Question No. 3028 31 August 2022 Official answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat) verified سطح محتوا: مقدماتی

What Does “Mathal” Mean in the Qur’an?

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Dear questioner, Master Ali Saei

Tracking code: #Q-3028

From a Qur’anic perspective, what does “mathal” mean (with fatḥa on the mīm and thāʾ)?

Subject category: Quran and Exegesis قرآن و اندیشه

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

In the Qur’anic context, the word “mathal” can carry several meanings, including likeness, counterpart, form, sameness in quality or quantity, sameness in essence or attributes, and equality. Broadly speaking, it is used to help convey a particular truth by relating it to its subject.

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural Center

It can encompass likeness, resemblance, form, equivalence in quality or quantity, sameness in substance or attributes, and equality!

In general, a *mathal* seeks to help convey a particular truth in relation to its subject.

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What Does “Mathal” Mean in the Qur’an?

The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)

Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)

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