Surah An-Nahl — Verse 76

Word Meanings:

• Abkam (أَبْكَمُ): A person who is mute and deaf—unable to speak, hear, or understand.
• Kall (كَلٌّ): A heavy burden; someone who is dependent on others and incapable of managing their own affairs.
• Mawlah (مَوْلَاهُ): The one who takes charge of his affairs, such as a guardian or caretaker.
• Aynama yuwajjahhu (أَيْنَمَا يُوَجِّههُ): Wherever he directs him or sends him for a task.
• Yamuru bil-‘adl (يَأْمُرُ بِالْعَدْلِ): Commands justice, fairness, and righteousness.
• Sirat mustaqim (صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ): A straight, clear path with no deviation or crookedness.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Allah—glorified and exalted—presents another vivid parable to expose the futility of shirk (associating partners with Allah) and to awaken the intellect of those who worship idols. He compares two men:

The first man is completely mute and deaf—he cannot speak, hear, or understand anything. He is utterly powerless, unable to benefit himself or others. He is a heavy burden on his guardian, who must feed him, clothe him, and manage every aspect of his life. Whenever his guardian sends him on an errand or directs him toward a task, he fails completely and returns with nothing good. He cannot fulfill any purpose or achieve any benefit.

The second man is sound in all his faculties—he hears, speaks, understands, and acts wisely. His benefit extends beyond himself to others, as he commands justice and fairness, guiding people toward what is right. He himself walks upon a straight, clear path, free from confusion or deviation.

Now, Allah asks: "Are the two equal?" Any rational person would immediately answer: No, absolutely not! So how can you—O polytheists—compare the Almighty Allah, who is perfect in His attributes, all-hearing, all-seeing, all-powerful, and the source of every blessing, with deaf, mute, powerless idols that cannot even benefit or harm themselves, let alone their worshippers? The idols are like the mute man—they are a burden on their worshippers, who must carry them, clean them, and serve them, yet receive nothing in return.

This parable is a powerful call to reflect: How can hearts that possess sound reasoning accept such an unequal comparison? The One who created the heavens and the earth, who provides for all creation, who hears every supplication and answers every call—can He ever be equal to a stone or a carved idol that cannot move, speak, or even protect itself?

A Da‘wah Reflection:

Dear reader, this parable is not merely a historical argument—it is a living invitation for you to examine your own heart. Where have you placed your trust? Have you attached your hopes to created beings or material objects that are themselves in need, or have you turned to the One who is self-sufficient and who sustains all? The mute man in the parable represents every false object of worship—every desire, every status, every wealth that you might elevate to a position of ultimate reliance. None of these can bring you true benefit; they are burdens that exhaust you. But the One who commands justice and guides to the straight path—He is Allah, who invites you to freedom from all dependencies except Him. When you submit to Him, you are no longer a burden to anyone, and you find the true purpose of your existence. He is the only One who, when you turn to Him, never disappoints, never fails, and never leaves you empty-handed. So choose the straight path, and you will find peace in this life and the next.