Tafsir of Al-`Ankabut 29:43

"And these examples We present to the people, but none will understand them except the knowledgeable."

The ignorant and the foolish among the Quraysh used to say, "The Lord of Muhammad strikes examples with the fly and the spider," and they would mock that.

Therefore, He said: {But none will understand them except the knowledgeable}—meaning: none understand their validity, their excellence, and their benefit except them.

This is because examples and analogies are merely paths to meanings hidden behind veils; they bring them out, uncover them, and depict them for the intellects—just as this analogy depicts the difference between the state of the polytheist and the state of the monotheist.

It is narrated from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he recited this verse and said: "The knowledgeable one is he who understands from Allah, acts in obedience to Him, and avoids His displeasure."

{Allah created the heavens and the earth in truth. Indeed, in that is a sign for the believers.}