The Romans
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.[30:24]
And among His Signs, He shows you the lightning, by way both of fear and
of hope, and He sends down rain from the sky and with it gives life to the earth after
it is dead: verily in that are Signs for those who are wise.
* v.24 : See last note, item (5). Cf. xiii. 12. To cowards lightning and thunder appear as terrible forces of nature: lightning seems to kill and destroy where its irresistible progress is not assisted by proper lightning-conductors. But lightning is also a herald of rain-bearing clouds and showers that bring fertility and prosperity in their train. This double aspect is also symbolical of spiritual fears and hopes, fears lest we may not be found receptive or worthy of the irresistible perspicuous Message of Allah, and hopes that we may receive it in the right spirit and be blessed by its mighty power of transformation to achieve spiritual well-being. Note that the repetition of the phrase "gives life to the earth after it is dead" connects this verse, with verse 19 above; in other words, the Revelation, which we must receive with wisdom and understanding, is a Sign of Allah’s own power and mercy, and is vouchsafed in order to safeguard our own final Future.