Why does the Quran use a fly as an example?

The Quran uses the fly in Surah Al-Hajj (22:73) to demonstrate the absolute powerlessness of false deities. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi note the fly was chosen for its perceived insignificance and weakness, making the inability of idols to create one an even more powerful argument against polytheism.

What is the meaning of 'Weak are the pursuer and pursued' in Quran 22:73?

According to tafsir scholars like Ibn Kathir, this phrase emphasizes the utter weakness of both the idol ('the pursued') which cannot even defend against a fly, and the worshipper ('the pursuer') who seeks help from such a powerless object. It highlights the foolishness of idolatry.

Can science explain the Quran's mention of the fly?

While the primary purpose of the verse is theological, some modern commentators note scientific parallels. For instance, the inability to retrieve what a fly takes is linked to its process of external digestion with enzymes, making recovery of the original substance impossible. This is seen as a subtle sign of divine knowledge.

Fly in Islam - Quranic Concept of Dhubab

Fly

ذباب

Fly (ذباب) is one of the Insects mentioned by name in the Quran.

Explore Verses Related to Fly

🕌Al-Hajj22:73

At a Glance

The Fly (ذباب - Dhubab) is mentioned once in the Quran in a powerful divine parable in Surah Al-Hajj (22:73). This verse is not a mere biological reference but a profound theological argument against polytheism. According to classical Islamic scholarship, including the tafsir of Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, the fly is presented as a symbol of ultimate weakness to challenge the perceived power of false deities. The Quran states that all those worshipped besides Allah could not collectively create a single fly, and further, they could not even retrieve what a fly snatches from them. This illustrates the absolute impotence of idols and the folly of worshipping them, establishing the omnipotence and singular creative power of Allah.

📖 Quranic Context

Used in a powerful parable to demonstrate the absolute impotence of false deities and the omnipotence of Allah.

Serves as a sign (ayah) of Allah's creative power, even in the smallest of creatures.

References: Mentioned in Surah Al-Hajj, verse 73.

💭 Theological Perspective

Highlights human inability to create life and retrieve what is taken by even the weakest of creatures.

A lesson in humility and a reminder of the futility of polytheism.

A clear example presented for humanity to reflect upon the oneness and power of Allah.

Encourages contemplation of creation to strengthen faith (iman).

📜 Hadith Perspective

A well-known hadith discusses the fly in the context of disease and its remedy, highlighting that even seemingly insignificant creatures are part of a divine plan. (Note: This hadith is subject to scholarly interpretation and is distinct from the Quranic parable).

The balance in creation.

The Quranic parable of the fly is unanimously understood as a decisive argument against idolatry.

💎 Deeper Insights

The challenge in the verse is twofold: not only can false gods not create a fly, but they are also depicted as being utterly dominated by it, unable to retrieve what it takes. This complete reversal of perceived power dynamics is a masterstroke of rhetoric.

— Al-Qurtubi

Modern science reveals that a fly digests its food externally by liquefying it with enzymes before consumption. This makes the Quranic statement 'they could not recover it from him' scientifically precise, as the original substance is fundamentally altered and irrecoverable.

— Contemporary scientific commentators