Bismillah.
مَثَلُ الَّذِينَ اتَّخَذُوا مِن دُونِ اللَّهِ أَوْلِيَاءَ كَمَثَلِ الْعَنكَبُوتِ اتَّخَذَتْ بَيْتًا وَإِنَّ أَوْهَنَ الْبُيُوتِ لَبَيْتُ الْعَنكَبُوتِ لَوْ كَانُوا يَعْلَمُونَ
The example of those who take guardians other than Allah is like that of the spider who takes a home. And indeed, the weakest of homes is the home of the spider, if only they knew.
(Sūrat Al-‘Ankabūt No.29, Āyat 41)
Parables are amongst the most effective methods for conveying profound information in a practical manner. The Quran frequently implements this style to draw its readers’ attention towards divine reminders and awaken them from heedlessness (ghaflah). Sūrat Al-‘Ankabūt is named “the spider” due to the mention of the parable of the spider’s home in the referenced verse. This verse is also well known as the heart of Surat Al-‘Ankabūt.
The verse, in context, highlights the reality of taking guardians other than Allah ‘azza wajall. This practice was not limited to the polytheists during the time of Jāhiliyya. Even today, some Muslims fall into a similar pattern by placing their reliance on wealth, power, and social influence for help and support, rather than depending solely on Allah subhānahu wataʿālā.
The actions of such people are compared to a spider that seeks protection in its own home. A spider’s web is fascinating in its appearance due to its symmetrical pattern and intricate threads. Such a structure cannot be designed by any ordinary person, making it one of the marvels of creation. In addition to its design, the material that is used to build the spider’s web is also remarkable. It is made of a special silk which is produced as a liquid from the spider’s abdomen. The web of the spider appears strong and firm to just the spider. It uses it for its own protection and even traps insects for its nourishment.
Although the spider’s web is incredible due to its structure and unique material, the Quran mentions it as the frailest of homes. This serves as a powerful reminder of Allah’s greatness. The silk that is used to spin the web is so fragile that it cannot withstand the slightest pressure. Even the smallest flame could burn it down. In fact, people often walk through spider webs without noticing, effortlessly breaking them apart.
The key purpose of a home is to provide shelter and security to its inhabitants, protecting them from harm, providing space to store provisions, and fulfilling essential needs. A proper home is built upon a strong foundation, ensuring it is enclosed and stable. In contrast, the spider’s web is composed of delicate threads and lacks basic structural elements. Despite its intricate design, it offers neither true protection nor lasting security. In Allāmah Tabātabā’ī in Tafsīr al-Mīzān describes it thus: It bears no resemblance to a home, apart from in its name.
The Quran uses this comparison to show that false protectors such as wealthy individuals, people of power, kings, or material wealth, just like the spider’s web, may appear extremely impressive outwardly. However, these false gods and worldly attachments offer no true benefit. According to Mujtahida Banu Amin, allying with anyone other than Allah (swt) is like the spider’s web; it has no permanence, no stability and no beneficial outcome. History has repeatedly emphasized that none of these offers lasting support or security. The Quran describes the futility of such deeds in the following verse:
وَقَدِمْنَا إِلَىٰ مَا عَمِلُوا مِنْ عَمَلٍ فَجَعَلْنَاهُ هَبَاءً مَّنثُورًا
And We shall turn to what deeds they did and make them as dust scattered. (Q25:23)
We pray to the Almighty to strengthen our faith and trust in Him and to help us stand strong in face of the distractions of this world. For those who have faith in Allah (swt), it is like they are supported by a fortress of iron. May the Almighty hasten the reappearance of Imam Al-Hujjah ‘ajjallāhu farajah.
Sources: Āyatullāh Nāsir Makārim Shirāzī (Ed.), Tafsīr-e Namūneh; ‘Allāmah Muhammad Husayn Tabātabā’ī, Tafsīr al-Mīzān; Mujtahida Bānu Amin, Makhzanul Irfan.