[12] i.e., the testimony of faith (There is no true god but Allah).
[13] The analogy indicates that false deities will never respond to them.
[14] There are two types of prostrations: sujūd shar‘i (Intentional prostration) and sujūd qadari (Unintentional prostration). See also 3:83.
[15] The claimed partners cannot be compared to Allah in any way.
[16] Disbelievers are ‘blind’ to the Truth and the believers can see the Truth plainly as it is.
[17] Their so-called ‘gods’ could not answer their prayers or do them good or harm, let alone perform such a great act as that of creation.
[18] Truth is the water that stays and people benefit from it, whereas falsehood is the scum that soon dissolves and disappears; likewise is the slag of minerals.
[19] al-Husnā (lit. the best reward) is a good reward in this life and Paradise in the Hereafter.
[20] Their good deeds will not be accepted from them and they will be asked about their minute misdeeds.