Transliteration:( Wa darabal laahu masalar rajulaini ahaduhumaaa abkamu laa yaqdiru 'alaa shai'inw wa huwa kallun 'alaa mawlaahu ainamaa yuwajjihhu laa yaati bikhairin hal yastawee huwa wa many-yaamuru bil'adli wa huwa 'alaa Siraatim Mustaqeem (section 10) )
"And Allah explained an example: there are two men, one dumb, who can do nothing [162] and is a burden [163] on his master; wherever he is sent, he brings no good. Will he be equal to the one who orders justice [164] and is on the straight path?"
This example refers to those who are born dumb, who cannot express themselves, nor comprehend the speech of others. In tafsir, this is a symbol of the disbeliever—void of understanding and guidance. It is important to note that "Abkamo" refers to one dumb by birth, and such a condition is irreversible, while a temporarily mute person is referred to as "Akhras".
This man is not only speechless but also incapable of action, and thus becomes a burden on his caretaker or master. He is unable to fulfill his own needs, nor can he contribute positively when sent for a task. This is a further allegory of the disbeliever—useless in Divine service, causing weight rather than benefit.
In contrast stands the one who is wise, articulate, and commands justice. He walks upon the straight path and encourages others towards righteousness. This represents the believer, who is guided by Allah, acts rightly, and becomes a source of benefit to others.
A tongue that does not speak the truth is as if dumb, even if it talks abundantly.
The true believer is one who is righteous himself and also guides others toward good.
If believers and disbelievers are not equal in the sight of Allah, then certainly Prophets and non-Prophets can never be equal either.
76. And Allah gives an example of two men, one of them dumb, who has no power over anything, and he is a burden on his master; whichever way he directs him, he brings no good. Is such a man equal to one who commands justice, and is himself on the straight path
Mujahid said, “This also refers to idols and the True God, may He be exalted.” Meaning that the idol is dumb and cannot speak or say anything, good or otherwise. It cannot do anything at all, no words, no action, it is dependent and is a burden on its master.
(whichever way he directs him,) meaning, wherever he sends him
(he brings no good.) meaning, he does not succeed in what he wants.
(Is such a man equal) meaning, a man who has these attributes
(to one who commands justice) meaning fairness, one whose words are true and whose deeds are righteous.
(and is himself on the straight path) Al-`Awfi reported that Ibn `Abbas said: “This is also an example of the disbeliever and the believer”, as in the previous Ayah.
(16:76) Allah sets forth another parable: There are two men, one of whom is dumb and has no power over anything; he is a burden to his master, and wheresoever his master directs him, he fails to bring forth any good. Can such a person be the equal[69] of one who enjoins justice and himself follows the Right Way?
69. In the first similitude, distinction between Allah and false gods has been made clear in regard to the possession of powers and the lack of these. In the second one, the emphasis is on the use of those powers. Allah is not only All Powerful, but also hears all the prayers and fulfills all the needs, while the slave is utterly powerless. He does not and cannot hear prayers, nor can make a response to them nor has the power to do anything at all. He is totally dependent on the Master and quite incapable of doing anything by himself. On the other hand, the Master is All-Powerful and All-Wise. He enjoins justice on the world: whatever He does is right and accurate. Ask them: Is it then a point of wisdom to regard such Master and such a slave as equal?
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