The Parable of the Ruined Town – Resurrection and Certainty of Faith

The Analogy in the Quran

Allah says:

"Or ˹are you not aware of˺ the one who passed by a city which was in ruins. He wondered, 'How could Allah bring this back to life after its destruction?' So Allah caused him to die for a hundred years then brought him back to life. Allah asked, 'How long have you remained ˹in this state˺?' He replied, 'Perhaps a day or part of a day.' Allah said, 'No! You have remained here for a hundred years! Just look at your food and drink—they have not spoiled. ˹But now˺ look at ˹the remains of˺ your donkey! And ˹so˺ We have made you into a sign for humanity. And look at the bones ˹of the donkey˺, how We bring them together then clothe them with flesh!' When this was made clear to him, he declared, '˹Now˺ I know that Allah is Most Capable of everything.'"

The Quran

| Chapter 2, Verse 259

Context of the Parable

This parable addresses a fundamental doubt held by many regarding life after death. Though the identity of the man isn't explicitly mentioned in the Quran, several scholars associate him with Prophet Uzair (peace be upon him). The man’s experience serves as a powerful demonstration to humanity, confirming Allah's capability to revive the dead and reinforcing faith in the hereafter.

Key Elements of the Analogy

The Ruined Town
- Represents total devastation and hopelessness.
- Symbolises the finality perceived in death and destruction by human standards.
The Man’s Doubt
- Reflects human uncertainty regarding resurrection.
- Highlights natural scepticism and the quest for tangible proof.
Death for One Hundred Years
- Illustrates Allah’s absolute control over time and existence.
- Shows that resurrection is beyond human perception but effortless for Allah.
Preservation of Food and Drink
- Demonstrates Allah’s ability to suspend natural laws at will.
- Serves as undeniable proof that divine intervention transcends material limitations.
The Revival of the Donkey
- Offers a direct visual demonstration of resurrection.
- Establishes the clarity and certainty of life after death, eliminating all doubts.

The Warning in the Parable

The parable implicitly warns against doubting Allah's power or denying the certainty of resurrection. It demonstrates vividly the ease with which Allah resurrects, thereby reinforcing that scepticism toward resurrection or the afterlife contradicts the very essence of faith and divine truth.

Final Thoughts

The Parable of the Ruined Town powerfully conveys the message that resurrection is certain, tangible, and wholly within Allah's supreme authority. It calls upon believers to reflect deeply on the signs of Allah’s power around them, reassuring hearts and strengthening faith in the reality of the hereafter.