Tafsir for verse: 16:76
وَضَرَبَ ٱللَّهُ مَثَلٗا رَّجُلَيۡنِ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَبۡكَمُ لَا يَقۡدِرُ عَلَىٰ شَيۡءٖ وَهُوَ كَلٌّ عَلَىٰ مَوۡلَىٰهُ أَيۡنَمَا يُوَجِّههُّ لَا يَأۡتِ بِخَيۡرٍ هَلۡ يَسۡتَوِي هُوَ وَمَن يَأۡمُرُ بِٱلۡعَدۡلِ وَهُوَ عَلَىٰ صِرَٰطٖ مُّسۡتَقِيمٖ ٧٦ ﴿76
76And Allah gives another example: There are two men. One of them is dumb who is unable to do anything, and he is a burden on his master. Wherever he directs him to, he brings no good. Can he be equal to the one who enjoins justice and is on the straight path?
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Commentary

The mute person who was born dumb does not understand nor is he understood. He is a burden upon his master, meaning a weight and dependents upon the one who is responsible for him and provides for him. Wherever he is directed, wherever he is sent and managed in a matter of need or sufficient importance, he does not benefit and does not bring success. Is he equal to one who is sound of senses, beneficial, possessing capabilities, with guidance and piety? He commands people to act justly and do good, while he himself is on a straight path, following a righteous way and sound religion. This is a second example that Allah has set forth for Himself and for what He bestows upon His servants and encompasses them with the effects of His mercy, kindness, and blessings, both religious and worldly. And for the idols, which are dead and do not harm or benefit. It has been recited: 'wherever he is directed,' meaning wherever he turns, from their saying: 'wherever I direct, I throw good fortune.' Ibn Mas'ud recited: 'wherever he is directed,' in the passive form.

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