So do not make examples for Allah. This is a representation of associating partners with Allah and likening Him. [Mahamud said: "It is a representation of associating partners with Allah and likening Him... etc."] Ahmad said: According to his first interpretation, the saying 'for Allah' is related to the examples, as if it were said: So do not represent Allah nor liken Him. In the second interpretation, it is related to the action which is 'do not make', as if it were said: So do not make examples for Allah. For making an example is only used by one who knows for one who does not know, to clarify what is hidden from him. And Allah, the Exalted, is the All-Knowing, and you do not know. So the representation of the unknown for the known is the opposite of reality, and Allah knows best. This is because the one who makes examples is likening one state to another and one story to another. Indeed, Allah knows the essence of what you do and its greatness, and He will punish you for it in proportion to its greatness, for punishment is according to the amount of sin. And you do not know its essence and the essence of its punishment. That is what has led you to it and made you bold against it. This is a reason for the prohibition of associating partners with Allah. It may also be intended: So do not make examples for Allah. Indeed, Allah knows how to make examples, and you do not know.