Impurities of metals

When metals are heated and melted, foam appears on the surface. This foam contains impurities that are removed from the metal. In metallurgy, this foam is called slag – a layer made of impurities separate from the useful metal.

Interestingly, when rainwater flows through rivers, foam also forms on the surface. This foam contains lighter impurities, organic residues, trapped air, and surface contaminants while the useful water continues to flow beneath. 

This natural phenomenon was explained 1400 years ago in the Holy Qur’an 13:17.

أَنزَلَ مِنَ ٱلسَّمَآءِ مَآءً فَسَالَتْ أَوْدِيَةٌۢ بِقَدَرِهَا فَٱحْتَمَلَ ٱلسَّيْلُ زَبَدًا رَّابِيًا وَمِمَّا يُوقِدُونَ عَلَيْهِ فِى ٱلنَّارِ ٱبْتِغَآءَ حِلْيَةٍ أَوْ مَتَـٰعٍ زَبَدٌ مِّثْلُهُۥ

 كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْحَقَّ وَٱلْبَـٰطِلَ فَأَمَّا ٱلزَّبَدُ فَيَذْهَبُ جُفَآءً وَأَمَّا مَا يَنفَعُ ٱلنَّاسَ فَيَمْكُثُ فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ كَذَٰلِكَ يَضْرِبُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْأَمْثَالَe

He sends down from the sky, rain, and valleys flow according to their capacity, and the torrent carries a rising foam. And from that [ore] which they heat in the fire, desiring adornments and utensils, is a foam like it. Thus Allah presents [the example of] truth and falsehood. As for the foam, it vanishes, [being] cast off; but as for that which benefits the people, it remains on the earth. Thus does Allah present examples 13:17

The Holy Qur’an compares the impure foam on water to the one on the metals and confirms that both are temporary impurities, light and unstable. Foam appears on the surface but has no value and usefulness. What remains behind it is the valuable substance.

Looking at it through the spiritual lens, the Light of Allah (SWT) washes away our souls impurities. The most important thing is what remains behind!