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.