Surah al-`Ankabut (The Spider ) 29 : 16

Overview (Verses 16 - 18)

Issues Clarified
 
The sūrah moves on several centuries bringing into focus the divine message as preached by Abraham:
 
And Abraham said to his people: ‘Worship God, and fear Him. This is best for you, if you but knew it! You worship only idols instead of God, and thus you create falsehood. Those that you worship instead of God do not have it in their power to provide sustenance for you. Seek, then, all sustenance from God, and worship Him alone and be grateful to Him. Indeed, to Him you shall return. If you disbelieve, other communities also disbelieved before your time. A messenger of God is not hound to do more than clearly deliver His message. (Verses 16-18)
 
Abraham’s call to his people was clear, unambiguous and very well structured. It served as a good model for all advocates of the divine faith. He started by telling them of the true nature of his message: “Worship God, and fear Him.” (Verse 16) Furthermore, he made this appealing to them, stating that it contained much goodness for them, if they would only know it: “This is best for you, if you but knew it!” (Verse 16) In other words, if they were not ignorant, they would choose what was good for them. This is a simple and real truth which needs no fiery speeches to impart its essence.
 
Then Abraham explains how flawed their religion is, especially their worship of wooden statues. What an absurd substitute for worshipping the Almighty. Secondly, evidence to support their beliefs was completely lacking; they only invented what was false. Furthermore, such statues and idols are of no benefit, as they cannot provide people with anything: “Those that you worship instead of God do not have it in their power to provide sustenance for you.” (Verse 17)
 
Then Abraham directs people to seek their provisions from God. On Him alone should they rely for what is most important in their lives: “Seek, then, all sustenance from God.” (Verse 17) Provisions and sustenance are people’s first preoccupation, particularly those who have not experienced the meaning of faith. Yet to seek sustenance from God alone is the most obvious thing to do.
 
Finally, Abraham calls on them to address their worship and thanks to God who grants sustenance and bestows blessings on all creatures: “and worship Him alone and be grateful to Him.” (Verse 17) He also tells them that their return to God is inevitable. It is better for them, then, that they should turn to Him now as believers and address their worship and gratitude to Him alone: “Indeed, to Him you shall return.” (Verse 17)
 
If they continue to disbelieve, however, it is of no consequence. They will not affect God in the least. Nor will His Messenger lose anything. Many were the communities that denied God’s message in the past. God’s messengers’ only task is to deliver His message with the utmost clarity: “If you disbelieve, other communities also disbelieved before your time. A messenger of God is not bound to do more than clearly deliver His message.” (Verse 18)
 

Thus, Abraham shows them the way to belief one step at a time, addressing their hearts with the utmost precision. It is useful for advocates of the divine message to reflect on and emulate Abraham’s method.