وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلًا رَّجُلَيْنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبْكَمُ لَا يَقْدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَىْءٍ وَهُوَ كَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوْلَىٰهُ أَيْنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأْتِ بِخَيْرٍ ۖ هَلْ يَسْتَوِى هُوَ وَمَن يَأْمُرُ بِٱلْعَدْلِ ۙ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ 76
Translations
And Allāh presents an example of two men, one of them dumb and unable to do a thing, while he is a burden to his guardian. Wherever he directs him, he brings no good. Is he equal to one who commands justice, while he is on a straight path?
Transliteration
Wa-daraba Allahu mathalan rajulayni ahaduhuma abkamu la yaqdiru ala shay'in wa-huwa kallun ala mawlahu aynamaa yuwajjihhu la ya'ti bikhayr; hal yastawee huwa wa-man ya'muru bil-'adli wa-huwa ala siratin mustaqeem
Tafsir (Explanation)
Allah presents a parable comparing two men: one who is deaf and dumb, unable to do anything, and a burden on his master, who brings no good wherever he is directed; and another who commands justice and follows the straight path. This ayah uses vivid imagery to contrast the state of the disbeliever (unable to guide himself spiritually) with the believer who possesses guidance and righteousness. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir interpret the first man as representing those who reject the message and lack understanding, while the second represents the faithful believers who follow divine guidance.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears in Surah An-Nahl (Meccan period), where Allah presents multiple parables to illustrate the difference between believers and disbelievers, and between those guided to truth and those lost in ignorance. The context emphasizes Allah's mercy and the clarity of His message, challenging the Quraysh's rejection of the Prophet's call.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3895), relating to the concept of command toward justice and good character. Additionally, the principle reflected here aligns with: 'Whoever guides someone to goodness will have a reward similar to that of its doer' (Sahih Muslim 1893).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true superiority lies not in physical abilities but in moral character, spiritual understanding, and the commitment to justice and the straight path—qualities that define a person's value in the sight of Allah. For believers today, it is a reminder that guidance is a precious gift that demands responsibility toward others and unwavering adherence to divine principles.
Related Ayahs
إِنَّمَا يَفْتَرِى ٱلْكَذِبَ ٱلَّذِينَ لَا يُؤْمِنُونَ بِـَٔايَـٰتِ ٱللَّهِ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْكَـٰذِبُونَ
They only invent falsehood who do not believe in the verses of Allāh, and it is those who are the liars.
وَإِذَا رَءَا ٱلَّذِينَ أَشْرَكُوا۟ شُرَكَآءَهُمْ قَالُوا۟ رَبَّنَا هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ شُرَكَآؤُنَا ٱلَّذِينَ كُنَّا نَدْعُوا۟ مِن دُونِكَ ۖ فَأَلْقَوْا۟ إِلَيْهِمُ ٱلْقَوْلَ إِنَّكُمْ لَكَـٰذِبُونَ
And when those who associated others with Allāh see their "partners," they will say, "Our Lord, these are our partners [to You] whom we used to invoke [in worship] besides You." But they will throw at them the statement, "Indeed, you are liars."
وَيَوْمَ نَبْعَثُ فِى كُلِّ أُمَّةٍ شَهِيدًا عَلَيْهِم مِّنْ أَنفُسِهِمْ ۖ وَجِئْنَا بِكَ شَهِيدًا عَلَىٰ هَـٰٓؤُلَآءِ ۚ وَنَزَّلْنَا عَلَيْكَ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ تِبْيَـٰنًا لِّكُلِّ شَىْءٍ وَهُدًى وَرَحْمَةً وَبُشْرَىٰ لِلْمُسْلِمِينَ
And [mention] the Day when We will resurrect among every nation a witness over them from themselves [i.e., their prophet]. And We will bring you, [O Muḥammad], as a witness over these [i.e., your nation]. And We have sent down to you the Book as clarification for all things and as guidance and mercy and good tidings for the Muslims.
وَمَآ أَرْسَلْنَا مِن قَبْلِكَ إِلَّا رِجَالًا نُّوحِىٓ إِلَيْهِمْ ۚ فَسْـَٔلُوٓا۟ أَهْلَ ٱلذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ
And We sent not before you except men to whom We revealed [Our message]. So ask the people of the message [i.e., former scriptures] if you do not know.