The Parable of the Slave and the Silent Man – False gods and Powerless Partners

In Surah An-Nahl (16:75–76), Allah presents two powerful parables to expose the absurdity of associating powerless beings with Him. The first compares a slave who owns nothing to a generous man who uses his wealth wisely. The second contrasts a helpless man who cannot benefit anyone with someone who calls to justice and follows a straight path. These parables urge reflection on the nature of true power and guidance.

The Analogy in the Quran

Allah says:

"Allah sets forth a parable: a slave who lacks all means, compared to a ˹free˺ man to whom We granted a good provision, of which he donates ˹freely,˺ openly and secretly. Are they equal? Praise be to Allah. In fact, most of them do not know. And Allah sets forth a parable of two men: one of them is dumb, incapable of anything. He is a burden on his master. Wherever he is sent, he brings no good. Can such a person be equal to the one who commands justice and is on the Straight Path?"
The Quran
| Chapter 16, Verse 75 to 76

Context of the Parable

These verses were revealed in Makkah, addressing the polytheistic beliefs of the Quraysh. Many of them worshipped idols—lifeless objects that could neither benefit nor harm. Allah uses these analogies to expose how irrational it is to equate powerless creations with the All-Powerful Creator. The parables serve to awaken reason and guide people back to tawheed (the oneness of Allah).


Key Elements of the Analogy

  1. The Powerless Slave vs. the Generous Free Man

    • The slave "lacks all means"—he cannot own, give, or control anything.

    • The free man has been granted wealth and gives from it openly and secretly.

    • This reflects the comparison between idols, which hold no power, and Allah, who gives generously and guides.

  2. The Mute and Helpless Man vs. the One Who Commands Justice

    • One man is described as "dumb" and a "burden," producing no benefit.

    • The other calls people to justice and walks a straight path.

    • This points to the contrast between false deities and true prophets or righteous leaders who guide with justice.

  3. The Question of Equality

    • Allah asks rhetorically, “Can they be equal?”—a reminder to reflect deeply.

    • The obvious answer is no: divine power and guidance cannot be compared to idols or false systems.


The Warning in the Parable

By illustrating the uselessness of false gods, Allah warns against associating anything or anyone with Him. Idol worship not only misguides but burdens a person like a mute man who cannot act or speak. Those who follow such paths will remain lost, unable to benefit themselves or others.


Final Thoughts

These twin parables remind us that nothing and no one can compare to Allah in power, wisdom, or generosity. Worshipping idols or following leaders who have no guidance or truth to offer leads only to confusion and loss. Just as a helpless person cannot benefit others, false gods and misguided systems cannot help in this life or the next. In contrast, true guidance comes from Allah and those who call to justice and live by the straight path. These parables call us to recognise the value of divine truth and to turn fully towards it.