jamal Ahmed Answer: The translation of the referred verse is reproduced below for quick reference: Muhammad - the apostle of God - and those who are with him are hard against the rejecters, compassionate towards each other. You see them bowing and prostrating themselves, seeking the blessings of God and His pleasure. On their faces are their marks - traces of their prostration. This is their similitude in the Torah. And their similitude in the Gospel is: like a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the farmer with wonder and delight. [God has strengthened this tree] to fill the rejecters with rage. ( Al-Fath 48: 29) In this verse, the Qur'an has referred to some of the qualities of the companions of the Prophet (pbuh), which were also mentioned in the Torah and the Gospel. The quality, which, according to the Qur'an, was mentioned in the Torah is: You see them bowing and prostrating themselves, seeking the blessings of God and His pleasure. On their faces are their marks - traces of their prostration. Though the exact words are not found in the present-day translations of the Torah, yet most of the Muslim commentators have construed this to be a reference to the following verse of Deuteronomy: The LORD came from Sinai, And dawned on them from Seir; He shone forth from Mount Paran, And He came from the midst of ten thousand holy ones; At His right hand there was flashing lightning for them. Indeed, He loves the people; All Thy holy ones are in Thy hand, And they followed in Thy steps; [Everyone] receives of Thy words. (33: 2 - 3) As for the similitude of the companions in the Gospel, it is referenced in the Qur'an as: ... a seed which sends forth its blade, then makes it strong; it then becomes thick, and it stands on its own stem, (filling) the farmer with wonder and delight. Most of the commentators of the Qur'an take this to be a reference to the following verses of Matthew: He presented another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field; and this is smaller than all [other] seeds; but when it is full grown, it is larger than the garden plants, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." (13: 31 - 32) The same parable, with very slight variations of words is also given in Mark 4: 30 - 32 and Luke 13: 18 - 19. I hope this helps. Regards, Moiz Amjad April 1, 2002