The Majestic Quran

29. Al-ʿAnkabut The Spider Most commentators class this as the last Makkan chapter. This is apparent from its confrontational character tempered by rational and historical evidence warning the people of Makkah against their folly. The intense persecution made it dangerous to be a follower of the beloved Messenger r . The chapter opens with a reminder to the believers: life is full of tests and success comes by passing them. The reward for their Jihad, hard work and tireless effort is nothing less than victory; mentioned in the closing verse of the chapter: “Those who strive hard for Our sake, We shall guide them along on Our ways. God is with those who do good” (69). What lies between these two ends are details and processes for achieving success. The central theme is the constant confrontation between belief and disbelief – symbolised by the antagonism between Abraham and Nimrod; the tussle between Moses and Pharaoh, and the struggle between Noah and his people. So, the Prophet r is bolstered to face hostility from the likes of Abu Jahl and Abu Lahab. The metaphor of the spider’s web is used to convey the weak and fragile nature of worldly power, in contrast to the enduring nature of God’s religion. The Quran says: “An example of those who adopt gods beside God is like a spider that spins a web – and a spider’s web is the weakest of homes” (41). A sharp criticism of idolatry, love of the world, and denial of the truth, but what is at stake is so precious that the Quran employs such devices to awaken the dead conscience of idolaters, and people drunk with the material world.