إِذْ قَالَ لِأَبِيهِ يَـٰٓأَبَتِ لِمَ تَعْبُدُ مَا لَا يَسْمَعُ وَلَا يُبْصِرُ وَلَا يُغْنِى عَنكَ شَيْـًٔا 42
Translations
[Mention] when he said to his father, "O my father, why do you worship that which does not hear and does not see and will not benefit you at all?
Transliteration
Idh qala li-abīhi yā abata lima ta'budu mā lā yasma'u wa-lā yubsiru wa-lā yughnī 'anka shay'ā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah records Prophet Ibrahim's (Abraham) rational argument against idolatry directed at his father, questioning the logic of worshipping idols that possess no sensory perception (hearing or sight) and cannot provide any benefit or protection. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that Ibrahim employs logical discourse to guide his father away from polytheism, establishing that true worship must be directed toward a Being possessing all attributes of perfection. This represents the beginning of Ibrahim's gentle but firm call to monotheism, a theme central to Surah Maryam.
Revelation Context
This ayah appears within the Meccan section of Surah Maryam and is part of the historical narrative of Prophet Ibrahim's life. The broader context shows Ibrahim's patient preaching against idolatry to his family and people, demonstrating the proper methodology of da'wah (Islamic invitation) through rational argument and compassion. This narrative serves as encouragement to the Prophet Muhammad and believers facing rejection in Mecca.
Related Hadiths
The hadith in Sahih Bukhari (3475) records that the Prophet said regarding idols: 'Whoever enters the house of idols will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.' Additionally, Surah Al-An'am (6:71) contains a similar theme of questioning idol worship: 'Say, [O Muhammad], 'Is it other than Allah I should desire as a lord while He is the Lord of all things?'
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches believers that faith must be grounded in reason and sound logic, not blind imitation, and that calling others to monotheism should be done with gentleness and rational discourse even when facing rejection. It reminds us that true worship belongs only to the All-Knowing, All-Seeing Creator who alone can benefit or harm us.