Surah Taha — Verse 89

Word Meanings:

• لَا يَرْجِعُ إِلَيْهِمْ قَوْلًا – It does not return a word to them, meaning it does not respond or reply to them.
• وَلَا يَمْلِكُ لَهُمْ ضَرًّا – It has no power to bring them any harm.
• وَلَا نَفْعًا – Nor any benefit.

Tafsir (Explanation):

Do these people not see with their own eyes and realize with their minds that the calf they have taken as a god cannot speak a single word to them, nor can it answer them when they call upon it? It is a mere statue of gold—mute, lifeless, and utterly powerless. It cannot protect them from any harm, nor can it bring them any benefit. It cannot even move a speck of dust to help them, let alone manage the affairs of the universe.

How astonishing is the state of those who, despite witnessing this with their own eyes, still bow down to a lifeless idol? Their worship is built on pure ignorance and blind imitation, for any rational person would see that something so helpless cannot possibly be a deity. The Creator of the heavens and the earth, the One who gives life and death, who provides for all creatures, and who controls every atom of existence—He alone deserves worship.

This verse is a profound lesson for all of humanity: false gods, no matter how grand they may appear, are utterly incapable of answering, helping, or harming. Only Allah, the Almighty, possesses all power and authority. So turn your heart to Him alone, for He is the One who hears your prayers, answers your calls, and has full control over your destiny. Let this be a reminder to purify your faith and place your trust solely in the Creator, not in the creation.